January 2024 – Society for the Empowerment of DeafBlind

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I trust this message finds you in good health. I am delighted to provide an update on my participation, accompanied by John Samuel, a tactile signing interpreter, at the International Purple Fest in Goa from January 8th to the 13th, 2024. The event proved to be truly exceptional.

Originally, Mr. Zamir Dhale was invited to represent SEDB at IPFG. Due to prior commitments in Delhi, he delegated this responsibility to me. During the event, I had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Renuka, the President of the Association of Sign Language Interpreter (ASLI), and John Samuel, a member of ASLI.

A wonderful encounter occurred when Shanti, the founder of Enable India, found me. I am pleased to have met Shanti and Digesh, the Chairman of Enable India.

While participating in an interview event organized by Sapna Suthar, a deaf worker under Enable India, we encountered challenges due to the conference’s size, making it difficult to locate meal coupons. However, Mr. Justine from the Goa Association of the Deaf (GAD) provided invaluable support.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Taha Hafeeiq, a visually impaired individual working as the secretary of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in Goa. Mr. Taha expressed his willingness to support SEDB members for the next IPFG in 2025.

Our time at the conference included visits to exhibitions, stalls, and halls, where we connected with deafblind attendees. Actively participating in the deafblind conference organized by Sense International India, we focused on activities related to private partnerships. I had the pleasure of meeting new deafblind friends, Ms. Shruti Lata and Ms. Alice.

A highlight was the panel discussion on January 11, addressing the challenges of inclusion for people with deafblindness and multiple disabilities. Moderated by Mr. Akhil Paul, this discussion included insights from Ms. Shruti, Mr. Ravindra, and myself, with interpretation assistance from Mr. Rajesh Mohanan.

Fortunate encounters included discussions with Ms. Vasundharra Koppula, founder of the Different Entrepreneurs Hub, SEDB board members Mr. Pradip Sinha and Mohd Abbas, and interactions with Dr. Sumithra Prasad and Mr. Neil Fredrick from ISLRTC. Additionally, we discussed accessibility issues with Ms. Poonam, a Microsoft engineer.

A meeting with Ms. Vamshi, a manager at SBI, explored potential financial support for SEDB. Interviews with Ms. Rupmani and Ms. Renuka regarding Signable feedback emphasized the need for enhanced accessibility for deafblind individuals.

Personal connections were made with Ms. Dolly, a kind deaf elderly woman, and Ms. Ritika, who provided an introduction to tactile sign language. Mr. Avelino, the president of DRAG, expressed commitment to supporting SEDB for IPFG 2025 after observing my deafblindness.

Engagements with Mr. Rajesh, an Amazon employee, focused on Amazon’s accessibility features. A meeting with all 40 interpreters from ISLIA provided a valuable learning experience.

The events concluded with Mr. Justine graciously assisting our departure from Dabolim airport. I extend my heartfelt thanks to him for his invaluable support.

Lastly, I am pleased to share that Justine and Remya celebrated the blessing of a second baby girl on January 15, 2024. Safely returning to Chennai on January 14, I trust this report effectively communicates the success of SEDB’s representation at IPFG 2024.

Thanks and
Kind Regards

Lion Sunil Abbas

General Sercetary
SEDB India
sunil@sedbindia.org
+919884467550

Empowering Deafblind Advocacy: A Visit to Azam Campus by Zamir Dhale
On the 5th of January 2024, Mr. Umesh Jadhav, a deaf individual, and Zamir Dhale, the founder of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), undertook a significant visit to Azam Campus in Pune. Azam Campus, known for its vastness and prominence in Pune, hosts a diverse student body studying various subjects like Political Science, ICT, Accessible Technology Science, and more.
Zamir Dhale aimed to engage with students, teachers, and staff during his visit, sharing invaluable insights into accessibility and technology rights for individuals with disabilities. In a conference room, over 150 students witnessed Zamir communicate in sign language through a tactile signing interpreter, assisted by Umesh. Notably, Ms. Janhavi Joshi, a commendable individual, remotely provided interpretative assistance through video calls, connecting with Mrs. Samreen Shaikh, the Director of PAI ICT Academy at Azam Campus.
Janhavi, acknowledging the challenges faced by deafblind individuals, remotely guided Zamir on delivering lectures effectively. Leveraging technology, she facilitated online communication, setting up Zoom for Zamir to present as a deafblind lecturer. Umesh, through tactile signing, ensured seamless communication during the session.
Zamir interacted with the ICT Academy Team of Azam Campus, using WhatsApp to exchange messages. Addressing the audience in Indian Sign Language (ISL), Zamir shared insights into the lives of deafblind individuals in India, the mission of SEDB, and personal success stories. He also demonstrated a refreshable Braille Display Device, highlighting its role in communication via email and WhatsApp but underscored the challenge of accessing images and videos.
Zamir encouraged students to brainstorm solutions for enhancing future communication accessibility for deafblind individuals in India. Recognizing technology’s role as an enabler, he expressed gratitude for providing greater accessibility to deafblind individuals worldwide.
Emphasizing the importance of education in advocating for the rights and needs of deafblind individuals, Zamir called for the Indian government to officially recognize deafblindness as a distinct category under the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016.
Zamir concluded by expressing gratitude to Mr. Iqbal Sattar, the Chairman of Junnediya Society, Kudachi, for his support and encouragement. As a freelance consultant, Zamir extended an invitation to institutes across India to engage in similar insightful interactions, fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

Successful Representation at IPFG 2024

“Breaking Barriers: SEDB’s Impactful Presence at International Purple Fest 2024”

Empowering Deafblind Advocacy: A Visit to Azam Campus by Zamir Dhale.

It details a visit by Zamir Dhale, the founder of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), to Azam Campus in Pune, focusing on accessibility, technology rights for individuals with disabilities, and educational advocacy for deafblind individuals.