Before the formal recognition of ISL, the Indian deaf community relied on disparate methods of communication like home signs, regional languages, and influenced foreign sign languages (BSL & ASL), which created inconsistency and fragmentation. The focus on oralism also posed challenges by discouraging sign language use. Standardization through ISL has unified communication methods, improved educational integration, and fostered a formal platform for rights advocacy and inclusion .

Using foreign sign languages like BSL and ASL limited effective communication for Indian users due to cultural and linguistic misalignments. These sign languages were not tailored to the Indian context, often lacking signs for localized concepts or issues, and thus were not effective in bolstering inclusive communication within local contexts .

The introduction of ISL standardized communication for the deaf community, replacing various fragmented systems such as home signs and regional sign languages. It reduced reliance on British and American Sign Languages and diminished the oralism focus, which often discouraged sign language use .

Before ISLRTC, regional sign language variations contributed to communication barriers by creating isolated communication systems in different parts of India. ISLRTC has addressed these barriers by standardizing ISL, thus creating a uniform language that transcends regional differences, improving mutual understanding and interaction among the deaf community nationwide .

ISLRTC contributes to increased public awareness of Indian Sign Language through the production of comprehensive dictionaries and educational resources, training interpreters and teachers, and supporting the broad integration of ISL into educational policies like the NEP 2020. These initiatives raise ISL's profile and encourage its wider acceptance and understanding .

The National Education Policy 2020 officially promotes the use of Indian Sign Language in educational materials, enhancing the standardization and recognition of ISL within the system of inclusive education. This support facilitates its widespread adoption in schools and encourages the development of teaching and learning resources tailored for deaf and hard-of-hearing students .

ISLRTC is crucial in promoting Indian Sign Language by standardizing ISL, developing comprehensive dictionaries and resources, and providing training for ISL teachers and interpreters. Established in 2015, it works under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India. The centre's activities are notably supported by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which integrates ISL into inclusive education .

The creation of ISL dictionaries and resources facilitated the systemic change towards a more structured and accessible means of communication for the deaf community. It supported the standardization of ISL, provided comprehensive coverage of various subjects through more than 10,000 signs, and aided in educational and professional training for interpreters, significantly improving accessibility and awareness .

The establishment of ISLRTC implies a significant advancement for future deaf education by providing structured training programs for ISL teachers and interpreters, thereby enhancing instructional quality. It also increases public awareness and promotes inclusivity, ensuring that ISL becomes an integral part of educational policies and public communication platforms in India .

ISLRTC’s work has professionalized the role of sign language interpreters by offering standardized training programs, resulting in better-prepared interpreters who can effectively support communication needs. This has expanded the interpreters' roles in educational settings and public services, thereby enhancing communication accessibility throughout the country .