Month: May 2024

Dear Friends,

I am writing to share an important experience from the 18th and 19th of May, 2024. Mr. Sunil Abbas, a prominent deafblind leader, and I attended the 2nd Deaf Cricket Tournament in Nasik as guests. The event was wonderfully organized by the Mumbai Association of Cricket Deaf (MACD) with support from SEDB. Special thanks to Mr. Raju and Mr. Sadik Pathan, GS of MACD. We had a fantastic time watching the matches and were grateful for the support of all donors who encouraged the deaf cricketers and sponsored the event.

However, upon our return to Mumbai on the 20th of May, we encountered significant issues at the CSMT railway station. After arriving early in the morning, we attempted to book the AC waiting room to rest before catching our train to Chennai. Unfortunately, we were informed by the receptionist that the AC waiting room was full and were directed to the sleeper waiting room instead. We felt that this treatment was due to our disabilities, as the receptionist seemed to assume that a deafblind traveler would not be able to use the facilities properly.

Sunil advocated for our right to stay in the AC room, but we were still denied access. We then went to Dadar and faced similar discrimination, being pushed out of the AC waiting room despite arguing for our rights for 30 minutes. The receptionist scolded us and insisted we stay in the sleeper waiting room. This experience made us feel disrespected and disregarded.

It is crucial that Indian Railways and the Ministry of Railways address this issue. Airports have accessible toilet facilities for disabled travelers, and trains are becoming more accessible. However, the lack of accessible AC waiting rooms for disabled travelers is a significant oversight. Given the extreme heat in Mumbai, it is especially important that all travelers, including those with disabilities, have access to comfortable and accessible waiting areas.

We urge the Ministry of Railways to ensure that accessible and comfortable accommodations are available for disabled travelers in the future. Thank you for your support in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Zamir Dhale
Founder, Director, and Consultant
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) India

Mr. Zamir Dhale’s presentation at the Purple Talks event, organized by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, showcased an innovative approach to communication with the deaf-blind community. Despite the initial challenge of an unavailable tactile sign language interpreter, his session unfolded smoothly thanks to creative problem-solving.
Utilizing technology, Mr. Dhale engaged with the audience through a unique mode of communication. His speech was initially delivered verbally by an interpreter, and he then responded to questions via a Refreshable Braille Display Device connected to WhatsApp. This allowed him to read the questions and respond through sign language, while his video was displayed on a screen and an interpreter voiced out his answers. This novel approach not only facilitated communication but also provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by the deaf-blind community and the changes needed for their empowerment.
The session proved to be enlightening for the audience, offering a fresh perspective and highlighting the importance of adapting communication methods to accommodate diverse needs. Mr. Zamir Dhale’s efforts were appreciated, demonstrating the power of innovation in fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Link below:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://rcidepwd.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/rcidepwd/recording/playback/ac3bc51dabcd4fabaa0e59aae8660e60&source=gmail&ust=1715065481937000&usg=AOvVaw3B4_W_RTeyWKBSkCtasySu
Link to the video recording

Dear Sir/Madam,
We are delighted to inform you of our plans to organize the 2nd Cricket Tournament, scheduled to be held on Saturday & Sunday, May 18th to 19th, 2024, in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Our aim in hosting this tournament is to provide deaf individuals with the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the sport of cricket, which is a first in India. Your wholehearted support will make a significant difference in achieving this goal.
The event will take place at the Police Parade Ground, PFR, Sharanpur Rd, Near New Pandit Colony, Tilak Wadi, Summati Colony, Nashik, Maharashtra-422022. We anticipate overwhelming support, building upon the success of our previous cricket programs, and expect deaf participants from various parts of the state to attend.
By organizing this event, we aim to offer deaf individuals a platform to showcase their talents, enhancing their self-confidence and self-respect. Additionally, we seek to foster affection, respect, fraternity, and happiness among the participants.
To make this event a grand success, we kindly request your support through donations and sponsorships. Your contribution will go a long way in helping us achieve our goal. You can send your donations directly to our account at Account No. 35733949762, Fort Market (Mumbai), 239, Roopam Hotel Building, (IFSC Code SBIN0005347). We would appreciate it if you could inform us before transferring your donation to our bank account. Receipts will be issued for online transfers.
We, the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), in collaboration with the Mumbai Association Cricket of the Deaf (MACD), are dedicated to supporting deaf team members in achieving their goals at the earliest opportunity.
Furthermore, please note that our association is registered under 80-G Certificate of Income Tax Act, 1961, making any donations made to us tax-deductible.
Thank you for considering this request letter and for your support. We eagerly look forward to your cooperation and a favorable’
Yours sincerelly’
Mr Sadik Pathan
Co-Founder(SEDB) and General Secretary
MACD

Mr. Zamir Dhale
Founder’ Director and Consultant
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB)
Email: zamir@3.111.144.114
Mob: 9998751125(whatsapp message only)
Web: www.sedbindia.rg

“Unlocking Worlds: Celebrating Book and Copyright Day with SEDB Team’s Deafblind Perspective”
In a world where words bridge understanding and books open doors to knowledge, the SEDB team, including members who are deafblind, extends warm wishes on World Book and Copyright Day.
For us, books are not just companions; they are lifelines, enabling us to grasp the intricacies of the world around us. Regardless of language barriers, we embrace the power of Braille and large print to access a diverse array of literature. From timeless classics to the latest releases, each page brings us closer to enlightenment.
Comic books, with their whimsical tales and vibrant illustrations, hold a special place in our hearts. They not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons, spreading joy and wisdom in equal measure.
Knowledge is a boundless treasure, enriching minds and empowering voices. Through education and advocacy, we amplify our voices, using email, letters, and social media to champion causes close to our hearts. Despite our inability to speak, we make our voices heard, advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Education is our passport to the future, and we pursue it with unwavering determination. Despite the challenges we face, we persevere, undertaking examinations and embracing the rigors of academia. Through hard work and dedication, we defy stereotypes and pave our own path to success.
In the digital age, copyright protection is more crucial than ever. We navigate the internet with caution, respecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that information is shared responsibly. By upholding copyright laws, we contribute to a culture of respect and integrity online.
As we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to literacy, accessibility, and intellectual freedom. Together, let us continue to unlock worlds and empower minds, one page at a time.