Who uses Indian Sign Language?

Many different people and groups use ISL:

• Deaf individuals: People who cannot hear (or have very limited hearing) and rely on visual languages for full communication.
• Hard-of-hearing persons who prefer sign language rather than lip-reading or amplified sound.
• Family members, friends, and support networks of Deaf persons who learn ISL to communicate.
• Teachers, interpreters, and professionals working in Deaf education or community programmes.

Organisations, NGOs, and government agencies providing services to Deaf communities use ISL to deliver information and training. So, the user base is broader than just the Deaf person; the entire ecosystem around them interacts using ISL for effective communication and inclusion.