Month: November 2023
Request for a Guest Lecture on Deafblind Advocacy and Empowerment
Posted on by Sunil Abbas
Dear Madam/Sir,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to introduce myself and share my story and work as a person with deafblindness. I believe that my experiences and journey can be inspiring and educational for the students at your institution.
I am a person with deafblindness, which means that I cannot see, hear, or speak. However, I have overcome these challenges to lead a fulfilling life. I rely on assistive devices such as braille technology to operate computers and phones. I am also an advocate for the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) in India, a registered Non-Profit Organization (NPO) that aims to empower deafblind individuals by providing better education, training in accessing assistive technology, employment opportunities, and advocacy for our rights against discrimination.
Currently, I am pursuing a BA program at SOL Delhi University and have been advocating for higher education accessibility for students with disabilities. I have also advocated for a tactile signing interpreter and writer to assist deafblind students during exams. Through my efforts, I have successfully persuaded the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University to provide free admission to me and other deaf students.
My journey began with the challenges of losing my vision at the age of 9. It was a difficult time, but my maternal grandfather’s determination led us to the Helen Keller Institution for the Deaf and Deafblind in Mumbai, founded by Beroz Vacha. This institution played a crucial role in my education and development. Subsequently, I advocated for the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to provide admission for deafblind students and passed my 12th-grade exams. I also worked on promoting computer training for deafblind individuals and assisted in training actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Rani in braille, American Sign Language (ASL), and mobility skills for their film.
In 2006, I joined Sense International India as an advocacy Offier, and in 2015, I established my own NGO called the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB). Through SEDB, I have encouraged deafblind individuals to join and become leaders and human rights activists in India.
I believe that my story can shed light on the rights and needs of deafblind individuals regarding education and accessibility to communication, as well as their abilities to work independently in India.
I kindly request that you consider inviting me to visit your institution and meet with the students. I would be honored to share my successful story and motivational insights in a lecture or session. I am confident that both teachers and students will benefit from learning about my journey and experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request and for your potential support. I look forward to your positive response. Please feel free to respond to this email to discuss further details.
Yours sincerely,
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB India
Email: zamir@sedbindia.org
Asian Representative- World Federation of the Deafboind(WFDB)
Mob: 9998751125(whatsapp message only)
Experience of DeafBlind people regd. Public Transportation- Zamir SEDB
Posted on by Sunil Abbas
Dear Sisters, Brothers, Deaf and Deafblind Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. As the founder of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind and a disability rights activist, I wanted to share an update with all of you. I am deafblind, and recently, I went to Khadki Railway Station in Pune with my deaf interpreter to book a railway ticket.
During this process, we encountered a challenge as my deaf interpreter was not proficient in Marathi and English, only in Indian Sign Language. Despite this language barrier, I assisted him in filling out the reservation form, and it was a learning experience for both of us. I believe that empowering deaf interpreters with the skills to fill forms and book tickets can greatly benefit deafblind applicants in India.
Despite the difficulties, we faced in the queue, I urged my interpreter to approach the counter quickly. However, we encountered resistance, and it became necessary to seek assistance from the people around us. Deafblind individuals often find it challenging to stand in long queues, and I observed that even the Railway Police Force remained silent observers.
During the ticket booking process, I was asked for a smart card instead of a railway concession certificate. I explained that as a deafblind person, applying for it online posed significant challenges due to barriers and lack of accessibility for deafblind people in India.
In light of my experiences, I would like to propose the following recommendations:
1.
Accessibility in Education: The Government of India should provide accessibility for deaf and deafblind people, including tactile and non-tactile signing interpreters for education, especially in higher education.
2.
Interpreting Service Fee: The government should consider funding interpreting service fees and salaries to assist deaf applicants in filling forms and booking tickets for public transportation.
3.
Access to Healthcare: Government support should extend to providing interpreters for deaf and deafblind individuals when consulting civil hospitals, obtaining appropriate disability certificates, and applying for the Unique Disability ID (UDID).
4.
Job Opportunities: The government should facilitate the submission of job applications for deaf and deafblind applicants at both government and private companies, ensuring access to interviews.
I appreciate your patience in listening to my experiences and advocating for our rights through various channels, including social media. Your support is invaluable in raising awareness and fostering change.
Yours sincerely,
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB India
Asian Representative- World Federation of the deafblind(WFDB)
Heartfelt Diwali
Posted on by Sunil Abbas
Greetings from SEDB’s Deaf-Blind Team
Dear friends and Colleagues,
Wishing you a joyous and vibrant Diwali! May the warm glow of Diwali lights fill your lives with good health and happiness.
We, the members of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement towards the deafblind community. Your kindness has not only brightened our days but has also empowered us to face the challenges that come with being deafblind.
We appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us and are truly grateful for your continued support. Your generosity has made a significant impact on our journey, and we want to express our sincere thanks for always being there for us.
As we celebrate the festival of lights, may your life be illuminated with joy, prosperity, and smiles. May the spirit of Diwali inspire more individuals to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Once again, thank you for being a beacon of support for the deafblind community. Your kindness has made a lasting impression on our hearts.
Wishing you and your family a Diwali filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of cherished moments.
With sincere regards,
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB)
Email: zamir@sedbindia.org
Mob: 9998751125(whatsapp message only)
www.sedbindia.org
