Author: Sunil Abbas

Reflections on My Journey to the DBI Conference and Canada

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Reported by Lion Sunil Abbas

I wanted to take a moment to share my experiences during my recent trip to the Deafblind International (DBI) conference and my time spent in Canada. The journey was enlightening, and I believe the insights gained will significantly contribute to the growth and development of our Deafblind community in India.
From July 25th to 28th, 2023, Dr. Namita, Teresa, and I had the privilege of attending the DBI conference in Ottawa, Canada. The conference proved to be a rich source of invaluable accessibility information. Our intention is to disseminate and apply this knowledge to the betterment of our deafblind community back home.
After bidding farewell to Ottawa on July 28th, we set our course for Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, our paths diverged. I had the pleasure of reuniting with a childhood friend who graciously welcomed me at the airport. Dr. Namita found comfort in the company of her aunt, and Teresa had the opportunity to catch up with an old school friend.
The morning of July 29th brought Vinu and me to a remarkable Deaf and Deaf-Blind event in Vancouver. This event was truly a revelation for me as I witnessed American Sign Language interpreters and Deaf interpreters collaborating seamlessly to facilitate communication for deafblind participants. Their proficiency in tactile sign language skills was especially impressive. The event stood as a testament to the strides made in accessibility for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind community in Vancouver.
July 30th was a day that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Alongside Vinu and our deafblind interpreter Imran, I had the privilege of experiencing the beach in a way I never thought possible. Imran provided me with visual and environmental cues, fostering a sense of equality in communication that echoed the rapport shared between the Deaf and hearing communities.
Venturing out on July 31st, I made my way to an Apple Store to explore the latest in Deaf-Blind accessible products. To my delight, the store had a virtual ASL interpreter on hand, ready to communicate with me. With Vinu’s adept skills in Deaf interpretation, the interaction was not only efficient but also enjoyable.
August 1st marked a delightful gathering at a local restaurant, where I had the pleasure of meeting Marylin, who is blind, and her husband Ken. Dr. Namita facilitated our conversation, during which I shared my experiences and abilities in deafblind communication. Marylin, who possesses a trained assistance dog, went the extra mile by arranging for a braille display device to be delivered to me. This thoughtful gesture touched my heart.
In the following days, I continued to delve into the world of Deaf-Blind accessibility and communication. Meeting Ryan, a local Deaf-Blind individual, was eye-opening, as he imparted valuable insights into tools and techniques. His story of having an assistance dog funded by the Canadian Government was particularly inspiring.
August 6th afforded me the chance to explore various attractions in Vancouver, each offering free admission to Deaf-Blind visitors and their helpers. This gesture was a testament to the city’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
As my time in Vancouver drew to a close, Dr. Namita and Teresa departed for Seattle on August 10th. On August 13th, I shared an enriching dinner meeting with Vinu’s deafblind friends and advocates Christine and Terese. Their stories of empowerment and community development were both enlightening and motivating.
August 14th saw me engaging with the local DeafBlind community once again, this time at a monthly event. I was heartened to learn of the support provided by the Vancouver Government, including annual funding and disability pensions, aimed at enhancing the lives of deafblind individuals.
With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to Vancouver on August 17th, embarking on a scenic bus journey to Calgary. The 16-hour ride allowed me to savor the breathtaking beauty of the route, and the kind assistance of the bus driver made the experience all the more comfortable.
Upon my arrival in Calgary, Vinu’s friend extended a warm welcome, offering accommodation until my sister and deafblind sibling joined me from India. My time spent with Vinu’s family and connecting with the deaf and deafblind community in Canada has been immensely fulfilling, leaving me with a wealth of knowledge and memorable experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and experiences. I am excited to share these insights with our community at SEDB India and continue our efforts toward a more inclusive and empowered future.

Happy Independence Day!

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Dear Friends and colleagues,
The Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB) is thrilled to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, which upholds the cherished values of freedom as enshrined in the constitution of India. On behalf of SEDB, our deafblind leaders, and the entire team, we extend heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you for a joyous Independence Day. We are confident that individuals with disabilities, including the deafblind community, will continue to strive for and achieve greater levels of independence in their lives.
May this Independence Day inspire us all to appreciate the significance of freedom and the countless opportunities it presents. Let us unite in fostering an inclusive society that empowers every individual to live a life of dignity and autonomy.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB
www.sedbindia.org’

Happy Raksha Bandhan 2023

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Dear Respected Brothers and Sisters,
Namaste! On this joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my warmest greetings to all, irrespective of abilities and backgrounds. As we celebrate this special day, let us remember the significance of unity and protection symbolized by this beautiful festival.
Raksha Bandhan narrates a tale of a courageous queen and her valiant brother. When her husband fell in battle, she sought the aid of her friend, the king. He fearlessly fought off the enemy and secured her safety. In gratitude, the queen performed a pooja and tied a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, signifying her trust in his protection.
Likewise, we face our own battles against various forms of discrimination. We stand united as brothers and sisters, with equal rights and shared aspirations. Our mission is to empower both men and women through quality education, including higher education, and to advocate for improved livelihoods through increased employment opportunities. With determinat

Sharing an Experience and Encouraging Positive Behavior in my previous video.

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Hello every deaf and deafblind member’
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share an experience from my time as a teacher at the school where I both studied and worked. This experience highlighted the importance of addressing sensitive topics with students, especially those facing unique challenges.
During my tenure, I encountered a situation involving a deafblind student whose vision was gradually deteriorating. It was evident that he faced communication barriers due to his condition. One day, he approached me with a question about a pornographic book he had encountered. This presented a delicate situation that required a thoughtful response.
I promptly examined the content he referred to and inquired about his curiosity. His explanation helped me understand his perspective. I seized the opportunity to guide him away from such inappropriate content, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive and educational aspects of life.
Despite my guidance, the student continued to show interest in such material. Recognizing the potential negative impact on his learning and development, I took the matter to the school principal and counselors. Together, we devised a protective policy known as the Protect Child Policy (PCP), which we affectionately referred to as “Phaedia.” This policy aimed to shield children from harmful influences and distractions, ensuring they could concentrate on their studies and personal growth.
It’s evident that exposure to inappropriate content can hinder a student’s ability to learn and retain knowledge. Our goal with Phaedia was to encourage a healthier mindset, allowing students to fully engage with their education and build a strong foundation for their future. We aimed to prevent the accumulation of distracting and negative thoughts, which could hamper their academic progress and overall well-being.
In my interactions with both deaf and deafblind members of the SEDB, I have consistently stressed the significance of education as the primary stepping stone toward a brighter future. By focusing on studies and obtaining higher education, individuals can empower themselves to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I have encouraged them to channel their energy into positive activities, prioritize their studies, and adopt healthy practices like yoga and exercise while refraining from harmful behaviors like consuming alcohol.
Ultimately, my intention has always been to motivate all students to excel academically, manage their time effectively, and make wise life choices. By doing so, they can pave the way for personal growth, success, and a life filled with respect and dignity.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this experience and the principles I’ve come to advocate. I believe that fostering a nurturing and focused environment for learning can truly make a positive impact on the lives of students.

Report on DbI World Conference 2023

Report on DbI World Conference 2023

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

Event Overview

The DbI (Deafblind International) World Conference 2023 took place in Ottawa, Canada, from July 25th to 28th. The conference aimed to bring together individuals, organizations, and professionals working in the field of deafblindness to share knowledge, research, and experiences. The event covered a wide range of topics related to the deafblind community, including technology, accessibility, empowerment, and support services.

Participation of Lion Sunil Abbas and SEDB:

Lion Sunil Abbas, the General Secretary of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), was a prominent participant in the conference. The SEDB collaborated with Chetana Trust and submitted several proposals for presentations at the conference. These proposals highlighted the work being done for the deafblind community in India, particularly focusing on participatory research projects conducted after the National Conference of the Deafblind in 2020.

Presentation Topics:

SEDB and Chetana Trust’s joint presentations at the conference covered two important themes:

1.

Breakout Session 2F: How Smartphones Can Enhance the Quality of Life for the Deafblind: This presentation highlighted the significance of smartphones in improving the lives of the deafblind. The presentation included insights from Sunil Abbas on his personal experience using a smartphone and his journey of discovering its potential. Challenges related to affordability and proper training were discussed, along with the observation that existing technology programs often overlook the unique needs of the deafblind community.

2.

Breakout Session 5C: Technology, Learning, and Independence Among Adults Who Become Deafblind: The second presentation delved into the role of technology in the lives of the deafblind. Dr. Namita Jacob and Teresa Antony shared data from their studies, including research during the pandemic. Lion Sunil Abbas discussed the challenges faced when training adults who have recently become deafblind and expressed the aspiration to establish a center where such individuals can receive services from trained deafblind professionals.

Conference Highlights:

The conference was a platform for fruitful discussions, networking, and learning. Participants from various countries, including deafblind individuals, service providers, family members, and researchers, gathered to exchange ideas and experiences.

The conference program included various breakout sessions, group meetings, and interactive activities. Notable presentations were given by Divya, Bapin, and Chris Woodfill. Divya spoke about her advocacy work, Bapin and Chris shared their insights, and Michelle from Australia introduced Sunil to her specialized interpreter’s table and Focus device.

Future Plans and Announcements:

The conference concluded with the announcement that the next DbI conference will be held in Switzerland in 2027. Sunil Abbas, along with others like Chris Woodfill and Divya, expressed their readiness to attend this future event.

Conclusion:

The DbI World Conference 2023 in Ottawa provided a platform for the exchange of valuable insights, research findings, and personal experiences related to the deafblind community. Sunil Abbas’ active participation, along with SEDB and Chetana Trust’s contributions, showcased the ongoing efforts to empower and support deafblind individuals in India. The conference marked a significant step towards advancing awareness and understanding of the challenges and potential of the deafblind community on a global scale.

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

SUBJECT: APPEAL FOR A PLACE TO CONDUCT TRAINING AND OTHER PROGRAMS FOR DEAF-BLIND AND DEAF-LOW VISION PEOPLE

Dear Madam / Sir,

The Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB), is the first non-profit organization in India established in 2015 by a team of Deafblind leaders dedicated to the empowerment of the Deafblind individuals.

SEDB aims to protect the rights of the deafblind against all forms of discrimination, and empower them through proper education and training, so they can access employment opportunities on an equal basis with others.

Some of our focus areas are:

  • Vocational skills and livelihoods training
  • Language skills training, including tactile sign language
  • Computer literacy
  • Training on using assistive technologies
  • Mobility training
  • Training for tactile sign language interpreters

Though there is no certain data, there is an estimate of half-a-million people with deaf-blindness or deaf-low vision in India. They are mostly excluded from all areas of life with no proper education and livelihood opportunities and hence they are unable to lead an independent life.

They face discrimination on a daily basis. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation with their rights violated. In order to protect the rights and ensure there is no discrimination, SEDB intends to impart basic literacy and livelihood skills, including training to use assistive technologies. For this, SEDB needs infrastructure and office space to conduct these activities in Mumbai.

We appeal to you to provide us with an office-cum-training space for a minimum of five years, free of cost, or with minimum rent if possible. We may agree to access to work in your place premises. We need at least 750-1500 sq.ft. of space, with training hall, office, toilet and mini-kitchen facilities, for the smooth running of our training projects.

We would like to reiterate that this Society is run exclusively by Deafblind people, and hence, any assistance in the form of infrastructure or donation, would greatly help our cause.

Should you wish to discuss with me for further details, please do not hesitate to contact me on WhatsApp or e-mail.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Zamir Dhale

Founder Director and Consultant’

SEDB India

www.sedbindia.org

Email: zamir@3.111.144.114

Mob: 919998751125

2nd NCDB 2023

2nd NCDB 2023

Posted on by Sunil Abbas

2nd NCDB 2023

2nd NCDB, Ecumenical Christian Center, Bangalore

SEDB organised a 3-day conference – 2nd National Conference of the Deaf-Blind(NCDB) 2023 in collaboration with Enable India and Chetana Trust between 2nd to the 4th February 2023 . The conference was funded by Allegis. Our chief guest was Lion Dr.  A. K. Abbas and his wife, Ayesha, the parents of Sunil and Reena who are deafblind. Zamir Dhale, the founder of SEDB presented Mrs. Beroz Vacha  Memorial Award to Lion Dr. Abbas for his encouragement towards upliftment of  deafblind people in India. His contribution and support enabled Zamir Dhale and Sunil Abbas to join Pradip Sinha in participating in the General Assembly and conference conducted by the World Federation of The Deafblind(WFDB).

The first two mornings of the conference were filled with presentations and discussions led by the deafblind leaders of SEDB. The first session on Livelihood was lead by Zamir Dhale. The second session was on becoming deaf-blind as an adult and was led by Sunil Abbas. The third session on training & technology was led by Pradip Sinha. Each of them invited several SEDB members to present their experience and learning. There was one zoom session and Ms. Shruti Lata from Sense International India spoke on RPWD, while Ms. Akiko Fuluda from Japan spoke of the situation in Asia.  On the first day, a survey of deafblind participants was conducted, to capture the level of well-being experienced in their lives. This survey, together with the more in-depth support survey was led by Chetana Trust and will be analysed along with deafblind leaders from SEDB. The results will be used to drive SEDB actions and advocacy.

Each afternoon of the first two days had games and activities, followed by stalls. Enable India conducted several interviews to create self advocacy tools for each participant. They will compile and share this information with SEDB. TorchIt had a stall and gave hands-on experience to the participants of their technology. The games and activities were exciting and fun. A spontaneous Fashion Show was organized by participants. Mr.Raman from Bangalore acted as a lady very well. Ms. Reshma who is deaf’ Ms. Florita who is deaf_low vision and  Mr. Naveen, who is deaf-blind danced beautifully. Nilesh and Neeta were crowned the winners and all winners received beautiful crowns, sashes and bags of perfumed potpourri.

On the third day, some participants were invited to visit a factory that made pencils while others were taken to an exhibition of wares from different states. At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Dipesh, the Chairman of Enable India, Lion Dr. Abbas and Dr. Namita Jacob, the Founder Director of Chetana Trust, Chennai were invited to give participation certificates to all including SEDB members who accompanied the deafblind participants and supported them through the conference. All participants received little knitted squares filled with potpourri as a gift from Chetana Trust marking the end of a two year collaboration of those who supported the deafblind community through the pandemic. The little perfumed pouches were also presented to the hearing and the deaf interpreters who were present through the NCDB conference.

Zamir Dhale thanked all for the support towards deafblind conference and making it a success.