People sitting on the round table where the hon’ble president is greeting everyone and zamir is standing in the picture along with sarah Interpreter
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB) India
Empowering Deaf and Deafblind Women: Bridging the Gap to Accessible Justice
Introduction:
Today marks International Disability Day, a day to reflect on the challenges faced by disabled individuals, particularly focusing on the hurdles that deaf and deafblind women encounter when seeking justice in cases of wrongdoing or mistreatment by their spouses. This discussion sheds light on the barriers preventing these women from filing complaints, such as a lack of awareness, communication challenges, and fear. It emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness, sensitivity, and accessibility in legal avenues, aiming to empower these women to claim their rights.
Barriers to Justice:
Many disabled women, especially those who are deaf or deafblind, find themselves unable to file complaints against husbands who have wronged them. This could be due to husbands abandoning them due to their disabilities, neglecting their children’s education and living conditions, or displaying prejudice against daughters. The primary barriers preventing these women from seeking justice include a lack of awareness regarding their rights, communication difficulties, and the fear of the legal process.
Lack of Awareness and Accessibility:
The crucial issue lies in the lack of awareness and accessibility when it comes to filing complaints against spouses. Disabled women, unaware of their rights, often struggle to access legal services. This ignorance extends to the belief that legal services may not be free, leaving them hesitant to seek help due to potential financial constraints.
Empowering Through Awareness:
To address these challenges, it is imperative to create awareness and sensitize all courts and legal services about the specific rights and needs of deaf and deafblind women. District Legal Aid Services should play a crucial role in ensuring that information is disseminated effectively, ensuring that these women know how to access justice and what resources are available to them.
Breaking Communication Barriers:
Efforts must be directed towards breaking down communication barriers. Training programs should be initiated to educate legal professionals, police personnel, and support staff on effective communication methods with deaf and deafblind individuals. This includes the provision of sign language interpreters and other tools to facilitate communication.
Ensuring Free Legal Aid:
To dispel fears of financial constraints, it is essential to educate disabled women about the availability of free legal aid services. This information should be widely disseminated through community outreach programs, local organizations, and support networks.
Conclusion:
Empowering deaf and deafblind women involves dismantling the obstacles preventing them from seeking justice. By raising awareness, breaking communication barriers, and ensuring accessible legal aid services, we can create a more just and inclusive society. It is crucial to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by disabled women and work collectively to provide them with the support and resources needed to assert their rights.
It’s truly inspiring to see the remarkable achievements of Mr. Zamir Dhale and the Society For the Empowerment Of The Deaf-Blind (SEDB) in India. The organization’s commitment to empowering both Deaf and Deafblind individuals is commendable, and Mr. Zamir Dhale’s personal journey reflects his dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of people with visual and hearing challenges. Some key points and achievements highlighted in the provided information include:
Personal Achievements:
1.
Computer Accessibility Advocacy (2000):
•Fought for and obtained a computer with a Braille keyboard, showcasing early advocacy efforts for accessibility.
2.
Vocational Award (2006):
•Received the Vocational Award in 2006 from the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier for outstanding contributions to the betterment of the visually challenged.
3.
International Exposure (2002):
•Visited the Helen Keller National Centre in New York, USA, and participated in the American Association Of the Deafblind (AADB) in San Diego, California.
4.
Bollywood Movie “BLACK” (2003):
•Involved in the making of the Bollywood movie ‘BLACK’ in 2003, supporting lead actors in understanding and portraying characters with deafblindness.
5.
Advocacy Officer at Sense International India (2006):
•Joined Sense International India as an Advocacy Officer in 2006.
6.
National Trust Board Membership (2006):
•Became the first Board Member of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities in 2006.
7.
Legal Guardianship Committee (2007):
•Selected as a member of the Local Level Committee in West Delhi to ensure legal guardianship under the National Trust Act.
8.
Accessibility Audit Team (2008):
•Selected as a member of the team for an accessibility audit in Delhi supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2008.
9.
Banking Accessibility (2009):
•Successfully obtained a bank account with ATM card, net banking, and a cheque book independently in 2009.
Recognition and Awards:
1.
International Exposure (2010):
•Visited the National Association of Deafblind in Uganda, East Africa, as the Udaan President on an exposure visit.
2.
Cavin Clavare Ability Mastery Award (2010):
•Received the Cavin Clavare Ability Mastery Award in 2010.
3.
Role Model Awards (2011):
•Honored with the Role Model Award by Retina India in 2011 and the Helen Keller Award by Chetana School, Kolhapur.
4.
Human Rights Council General Assembly Speech (2012):
•Invited to give a speech at a high level in the Human Rights Council General Assembly at the UN in Geneva in 2012.
5.
Best Worker and Vocational Worker Awards (2013-2014):
•Received the Award for the best worker from NASEH, Mumbai, in 2013, and the best vocational worker award from Rotary Club of Pune Central in 2014.
6.
Establishment of SEDB (2015):
•Founded the Society For the Empowerment Of The Deaf-Blind (SEDB) in 2015.
7.
International Representation (2019-2022):
•Represented SEDB at the UN CRPD, Geneva, in 2019 and was elected as the Asian Representative of the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) in 2022.
Recent Achievements:
1.
2nd NCDB Conference (2023):
•Hosted the 2nd NCDB conference in 2023 in Bangalore, supported by Enable India and Chetana Trust, and funded by Allgeis.
2.
University Accessibility Advocacy (2023):
•Advocated for and convinced WOL Delhi University to provide tactile signing interpreters to help deafblind students during exams in a BA program.
Ongoing Commitment:
SEDB continues to be a pioneer in the field, with Mr. Zamir Dhale elected as the Asian Representative of the World Federation of the Deafblind, showcasing ongoing dedication to advocacy, empowerment, and inclusivity. The achievements listed reflect a journey of overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and contributing significantly to the empowerment of the Deaf and Deafblind community in India.
Dear Madam/Sir,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to introduce myself and share my story and work as a person with deafblindness. I believe that my experiences and journey can be inspiring and educational for the students at your institution.
I am a person with deafblindness, which means that I cannot see, hear, or speak. However, I have overcome these challenges to lead a fulfilling life. I rely on assistive devices such as braille technology to operate computers and phones. I am also an advocate for the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) in India, a registered Non-Profit Organization (NPO) that aims to empower deafblind individuals by providing better education, training in accessing assistive technology, employment opportunities, and advocacy for our rights against discrimination.
Currently, I am pursuing a BA program at SOL Delhi University and have been advocating for higher education accessibility for students with disabilities. I have also advocated for a tactile signing interpreter and writer to assist deafblind students during exams. Through my efforts, I have successfully persuaded the Vice Chancellor of Delhi University to provide free admission to me and other deaf students.
My journey began with the challenges of losing my vision at the age of 9. It was a difficult time, but my maternal grandfather’s determination led us to the Helen Keller Institution for the Deaf and Deafblind in Mumbai, founded by Beroz Vacha. This institution played a crucial role in my education and development. Subsequently, I advocated for the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to provide admission for deafblind students and passed my 12th-grade exams. I also worked on promoting computer training for deafblind individuals and assisted in training actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Rani in braille, American Sign Language (ASL), and mobility skills for their film.
In 2006, I joined Sense International India as an advocacy Offier, and in 2015, I established my own NGO called the Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB). Through SEDB, I have encouraged deafblind individuals to join and become leaders and human rights activists in India.
I believe that my story can shed light on the rights and needs of deafblind individuals regarding education and accessibility to communication, as well as their abilities to work independently in India.
I kindly request that you consider inviting me to visit your institution and meet with the students. I would be honored to share my successful story and motivational insights in a lecture or session. I am confident that both teachers and students will benefit from learning about my journey and experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request and for your potential support. I look forward to your positive response. Please feel free to respond to this email to discuss further details.
Yours sincerely,
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB India
Email: zamir@3.111.144.114
Asian Representative- World Federation of the Deafboind(WFDB)
Mob: 9998751125(whatsapp message only)
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)
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:
Dear Friends and Collegues,
I hope this message finds you well. I am excited to share some wonderful news with you. The Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind (SEDB) and its dedicated team of deafblind individuals are preparing to celebrate our 8th anniversary. SEDB is a remarkable organization and a pioneering force in India, being the first Disabled People’s Organization run entirely by deafblind volunteers. Our mission is to empower deafblind individuals with better education, training, access to assistive technology, and employment opportunities.
In honor of this momentous occasion, we are planning to organize an anniversary event in Mumbai. We will secure a suitable venue and provide refreshments for our guests. We would be deeply honored to have you, our esteemed donors, supporters, well-wishers, and friends, join us in celebrating eight years of SEDB’s remarkable journey. Your presence and encouragement mean the world to us, as we rely on your support to continue our vital work.
We understand that this invitation comes on rather short notice due to the urgency of the event planning. We are in the process of finalizing the venue and will inform you of the precise location very soon. However, to ensure the success of this event, we kindly request your assistance by contributing a donation. We understand that not everyone can provide substantial funds, but any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference.
You can make your contributions by transferring funds to SEDB’s bank account using the following details:
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind
Account number 35733949762
State Bank of India
Branch : Fort Market (Mumbai)
239, Roopam Hotel Building.
IFSC Code : SBIN0005347
MICR : 400002025
UPI ID is societyforempower@sbi
We are deeply grateful for your consideration and support. We anticipate confirming the venue for the celebration by the 17th of October 2023. Your presence and support would make this occasion truly special and memorable.
Thank you for being a part of the SEDB family and for your unwavering support. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Warm regards,
Zamir Dhale
Founder Director and Consultant
SEDB India
www.sedbindia.org
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I hope this message finds you well at SEDB India. I wanted to share some thoughts with you on an important matter that affects women in our society, particularly those with disabilities. It is crucial that we encourage and advise women, both with and without disabilities, to advocate for their rights and stand up for themselves.
In many cases, women may find themselves in situations where they are not fully aware of the truth or falsehoods surrounding their marriage. Whether a woman has a disability or not, the unity and understanding between a husband and wife are essential for a fulfilling life together. Husbands, especially, need to be thoughtful and responsible, ensuring they are prepared to take on the responsibilities of family life – from their children’s education to providing a stable home.
Disability, such as being deaf or deafblind, should never be a reason for a husband to leave his wife. It is cr
Dear Respected Brothers and Sisters,
Namaste! On this joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I extend my warmest greetings to all, irrespective of abilities and backgrounds. As we celebrate this special day, let us remember the significance of unity and protection symbolized by this beautiful festival.
Raksha Bandhan narrates a tale of a courageous queen and her valiant brother. When her husband fell in battle, she sought the aid of her friend, the king. He fearlessly fought off the enemy and secured her safety. In gratitude, the queen performed a pooja and tied a Rakhi on her brother’s wrist, signifying her trust in his protection.
Likewise, we face our own battles against various forms of discrimination. We stand united as brothers and sisters, with equal rights and shared aspirations. Our mission is to empower both men and women through quality education, including higher education, and to advocate for improved livelihoods through increased employment opportunities. With determinat
Hello every deaf and deafblind member’
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share an experience from my time as a teacher at the school where I both studied and worked. This experience highlighted the importance of addressing sensitive topics with students, especially those facing unique challenges.
During my tenure, I encountered a situation involving a deafblind student whose vision was gradually deteriorating. It was evident that he faced communication barriers due to his condition. One day, he approached me with a question about a pornographic book he had encountered. This presented a delicate situation that required a thoughtful response.
I promptly examined the content he referred to and inquired about his curiosity. His explanation helped me understand his perspective. I seized the opportunity to guide him away from such inappropriate content, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive and educational aspects of life.
Despite my guidance, the student continued to show interest in such material. Recognizing the potential negative impact on his learning and development, I took the matter to the school principal and counselors. Together, we devised a protective policy known as the Protect Child Policy (PCP), which we affectionately referred to as “Phaedia.” This policy aimed to shield children from harmful influences and distractions, ensuring they could concentrate on their studies and personal growth.
It’s evident that exposure to inappropriate content can hinder a student’s ability to learn and retain knowledge. Our goal with Phaedia was to encourage a healthier mindset, allowing students to fully engage with their education and build a strong foundation for their future. We aimed to prevent the accumulation of distracting and negative thoughts, which could hamper their academic progress and overall well-being.
In my interactions with both deaf and deafblind members of the SEDB, I have consistently stressed the significance of education as the primary stepping stone toward a brighter future. By focusing on studies and obtaining higher education, individuals can empower themselves to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I have encouraged them to channel their energy into positive activities, prioritize their studies, and adopt healthy practices like yoga and exercise while refraining from harmful behaviors like consuming alcohol.
Ultimately, my intention has always been to motivate all students to excel academically, manage their time effectively, and make wise life choices. By doing so, they can pave the way for personal growth, success, and a life filled with respect and dignity.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this experience and the principles I’ve come to advocate. I believe that fostering a nurturing and focused environment for learning can truly make a positive impact on the lives of students.