OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS:
NATIONAL DEAF PODCAST SERIES

Y-PEER Asia Pacific is pleased to announce a grant opportunity for National Networks to produce a National Deaf Podcast series. Y-PEER Asia Pacific will select three National Networks to develop new podcast series and each selected National Network will produce a five-episode video podcast series by the end of November 2026.

 

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

The National Deaf Podcast initiative seeks to create an accessible platform through which deaf and hard of hearing young people can share their experiences, knowledge, perspectives and solutions.

The podcast should promote meaningful participation, improve access to inclusive information and amplify issues affecting Deaf young people in different national contexts.

 

PODCAST REQUIREMENTS

Format

Applicants must propose and produce a five-episode video podcast series.

 

Language

The primary language of the podcast must be the national sign language of the applicant’s country.

 

Participants

Podcast hosts, guests and contributors should be Deaf individuals, with preference given to the meaningful participation and leadership of Deaf young people.

 

Topics

National Networks may propose topics that are relevant to their national context. Preference will be given to proposals addressing:

  • Sexual and reproductive health and rights;
  • Experiences and priorities of Deaf young people;
  • Mental health and psychosocial well-being;
  • Consent and healthy relationships;
  • Gender equality and gender-based violence;
  • Disability rights and inclusion;
  • Youth leadership and participation; and
  • Other issues aligned with Y-PEER Asia Pacific’s thematic priorities.

 

Filming location

Episodes may be recorded in a studio, office, café, school or another appropriate setting.

The filming environment must:

  • Have a clear and suitable background
  • Provide adequate lighting
  • Ensure that participants’ hands, facial expressions and body movements are fully visible
  • Avoid visual elements that obstruct or distract from sign-language communication
  • Provide a safe and comfortable environment for all participants

 

Accessibility

Every final episode must include:

  • English voice-over; and
  • Accurate English subtitles.

Applicants should explain how sign-language interpretation, translation, transcription, voice-over, subtitling and quality assurance will be managed.

 

LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

National Networks are encouraged to collaborate with local partners that can provide technical, financial or in-kind support.

Potential partners may include:

  • Deaf associations and organizations of persons with disabilities
  • Schools and institutions serving Deaf learners
  • Sign-language interpreters and translators
  • Media and production companies
  • Youth organizations
  • Government institutions
  • Civil society organizations
  • Private-sector partners

 

IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD

All five podcast episodes must be completed by the end of November 2026.

The proposed timeline should include:

  • Planning and partnership development
  • Topic and guest selection
  • Script or discussion-guide development;
  • Filming
  • Editing and post-production
  • Sign-language and content review
  • English voice-over and subtitling
  • Final quality assurance
  • Publication and promotion

 

BUDGET AND TIMELINE

Applicants must submit:

• A concise proposal using the prescribed proposal form

• A separate Excel sheet containing a realistic and itemized budget and timeline showing the proposed activities, milestones and completion dates.

The budget should provide clear calculations for all anticipated programme expenses, including facilitation, sign-language interpretation, accessibility support, training materials, venue, meals, transportation and other relevant costs.

 

FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

  • Funds may be transferred directly to a registered National Network that has an organizational bank account.

  • Where a National Network is unregistered or does not have an organizational bank account, funds may be transferred to an approved consultant or service provider supporting the technical development and production of the podcast. Any such arrangement must be clearly explained in the proposal and agreed upon with Y-PEER Asia Pacific.

SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

Applications will be reviewed based on:

Relevance to the objectives of the call;

  • Meaningful involvement of Deaf and hard-of-hearing young people;
  • Quality and feasibility of the proposed training;
  • Accessibility and safeguarding arrangements;
  • Experience and capacity of the National Network;
  • Strength of local partnerships;
  • Realistic budget and timeline; and
  • Potential for sustainability and follow-up activities.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Download and complete the National Deaf Podcast proposal form.
  2. Prepare a separate itemized budget and timeline with key activities covering all five episodes.
  3. Submit all required documents to paldenwdorji158@gmail.com

APPLICATION DEADLINE

7 August 2026

 

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

Proposal Form_Podcast.docx

 

For questions or clarification, please contact: paldenwdorji158@gmail.com