The training session conducted in late July was a first for the Pakistan Amateur Radio Society. Although the national ham radio organisation fulfills its role frequently at universities by giving instruction in emergency communications and preparedness, this workshop was different.

The instructor, Asad Ullah Marwat, AP2AUM, worked with managers, administrators and other team members at a social services group known as Deaf Reach, which assists deaf and hearing-impaired children and adults throughout Pakistan. Asad, the ham society's vice president, told Newsline that the training combined classroom instruction with practical demonstrations that included the setup of an off-grid, solar-powered communications network.The lessons were designed to help those at the school coordinate their emergency communications and make vital decisions during a crisis.

Asad told Newsline that because 10 of the 90 participants were deaf, training was also given in Morse Code through the use of lights - something that he said really sparked interest during the workshop. He said that there are plans to provide training to the students.

Deaf Reach was established in 1989 as an educational and vocational programme of the charitable organisation, the Family Educational Services Foundation.