Happy Independence Day!

Dear Friends and colleagues,
The Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB) is thrilled to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, which upholds the cherished values of freedom as enshrined in the constitution of India. On behalf of SEDB, our deafblind leaders, and the entire team, we extend heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you for a joyous Independence Day. We are confident that individuals with disabilities, including the deafblind community, will continue to strive for and achieve greater levels of independence in their lives.
May this Independence Day inspire us all to appreciate the significance of freedom and the countless opportunities it presents. Let us unite in fostering an inclusive society that empowers every individual to live a life of dignity and autonomy.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB
www.sedbindia.org’

Happy Raksha Bandhan 2023

Dear Respected Brothers and Sisters,
Namaste! On this joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my warmest greetings to all, irrespective of abilities and backgrounds. As we celebrate this special day, let us remember the significance of unity and protection symbolized by this beautiful festival.
Raksha Bandhan narrates a tale of a courageous queen and her valiant brother. When her husband fell in battle, she sought the aid of her friend, the king. He fearlessly fought off the enemy and secured her safety. In gratitude, the queen performed a pooja and tied a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, signifying her trust in his protection.
Likewise, we face our own battles against various forms of discrimination. We stand united as brothers and sisters, with equal rights and shared aspirations. Our mission is to empower both men and women through quality education, including higher education, and to advocate for improved livelihoods through increased employment opportunities. With determinat

Sharing an Experience and Encouraging Positive Behavior in my previous video.

Hello every deaf and deafblind member’
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share an experience from my time as a teacher at the school where I both studied and worked. This experience highlighted the importance of addressing sensitive topics with students, especially those facing unique challenges.
During my tenure, I encountered a situation involving a deafblind student whose vision was gradually deteriorating. It was evident that he faced communication barriers due to his condition. One day, he approached me with a question about a pornographic book he had encountered. This presented a delicate situation that required a thoughtful response.
I promptly examined the content he referred to and inquired about his curiosity. His explanation helped me understand his perspective. I seized the opportunity to guide him away from such inappropriate content, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive and educational aspects of life.
Despite my guidance, the student continued to show interest in such material. Recognizing the potential negative impact on his learning and development, I took the matter to the school principal and counselors. Together, we devised a protective policy known as the Protect Child Policy (PCP), which we affectionately referred to as “Phaedia.” This policy aimed to shield children from harmful influences and distractions, ensuring they could concentrate on their studies and personal growth.
It’s evident that exposure to inappropriate content can hinder a student’s ability to learn and retain knowledge. Our goal with Phaedia was to encourage a healthier mindset, allowing students to fully engage with their education and build a strong foundation for their future. We aimed to prevent the accumulation of distracting and negative thoughts, which could hamper their academic progress and overall well-being.
In my interactions with both deaf and deafblind members of the SEDB, I have consistently stressed the significance of education as the primary stepping stone toward a brighter future. By focusing on studies and obtaining higher education, individuals can empower themselves to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I have encouraged them to channel their energy into positive activities, prioritize their studies, and adopt healthy practices like yoga and exercise while refraining from harmful behaviors like consuming alcohol.
Ultimately, my intention has always been to motivate all students to excel academically, manage their time effectively, and make wise life choices. By doing so, they can pave the way for personal growth, success, and a life filled with respect and dignity.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this experience and the principles I’ve come to advocate. I believe that fostering a nurturing and focused environment for learning can truly make a positive impact on the lives of students.

Report on DbI World Conference 2023

Event Overview

The DbI (Deafblind International) World Conference 2023 took place in Ottawa, Canada, from July 25th to 28th. The conference aimed to bring together individuals, organizations, and professionals working in the field of deafblindness to share knowledge, research, and experiences. The event covered a wide range of topics related to the deafblind community, including technology, accessibility, empowerment, and support services.

Participation of Lion Sunil Abbas and SEDB:

Lion Sunil Abbas, the General Secretary of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), was a prominent participant in the conference. The SEDB collaborated with Chetana Trust and submitted several proposals for presentations at the conference. These proposals highlighted the work being done for the deafblind community in India, particularly focusing on participatory research projects conducted after the National Conference of the Deafblind in 2020.

Presentation Topics:

SEDB and Chetana Trust’s joint presentations at the conference covered two important themes:

1.

Breakout Session 2F: How Smartphones Can Enhance the Quality of Life for the Deafblind: This presentation highlighted the significance of smartphones in improving the lives of the deafblind. The presentation included insights from Sunil Abbas on his personal experience using a smartphone and his journey of discovering its potential. Challenges related to affordability and proper training were discussed, along with the observation that existing technology programs often overlook the unique needs of the deafblind community.

2.

Breakout Session 5C: Technology, Learning, and Independence Among Adults Who Become Deafblind: The second presentation delved into the role of technology in the lives of the deafblind. Dr. Namita Jacob and Teresa Antony shared data from their studies, including research during the pandemic. Lion Sunil Abbas discussed the challenges faced when training adults who have recently become deafblind and expressed the aspiration to establish a center where such individuals can receive services from trained deafblind professionals.

Conference Highlights:

The conference was a platform for fruitful discussions, networking, and learning. Participants from various countries, including deafblind individuals, service providers, family members, and researchers, gathered to exchange ideas and experiences.

The conference program included various breakout sessions, group meetings, and interactive activities. Notable presentations were given by Divya, Bapin, and Chris Woodfill. Divya spoke about her advocacy work, Bapin and Chris shared their insights, and Michelle from Australia introduced Sunil to her specialized interpreter’s table and Focus device.

Future Plans and Announcements:

The conference concluded with the announcement that the next DbI conference will be held in Switzerland in 2027. Sunil Abbas, along with others like Chris Woodfill and Divya, expressed their readiness to attend this future event.

Conclusion:

The DbI World Conference 2023 in Ottawa provided a platform for the exchange of valuable insights, research findings, and personal experiences related to the deafblind community. Sunil Abbas’ active participation, along with SEDB and Chetana Trust’s contributions, showcased the ongoing efforts to empower and support deafblind individuals in India. The conference marked a significant step towards advancing awareness and understanding of the challenges and potential of the deafblind community on a global scale.