“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@sedbindia.org
+919884467550
