March 2024 – Society for the Empowerment of DeafBlind

On March 16th, 2024, Mr. Zamir Dhale, an advocate for the deafblind community, was honored as a guest lecturer by Mr. Manoj Chavan, a member of the Sarthak Educational Trust in Mumbai. Despite geographical distances, Zamir joined the Google Meet platform, accompanied by Mr. Ketan, his deaf interpreter. Zamir’s reliance on tactile signing interpreters enabled him to engage in online conversations.

More than 40 deaf students participated in the session, eager to learn about the experiences of deafblind individuals in India. They bombarded Zamir with questions, seeking guidance on how to navigate the challenges they face. Zamir emphasized the importance of resilience and independence, urging them to prioritize education and career prospects. Drawing from his own life journey and the principles of SEDB (presumably referring to strategies for empowerment and development), Zamir inspired the students to strive for excellence.

During the interaction, students expressed curiosity about how deafblind individuals can read and write independently. Zamir demonstrated the functionality of his braille device, providing insight into the tools and techniques that empower the deafblind community. He acknowledged the immense challenges faced by individuals who are both deaf and blind, emphasizing the need for perseverance in overcoming adversity.

In Zamir’s words, being deaf is challenging, being blind is tougher, but being deafblind presents the toughest of obstacles. Despite the inability to see, hear, or speak, Zamir highlighted the potential for resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. Through his guest lecture, Zamir shed light on the indomitable spirit of the deafblind community and underscored the importance of support, education, and empowerment in their journey towards independence and inclusion.

Empowering the Deaf Community: Highlights from the 8th India Deaf Expo

The 8th India Deaf Expo, held on March 2nd and 3rd, 2024, in Pune, marked a significant milestone in empowering the deaf community across India. Organized to provide a platform for deaf individuals to voice their rights and showcase their talents, the event witnessed remarkable participation and achievements.

One standout moment was the presence of the SEDB team, who not only attended the expo but also set up a stall. Lion Sunil Abbas delivered a captivating presentation, supported by Mr. Fijo Pulikkottil K as a Tactile Signing Interpreter, which garnered praise and earned them an award for the success of the SEDB training for deafblind workshop.

The event also saw the invaluable contribution of tactile deaf interpreter and guide, Ms. Lini Jose from Kerala, who played a crucial role throughout the proceedings. Participants seized the opportunity to showcase their talents, with displays ranging from fashion shows to dance performances, underscoring the diversity and vibrancy of the deaf community.

Mr. Zamir Dhale’s presentation on communication and survey techniques, along with insights into assistive technology, shed light on essential aspects of accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, entrepreneurs like Ms. Varsha Patem and Mr. Akhtar Dhale showcased their products, with Mr. Murugesh Pattem and Mr. Bhausaheb Jadhav providing support at their stall, resulting in successful sales of bags and candles.

Ms. Sunita, a delegate with deaf-low vision from Pune, exhibited her pottery creations, showcasing the creativity and resilience of individuals overcoming challenges. The presence of Mr. Ron, a deafblind delegate from the USA, along with Ms. Iris Goesh as his tactile signing interpreter, underscored the event’s international reach and significance.

Special appreciation was extended to the organizers for their support in facilitating Mr. Sunil’s presentation and for their assistance with VIP arrangements and stall management. The expo served as a platform for meaningful interactions, fostering connections between deaf and deafblind individuals and promoting understanding and inclusivity within the community.

Overall, the 8th India Deaf Expo was a resounding success, celebrating the talents, achievements, and aspirations of the deaf community while advocating for their rights and inclusion on a broader scale.