Teacher of sign language aids in ensuring NDP 2025 caters inclusively to the deaf community
Singapore's National Day Parade Introduces Live Sign Language Interpretation
For the first time ever, the National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 in Singapore is providing live Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) interpretation at the Padang, allowing Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing attendees to fully experience key moments of the parade[1][2]. This significant change is a step towards inclusivity, ensuring direct communication and participation for the deaf community during the event.
In the past, sign language interpretation may have been limited to broadcasts or other formats, but the 2025 parade marks a shift by bringing SgSL interpretation to the physical venue[1][2]. This enhancement in accessibility for in-person attendees is a welcome development.
Shalini Gidwani, a deaf individual who has been watching the NDP on television every year, played a crucial role in making live sign language interpretation on the Padang screens possible[5]. In 2024, she was the sign language performer for the pledge and anthem during the parade[6].
Before 2023, there was no live sign language interpretation on the Padang screens for deaf audience members, and interpreters and performers only appeared briefly in the live NDP broadcasts, usually during the anthem and pledge[7]. This year, for the first time, there will be live sign language interpretation on the Padang screens[4].
Shalini Gidwani, whose main mode of communication is sign language, often relies on subtitles to understand what's happening during the NDP[8]. She expressed that the inconsistent availability of sign language interpretation on television was jarring for deaf people[9].
However, the absence of sign language interpreters on television in the past made it difficult for deaf people to understand what was happening[10]. This year's introduction of live sign language interpretation on the Padang screens is a positive step towards addressing this issue.
Both sign language interpreters and performers are essential for a holistic and engaging sign language presentation, according to Shalini Gidwani[11]. She enjoys watching the performances, singing along, and taking in the fireworks during the NDP[12].
This change in the NDP 2025 is a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility for the deaf community. It is hoped that this will pave the way for similar initiatives in the future, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in and enjoy national events.
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ndp-2025-live-sign-language-interpretation-at-the-padang [2] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndp-2025-live-sign-language-interpretation-deaf-community-3026939 [3] https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ndp-2025-deaf-community-praise-live-sign-language-interpretation-padang [4] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ndp-2025-live-sign-language-interpretation-at-the-padang [5] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [6] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [7] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [8] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [9] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [10] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [11] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528 [12] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ndp-2024-sign-language-interpreter-shalini-gidwani-14316528
At this year's National Day Parade 2025, deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members can anticipate a more immersive experience with the introduction of live Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) interpretation at the Padang, allowing them to fully participate in the event. In line with this, future home-and-garden projects in Singapore could adopt a sustainable-living approach, ensuring a lifestyle that is not only accessible but also environmentally friendly for all residents, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable living environment.
