Experiences – Society for the Empowerment of DeafBlind

Follow-up on Request for Tactile Signing Interpreter Payment during Exams

Posted on April 1, 2024April 1, 2024 by Sunil Abbas

Dear CCPD,

I hope this email finds you well. Following our discussion on March 27th, 2024, at JNU during the Q&A session, I am writing to follow up on the matter we discussed regarding my concerns about accessing higher education. As you may recall, I am currently enrolled in a BA program in Political Science.

During our conversation, I mentioned the ongoing issue regarding the lack of payment to tactile signing interpreters during my exams by SOL Delhi University. Despite my efforts, including sending an email to the UGC, I have not received a response yet.

Enclosed with this email is a copy of the request letter that I submitted to the UGC. I kindly request your assistance in contacting the Chairperson of UGC to urge them to review and approve our request. Ensuring access to necessary accommodations such as tactile signing interpreters is crucial for students with deafblindness like myself to have an equal opportunity to succeed in higher education.

Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated, as it would help facilitate a timely resolution to this issue. Please let me know if you need any further information or assistance from my end.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Warm regards,

Zamir DhaleStudent of SOL Delhi University

Report on the 8th India Deaf Expo

Posted on March 10, 2024March 22, 2024 by Sunil Abbas

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.

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

Posted on February 12, 2024February 21, 2024 by Sunil Abbas

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@sedbindia.org
www.sedbindia.org
+919884467550

Successful Representation at IPFG 2024

Posted on January 20, 2024February 21, 2024 by Sunil Abbas

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@sedbindia.org
+919884467550

Heartfelt Gratitude for the SLDAA Conference

Posted on December 8, 2023December 12, 2023 by Sunil Abbas

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and incredible support I received during the St. Louis Deaf Association Alumni (SLDAA) conference held in Bhubaneshwar’ Odisha from November 25th to 26th, 2023.
It was an honor to attend the conference as a special guest, and I was deeply moved by the generosity of spirit exhibited by everyone involved. My time at St. Louis School for the Deaf and Blind holds a special place in my heart, and being able to reconnect with my schoolmates and contribute to SLDAA was a truly meaningful experience.
I am grateful for the opportunity to donate Rs. 10,000 to SLDAA, a small token of appreciation for the invaluable lessons and friendships I gained during my time at St. Louis. The conference provided a platform for important discussions, and I was pleased to witness the enthusiasm and interest in learning tactile sign language among the attendees.
The General Board Meeting on the 25th, led by President Mr. John Kennedy, General Secretary Mr. Srinivasan, Joint Secretary Mr. Dhural, Treasurer Mr. Saji Mathew and Organized Secretary Mr. Niranjan Joshi, was enlightening. I appreciate the thoughtful discussions and the eagerness to embrace tactile sign language as a means of communication.
I was particularly heartened by the support of my friend Amit Samal. who, like me, understands the challenges faced by deafblind individuals. His presence and assistance during the conference made a significant difference in facilitating communication.
The presentations on the 26th were enlightening, especially Mr. Sorvojyoti’s insights and Mr. Subaji’s plans for the Hakky Hands School for the Deaf. Amit Samal’s quiz added a fun element to the event, showcasing the diverse talents within the community.
Meeting Mr. Shakti, a deaf-low vision individual, was inspiring. His journey towards independence, coupled with his interest in accessibility tools like the iPhone’s magnifier, exemplifies the resilience of individuals facing challenges. It was heartwarming to witness his ability to book a ride and travel independently.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Social Justice’ Mr. Nk Mohanty’s Sr advocate odisha high court Cuttack for gracing the event as our Chief Guest and acknowledging the efforts of lecturers and winners. His interest in knowing of the SEDB and the promise of further support is truly appreciated.
The sightseeing on the 27th was a delightful experience, and Mr. Saji Mathew’s adept tactile signing made it possible for me to appreciate the beauty of Konark and the Buddha statues. The thoughtful gift of two frames from Mr. Abdul Easim Khan will serve as cherished mementos of this memorable occasion.
As I reflect on the conference, I am filled with gratitude for the hospitality, camaraderie, and the shared commitment to making the world more inclusive for deafblind individuals. I am confident that the SEDB will continue to thrive as a strong and proactive organization, thanks to the dedication of individuals like Mr. Zamir Dhale.
Once again, thank you to the SLDAA members for their warmth and support. I look forward to future collaborations and the growth of awareness and understanding for deafblind individuals in India.
Warm regards,
Lion Sunil Abbas
General Secretary
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB)
www.sedbindia.org

This is for your information that I received more than 20 awards since last 10 years

Posted on November 30, 2023December 1, 2023 by Sunil Abbas

Experience of DeafBlind people regd. Public Transportation- Zamir SEDB

Posted on November 23, 2023November 23, 2023 by Sunil Abbas

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Deaf and Deafblind Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. As the founder of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind and a disability rights activist, I wanted to share an update with all of you. I am deafblind, and recently, I went to Khadki Railway Station in Pune with my deaf interpreter to book a railway ticket.
During this process, we encountered a challenge as my deaf interpreter was not proficient in Marathi and English, only in Indian Sign Language. Despite this language barrier, I assisted him in filling out the reservation form, and it was a learning experience for both of us. I believe that empowering deaf interpreters with the skills to fill forms and book tickets can greatly benefit deafblind applicants in India.
Despite the difficulties, we faced in the queue, I urged my interpreter to approach the counter quickly. However, we encountered resistance, and it became necessary to seek assistance from the people around us. Deafblind individuals often find it challenging to stand in long queues, and I observed that even the Railway Police Force remained silent observers.
During the ticket booking process, I was asked for a smart card instead of a railway concession certificate. I explained that as a deafblind person, applying for it online posed significant challenges due to barriers and lack of accessibility for deafblind people in India.
In light of my experiences, I would like to propose the following recommendations:
1.
Accessibility in Education: The Government of India should provide accessibility for deaf and deafblind people, including tactile and non-tactile signing interpreters for education, especially in higher education.
2.
Interpreting Service Fee: The government should consider funding interpreting service fees and salaries to assist deaf applicants in filling forms and booking tickets for public transportation.
3.
Access to Healthcare: Government support should extend to providing interpreters for deaf and deafblind individuals when consulting civil hospitals, obtaining appropriate disability certificates, and applying for the Unique Disability ID (UDID).
4.
Job Opportunities: The government should facilitate the submission of job applications for deaf and deafblind applicants at both government and private companies, ensuring access to interviews.
I appreciate your patience in listening to my experiences and advocating for our rights through various channels, including social media. Your support is invaluable in raising awareness and fostering change.
Yours sincerely,
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB India
Asian Representative- World Federation of the deafblind(WFDB)

Celebrating the 8th Anniversary of the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) in India

Posted on October 22, 2023October 25, 2023 by Sunil Abbas

On October 22, 2023, the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) India celebrated its 8th anniversary. SEDB is a unique organization run entirely by deafblind volunteers and a deafblind team, and it was established on October 20, 2015, with its head office located in Nasik.
The founder of SEDB, Mr. Zamir Dhale, encouraged his deafblind team members to work independently, fostering their empowerment and self-reliance. The anniversary celebration took place at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Loverlane Venue in Mazgaon, Byculla’ Mumbai East. It was a moment of pride and joy for Zamir as he acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the deafblind organisers and their supportive deaf team members.
During the event, Ms. Bushra Merchant, who is deaf-low vision, and Mr. Sunil Abbas, the General Secretary of SEDB, played pivotal roles in organising the celebration. Ms. Bushra Merchant, a strong leader of the deafblind women’s group, recognized the efforts of Ms. Varsha Pattem, who is also deafblind, Ms. Reshma Shirsat, a deaf individual, and Mr. Bhausaheb Jadhav, who is also deaf. They were commended for their hard work in securing a suitable venue and arranging lunch and high tea for the occasion.
Zamir expressed his gratitude by presenting a special flower to these dedicated individuals, emphasizing that they have played a crucial role in strengthening SEDB’s mission and raising awareness about the rights and needs of the deafblind community. He also highlighted the importance of deafblind people’s demands for better education, higher education, job opportunities, and financial assistance, urging the Government of India to understand and address these needs.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, the event also included the celebration of Ms. Anita’s birthday, who is a deafblind member of SEDB. Ms. Bushra brought a special cake as a thoughtful gift for SEDB, adding to the joyous occasion.
The event was made possible through the support and encouragement of well-wishers, donors, and both deaf and non-disabled friends and colleagues. The parents of deafblind children, including Ms. Geri from Usher India, also contributed to the success of this beautiful event.
To relive the memorable moments, you can watch the video and view the photos through the following link:

Report on DbI World Conference 2023

Posted on August 1, 2023October 13, 2023 by Sunil Abbas

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.

2nd NCDB 2023

Posted on February 25, 2023August 31, 2023 by Sunil Abbas

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.