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

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.