Author: Sunil Abbas

Amna’s First Birthday Celebration: A Joyous Family Affair

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Amna’s First Birthday Celebration: A Joyous Family Affair

On February 28th, 2024, our family came together to celebrate a momentous occasion: Amna’s first birthday. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the joy of watching our little one grow. Amna, now a year old, brought smiles to everyone’s faces as we played and enjoyed her company.

We are immensely grateful for all the support we received during Amna’s premature birth. Her parents, Akhtar and Yasmin, are truly blessed to have such a precious baby girl. Amna’s innocence and charm captured the hearts of all present, and seeing her interact with other kids filled the room with warmth and happiness.

As we gathered around to mark this special milestone, we reflected on the journey of the past year and looked forward to many more cherished moments with our darling Amna.

Advocating for Inclusivity and Accessibility in Air Travel: Zamir Dhale’s Journey

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

“Breaking Barriers: Zamir Dhale’s Advocacy for Deafblind Passengers in Air Travel”

Recently, Mr. Zamir Dhale, a remarkable deafblind traveler, embarked on a journey to Mangalore for professional purposes, traveling independently via Indigo Airlines. His experience with Indigo Airlines was commendable, with their team exhibiting outstanding support and assistance for passengers with disabilities. However, Zamir noticed an area that requires improvement, especially for deafblind passengers like himself.

Despite the efforts made by a few crew members who could communicate with Zamir effectively using Printed on Palm (POP), a method involving printing messages on the palm in large English text, there remains a significant gap in communication. Zamir encountered challenges due to the lack of crew members proficient in sign language, which led him to advocate for a more inclusive approach.

Upon his return to Pune from Mangalore via Bangalore, Zamir encountered Mr. Avindash Jalari, a deaf crew member working at the Bangalore airport. Avindash’s ability to communicate with Zamir by typing messages on his phone highlighted the potential for improved communication methods. However, Zamir emphasized the importance of all crew members, including pilots and air hostesses, learning sign language to ensure effective communication with deafblind and deaf passengers.

Zamir suggested collaborating with the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) to facilitate training programs for airline staff and transportation personnel across India. This initiative aims to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for individuals with disabilities throughout the travel industry.

Moreover, Zamir emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for deafblind individuals, acknowledging the challenges they face in accessing education and technology. He proposed that uneducated deafblind individuals could engage in roles such as housekeeping or assembly line work in companies, providing them with meaningful employment opportunities.

Zamir’s recommendations extend beyond the aviation sector, advocating for the inclusion of deafblind employees in various industries, citing examples of successful deafblind individuals working in diverse roles, such as clerks and IT professionals.

In conclusion, Zamir’s advocacy efforts highlight the need for proactive measures to promote accessibility, communication, and employment opportunities for deafblind individuals across India. He expresses gratitude to Indigo Airlines for their support and encourages further initiatives to enhance inclusivity nationwide.

Addressing Deafblindness: Advocacy and Awareness at the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Annual Conference

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Shining a Light on Deafblindness: Advocacy and Education in Mangalore’s Medical Community

It sounds like Mr. Zamir Dhale, Dr. Anuradha Shetye, the Medicine Paedatric’ Dr. Renuka Rameshan, the President of the Association of the Sign Language Interpreter(ASLI) and Mr. Iqbal who is deaf’ the member of Mangalore Association of the Deaf did an excellent job presenting at the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine Annual Conference in Mangalore scheduled on 8th of Febrary 2024. Their talk on “Deafblindness in India: Prevention and Long Term Challenges” sheds light on an often overlooked disability and emphasizes the importance of prevention through measures like immunization, particularly against Rubella.
Their advocacy for public education and support for individuals with deafblindness reflects a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. It’s encouraging to hear that the audience, including students from various colleges and universities, showed interest in working with deafblind individuals in India. This indicates a growing awareness and willingness to address the needs of this community for upcoming Indian Census.
Mr. Zamir Dhale’s dedication as a founding member of SEDB is commendable, and his efforts undoubtedly contribute significantly to the advancement and support of deafblind individuals in India. The positive reception and engagement during the question and answer session further affirm the impact of their presentation.

Summary of Our Experience at the 8th National Deaf Conference (NDC) 2024

Summary of Our Experience at the 8th National Deaf Conference (NDC) 2024

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

‘’Navigating Success: Highlights from the 8th National Deaf Conference”

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I am delighted to share an exciting update on the enriching experience of the SEDB team during their attendance at the 8th National Deaf Conference (NDC) 2024. Mr. Pradip Sinha, Hon. Chairman of SEDB, Ms. Varsha Pattem, Joint Secretary of SEDB (deafblind), Mr. Murugesh Pattem (deaf with low vision), along with Ms. Florita Ferndes and Ms. Deepali Kaluram Zende, both deafblind board members of SEDB, Mr. Badal Valram Nagadhare, and Mr. Bhausaheb Jadhav, Treasurer of SEDB, all played significant roles, actively managing the stall under the SEDB banner, showcasing creatively designed woolen bags. Mr. Sadik Pathan, a Co-founder of SEDB, contributed to the esteemed team.

Throughout the event, Mr. Amit Samal, a professional ISL interpreter with remarkable tactile sign language skills, worked tirelessly alongside me. NDC 2024, organized by NAD in collaboration with WBFDS, provided a platform despite the lack of awareness on deafblindness accessibility. I took the initiative to handle responsibilities for the SEDB work.

On the 25th, at Yuva Kendra, Moulali, Sealdah, Kolkata, we attended the program venue before the registration session, welcoming approximately 600 deaf participants from across India. Notable figures such as Mr. Narayanan, the President of NAD, Ms. Sanju Mathew, the General Secretary, and Mr. Rahul Jain, the Vice President, were present at the dias. The chief guest, Kanti Ganguly, Minister for Sports, Youth Welfare, and Sundarbans Development, Government of West Bengal, and MLA since 2001-2011, added prestige to the event.

On the 26th and 27th of January 2024, we actively participated in the exhibitions/stalls at DHONO DHANYO, where numerous deaf speakers delivered excellent presentations. Notable keynote presenters, including Mr. TKM. Sandeep, Mr. Sibajl Panda, Mr. Rajesh Ketkar, Ms. Sarah Sunny, Dr. Alim Chandani, Mr. AqllChinoy, and Mr. Hari Kumar, enriched the conference with their insights.

I had the honor of presenting on behalf of Mr. Zamir and SEDB within a 30-minute slot. Deaf individuals like Ms. Reena Jain, Mr. Ravneet Kaur, and Mr. Josephine, who is also Deaf-low vision, learned about mobile accessibility, mobility cane, braille, and tactile sign language from my presentation. Sunil received awards for outstanding achievements in education, technology accessibility, advocacy, and financial support for job opportunities.

The event featured engaging interactions and questions that enhanced awareness about deafblindness. Stalls from ten organizations were actively participated in by Pradip, Varsha, Florita, and others. All deaf women gained insights into accessible methods, such as tactile sign language. Mr. Rahul Agarwal, a deafblind SEDB member from Kolkata, expressed a desire to learn tactile sign language and the use of a refreshable Braille Display device.

On the 28th of January 2024, Deepali and Badal enjoyed visiting Kolkata along with a deaf group. On the 29th, Varsha, Murugesh, Florita, Bhausaheb, and I visited Pradip’s house in Kolkata, creating wonderful, memorable, and exciting experiences. Pradip and I ensured their safe journey back to Mumbai by train, and I later traveled alone from Kolkata by flight to Chennai.

The entire experience stands as a successful endeavor for the dedicated SEDB team members.

Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards,
Lion Sunil Abbas
General Secretary, SEDB India
sunil@3.111.144.114
www.sedbindia.org
+919884467550

Successful Representation at IPFG 2024

Successful Representation at IPFG 2024

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

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

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@3.111.144.114
+919884467550

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

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

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.

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.

 

Happy New Year 2024

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we bid farewell to the sunset of 2023 and welcome the dawn of a new year, the deafblind team at the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) extends warm wishes to you for a joyous New Year in 2024!
Reflecting upon the past year, we acknowledge the lessons learned from our mistakes. We encountered challenges within our families and faced issues in official matters that led to moments of anger, arguments, and the spreading of negative gossip. Despite these difficulties, we recognize the need for personal growth and transformation. As we approach the new year, we strive to cleanse our minds with the metaphorical brush of introspection, seeking a fresh start.
In the spirit of love and understanding, we express affection for one another within our community. Love holds the key to building trust, fostering belief in each other, and establishing meaningful connections. Whether with family, friends, or colleagues, the importance of working together cannot be overstated. Together, we can contribute to the growth of organizations and create a brighter life for all.
Let us embrace the opportunity to leave behind the challenges of the past, forgive each other, and move forward hand in hand. May the coming year be one of collaboration, progress, and continued success.
Wishing you a New Year filled with love, positivity, and shared achievements.
Yours sincerely,
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB)
www.sedbindia.org
Email: zamir@3.111.144.114
Mob: 9998751125(whatsapp message only)

Zamir Dhale’s talk at the Action For Autism school

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

It’s wonderful to hear about Mr. Zamir Dhale’s talk at the Action For Autism school and the positive impact it had on the participants. His journey, experiences, and challenges must have provided valuable insights for the team members and young adults training to be special educators. The fact that around 50 people attended the talk reflects the importance and interest in understanding the needs of deafblind individuals.
The emphasis on the importance of sign language for supporting deafblind individuals is crucial, and it’s great that the participants learned this during the session. Mr. Zamir Dhale’s courage and determination serve as an inspiration to everyone, showcasing that advocacy for rights is possible despite challenges.
It’s heartening to know that the students enjoyed learning from Mr. Zamir Dhale and found his talk insightful and fun. The inclusion of jokes and personal anecdotes, such as those about his family, adds a personal touch and helps break down barriers. Laughter is a powerful way to connect with people, and it’s fantastic that Mr. Zamir’s humor brought joy to the audience.
The mention of Ms. Manisha and Shivoy providing support as tactile signing interpreters highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in such events. Their assistance ensured effective communication, allowing everyone to fully engage and benefit from the talk.
Overall, it sounds like Mr. Zamir Dhale’s talk was a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all involved, contributing to a better understanding of the challenges faced by deafblind individuals and the importance of inclusive communication.

Urgent Advocacy for Deafblind Rights and Respectful Treatment

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a distressing incident that occurred during my recent journey from Kudachi’ district in Karntaka to Pune. My colleague, Mr. Sadik Pathan, and I had attended a family event in Miraj and took the opportunity to visit the Junnediya Education English Medium School for Girls in Kudachi. Mr. Iqbal Sattar, the executive director, graciously welcomed us, allowing me to share my experiences as a deafblind individual advocating for the deafblind community in India.
Our return journey, however, took an unfortunate turn. On the morning of December 27, 2023, at 3 am, we reached Pune by train and decided to take a state bus. Our plan was for me to disembark at Bopodi, near my parents’ place, while Mr. Sadik continued to Nashik on the same bus. Unfortunately, the conductor refused to let me get off at Bopodi, citing government rules. Despite Mr. Sadik’s pleas, the conductor’s response was both disrespectful and uncooperative.
In the face of this situation, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I disembarked from the bus, finding myself alone on the road, unable to see or hear my surroundings. The lack of assistance and communication compounded the difficulties I faced. I attempted to seek help, waiting on the roadside for someone to assist me. After an hour, I managed to find a bus stop where two individuals initially tried to help but eventually left me alone.
The challenges persisted until I encountered an understanding elderly man who, along with a young boy, assisted me in using a phone to navigate and find the right bus to Bopodi. Despite reaching my destination safely, crossing the railway posed additional challenges, highlighting the vulnerability of deafblind individuals in unforeseen circumstances.
What is particularly troubling is the threat issued by the conductor to forcibly eject me from the bus. This act is reminiscent of the unjust treatment faced by Mahatma Gandhi in Africa, and it serves as a stark reminder that individuals with disabilities continue to face discrimination.
I urge you to consider this incident as a call to action. It is imperative that we advocate for the rights of deafblind individuals and demand respect from all quarters, including public transportation services. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for awareness and education on how to assist and communicate with individuals who have sensory impairments.
I kindly request your support in bringing this matter to the attention of relevant authorities and advocating for a more inclusive and understanding society. Together, we can work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, is treated with dignity and respect.
Yours sincerely,
Founder Director and Consultant
Society for the empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB)
Email: zamir@3.111.144.114
Mob: 9998751125(whatsapp message only)

Season’s Greetings and Support for the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB)

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Dear Friends and Collagues,
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. On behalf of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), I extend warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!
We are grateful for the festive season, and it brings us joy to share our celebrations with you. This year, we received a wonderful and meaningful gift from Father Santa, making our Christmas day even more special.
As you may know, SEDB is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are deafblind. Our team is passionate about creating opportunities for education, employment training, and establishing an effective office system. Your support plays a crucial role in helping us achieve these goals.
I am currently serving as a freelance consultant, and I recently shared my personal journey with you. Now, I reach out to request your assistance in the form of a small donation to SEDB. Your contribution will go a long way in encouraging and supporting our efforts.
Should you choose to contribute, please find the bank account details below:
• Account number 35733949762
• State Bank of India
•Branch: Fort Market (Mumbai)
•Address: 239, Roopam Hotel Building.
•IFSC Code: SBIN0005347
•MICR: 400002025
•UPI ID: societyforempower@sbi
Your generosity will help us continue our mission and make a positive impact on the lives of the deafblind community. We appreciate your consideration and support.
Kind regards,
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB)
www.sedbindia.org