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.
