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.
