Sense International (India) launches drive for deafblind in Guj

Ahmedabad, Jun 27 (UNI) In order to mark the Helen Keller's 126th birthday, Sense International (India) today distributed educational kits to deaf and blind children across the state as its rural partner centers like Kutch Vikas Trust, Bhuj and Aashirvaad Trust at Sayla.

''This is an encouragement to these children to embark and continue their journey towards self-dependence and knowledge empowerment. Also, as an effort to increase the involvement and acceptance of the society, it has also been giving talks at mainstream schools of the city holding quizzes and leaving tokens made by deaf and blind children for them,'' said Sense International (India) Director Akhil Paul, while addressing a press conference here.

''There are an estimated 4,25,000 deaf and blind people in the country. Most of them can reach their maximum potential towards self-sustainability and dignified living with a little support and right education. Sense International (India) has been endeavoring towards this end for the last decade. Due to their sustained efforts, they have been able to reach close to 8,500 such deaf and blind children and their families through 37 partners across 19 states. In Gujarat itself, there are more than 200 deaf and blind children who are being catered through direct services in the form of home-based, community-based and centre-based education and training,'' said Mr Paul.

''The challenges faced by deaf and blind children are unique and not the same as any other disabled child. Hence, it is critical for it to be recognised by us as a society and policy makers.

''We follow a zero rejection policy. Any child who comes to us will definitely be provided need-based intervention and never turned back. These achievements have been possible with active support from corporates, other funding organisations, non-profits and the government too. We have got tremendous response from many organisations like HSBC and HDFC etc.

According to HSBC vice-president and branch manager Naresh Nagpal, ''Our philosophy has been to support the education and upliftment of the less privileged members of the society. We found that on one hand this section of our society does not get much attention, on the other the heights that they can reach with a little support are phenomenal.'' ''It is this possibility of contributing to an equal, self-dependent and prosperous society that has motivated HSBC world over and was the reason for us to be involved and support here as well,'' Mr Nagpal said.

Deafblindness is a unique disability. It is a combination of visual and hearing impairments. Though a number of deafblind people have some remaining hearing and vision, many have completely lost both senses and live with specific challenges particularly in communication, mobility and access to information.

Whether deafblindness occurs from birth or later in life, all it often needs is assistance in communication and education to overcome the difficulties faced.

Sense International (India) is a registered charitable trust. It is the first and only facilitator of services to support deaf and blind people and their families throughout India, while integrating their cause with the overall development strategies of the country.

UNI