Author: Sunil Abbas

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.

Dear friends and colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share an update on an incident that occurred on April 13th, 2024. While returning to Pune from Karjat for some office work, I encountered a troubling situation during my journey on the 11009 Singhdad Express train.

Upon reaching Chinchinward station, I needed to change coaches to reach a gate near Khadki station. As I was navigating through the coaches, the train unexpectedly stopped at Pimpri station. In my rush to catch the appropriate coach, I was mistaken as a blind traveler by some men. Despite my attempts to explain my situation, they forcefully prevented me from boarding the coach, resulting in a physical altercation that left me injured.

It’s important to write on palm’ saying that I am a deafblind person, a condition not easily recognizable by others. Despite my efforts to communicate my needs, the lack of awareness led to a misunderstanding and unnecessary conflict.

I believe there is a need for greater awareness and support for deafblind travelers. One suggestion I have is the introduction of a white-red cane specifically for deafblind individuals, distinct from the white cane commonly associated with visual impairment. This simple yet effective measure could help alleviate confusion and ensure that deafblind individuals receive the assistance and respect they deserve while traveling.

I urge the government of India to consider implementing such measures to protect the rights and dignity of deafblind individuals across the country. By raising awareness and promoting understanding, we can create a more inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of ability, can travel independently and without fear of discrimination or misunderstanding.

Thank you for your understanding and support in advocating for the rights of deafblind individuals. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

Yours sincerely,

Zamir Dhale
Founder’ Director and Consultant
SEDB India
www.sedbindia.org

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I wish to report an incident that occurred to me this weekend.

I received a parcel from an online shopping platform within the country, but the customer service informed me that there was a tax payment required. On April 12th, the delivery person from Shiprocket named Bhaskar arrived at my place. When I attempted to communicate my needs as a deafblind individual, he refused to accept my message and pushed away the phone, insisting on immediate payment. I went in to pay and it took a little time. He entered without my knowledge or permission and tried to grab the parcel from me. I was shocked and questioned why he entered my home without my permission and did not show respect for my condition. I attempted to capture the incident with my camera, but he grabbed the parcel back and physically assaulted me repeatedly, hitting, twisting and scratching. After a struggle, I managed to push him out. Despite my attempts to pay the tax using my UPI, the transaction failed three times. Eventually, I successfully completed the payment, he gave me the parcel and left.
The same evening, I lodged a complaint with the police. I was assisted by officers Veermani and Durimurugan, who mentioned the need for CCTV evidence. I promptly provided them with CCTV footage, which supported my account. They requested a witness, and I arranged for someone to accompany me. Additionally, I sought medical attention at the hospital due to injuries sustained during the altercation. The doctor confirmed my injuries to the police.
On April 13th, I attended the SLDAA (St. Louis Deaf Association Alumnae) meeting for the Minutes of the Executive Committee and Board Meeting, which concluded after 3 pm.
At the recommendation of Dr. Namita that evening, I visited the police station. I was accompanied by Dr. Namita, Sudha and three Advocates Ummul, Gopi, and Nifies. We met with Inspector P. Bharathidasan. The police were ready to arrest him, but as he was a first time offender and the father of two young children, the inspector asked us to consider another option.
The police took strict action against the delivery person, who expressed remorse for his actions and agreed never come near my building again and to pay the fine. He also provided a written assurance to respect people with disabilities in the future. We submitted a formal complaint to the police, and the matter was resolved satisfactorily the very next day.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Namita for her support throughout this ordeal.

Best Regards,

Lion Sunil Abbas
Generat Secretary of SEDB India

Achievements of Mr. Zamir Dhale:

1. Advocacy for Computer Accessibility: Successfully advocated for and acquired a computer with a braille keyboard for IT classes in 2000.
2. Vocational Award: Received the Vocational Award in 2006 from the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier for outstanding contributions to the visually challenged community.
3. International Participation: Visited the Helen Keller National Centre in New York, USA, and participated in the American Association of the Deafblind (AADB) conference in San Diego, California in 2002.
4. Contribution to Film: Contributed to the making of the Bollywood movie ‘BLACK’ in 2003, aiding lead actors in understanding characters with deafblindness.
5. Advocacy Officer: Joined Sense International India as an Advocacy Officer in 2006.
6. Board Membership: Became the first Board Member of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India in 2006.
7. Local Committee Membership: Selected as a member of the Local Level Committee in West Delhi for the Legal Guardianship of the National Trust Act in 2007.
8. Accessibility Audit Team: Selected as a member of the team for Accessibility Audit in Delhi supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2008.
9. Role Model Recognition: Portrayed as a Role Model in the yearly calendar of National Trust for 2008-09.
10. Financial Independence: Successfully obtained a bank account with full accessibility features in 2009.
11. International Exchange: Visited the National Association of Deafblind in Uganda, East Africa, as Udaan President for knowledge exchange in 2010.
12. Policy Committee Membership: Became a member of a committee formed under the Ministry of Information and Technology to review existing policies in 2010.
13. Ability Mastery Award: Received the Cavin Clavare Ability Mastery Award in 2010.
14. Role Model Award: Honored with the Role Model Award by Retina India in 2011.
15. Helen Keller Award: Received the 2011 Helen Keller Award by Chetana School, Kolhapur in 2011.
16. Rotary Club Honor: Selected as an Honourable Rotarian of Rotary Club, Ahmedabad Sterling in 2012.
17. Advocacy for Technology: Advocated for Refreshable Braille Display Device for ordinary mobile phones for deafblind users in India in 2012.
18. International Speech: Invited to speak at a high level in the Human Rights Council General Assembly- UN in Geneva, Switzerland in 2012.
19. Best Worker Award: Received the Award for the best worker from NASEH, Mumbai in 2013.
20. Vocational Worker Award: Received the best vocational worker Award from Rotary Club of Pune Central in 2014.
21. Organizational Achievement: Established the first organization called Society For the empowerment Of The Deaf-Blind (SEDB) in 2015.
22. Super Achiever Award: Received an award for super achiever from Ummed Foundation, Mumbai in 2017.
23. Felicitation by EPIC: Awarded by EPIC, Pune in 2018.
24. International Representation: Represented SEDB at UN CRPD, Geneva in 2019.
25. Hosting NCDB: SEDB hosted NCDB 2020 Inclusion Through Technology and Advocacy – 2020.
26. International Representation: Elected as Asian Representative of the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) – 2022.
27. Hosting NCDB: SEDB hosted 2nd NCDB conference 2023 in Bangalore supported by enable India and Chetana Trust and funded by Allgeis – 2023.
28. Advocacy for Accessibility: Advocated for and convinced SOL Delhi University to provide accessibility support for deafblind students during exams – 2023.
29. Recognition by India Deaf Expo: Felicitated for outstanding work with the deafblind community in India – 2023.
30. Assistance with Biodata/Resume Editing: Provided support in editing biodata/resumes for deaf individuals to enhance their employability – 2024.
31. Support against Domestic Violence: Provided assistance to deaf and deafblind women in filing complaint cases against domestic violence – 2024.

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.