Vice President of India Advocates for Greater Opportunities for People who are Deaf-Blind at National Conference of the Deaf-Blind, 2025

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The 3rd National Conference of Deafblind (NCDB) was held on January 31st and February 1st, 2025, at Dhyana Ashram, Chennai. The event, inaugurated by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, Honorable Vice President of India on 31st evening at NIEPMD, brought together 43 individuals with deaf blindness (PwDB), 40 access providers, 16 interpreters and nearly 50 dignitaries.

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This marks the third time, the deafblind community has gathered under the leadership of the Society for the Empowerment of Deafblind (SEDB). Its primary objectives were to raise awareness about deaf blindness, empower individuals with deaf blindness by fostering community connections, and promote employment opportunities for them. This year’s collaboration with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chetana Trust, and Vidya Sagar was instrumental in ensuring great progress toward these goals. 

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During the inauguration, the Vice President emphasized the need to create more opportunities for people with deaf blindness, reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness and accessibility in all aspects of society.

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Conference Highlights:

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Identifying barriers and strengths: Learning from participants

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Acknowledging the significant challenges faced by individuals with deaf blindness (PwDB) in employment and daily life, the conference provided a platform for them to share their personal stories of resilience and determination. A survey on perceived social support, designed and implemented in partnership with SEDB by Chetana Trust, was conducted over the two days with the support of volunteer interpreters from the National Institute of Speech and Hearing, Thiruvanthapuram.

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On the first day, participants, including Sunil Abbas, General Secretary of SEDB, shared their personal experiences on becoming deafblind later in life.  Several participants were invited to share their journey and Sunil Abbas, as moderator, summarized the key areas for advocacy and systems change.

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Employment Challenges and Success Stories of People with Deaf blindness

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The second day featured more than eight PwDB speakers who discussed their employment journeys and challenges. This was followed by a panel discussion on entrepreneurship and employment. Raja, a panelist and co-founder of V-Shesh, emphasized the importance of skill development, recognizing individual strengths, and leveraging accessibility tools for employment. Additionally, two panelists with deaf blindness shared their inspiring experiences of working at Accenture, demonstrating the potential and capabilities of PwDB in the professional world.

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Government Schemes, Accessibility, and Community Engagement

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The sessions on the government schemes were presented by Mr. Sankar Subbiah. The conference also featured discussions on government schemes in three key areas: health, assistive technology, and travel. Various beneficial schemes, including the Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) scheme, as well as essential documents like the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card and railway pass concessions, were highlighted to inform participants about available support.

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The keynote speaker, Geeta Sharma, a dedicated activist who has supported hundreds of people with disabilities, spoke about the critical role of accessibility in empowering individuals with deaf blindness (PwDB).

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Beyond the presentations, the event fostered a sense of community and enjoyment. Participants had an opportunity to visit Marina Beach, engage in meaningful interactions, and savour delicious food. To conclude the event on a high note, attendees took part in a drum circle facilitated by Yogathalam, allowing them to unwind after an intensive schedule, embrace the rhythm of the drums, and celebrate the joy of togetherness.

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Impact of the Conference

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1. 1.Increased Awareness – The conference helped raise awareness about deaf blindness on a larger scale through participant discussions, the inaugural speech by the Honorable Vice President, and media coverage.

2. Access to Insurance – 18 participants initiated the process of applying for Niramaya, an insurance scheme for people with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and multiple Disabilities.

3. Employment and Accessibility Insights – Participants gained valuable knowledge about employment opportunities, accessibility solutions, and government schemes available for persons with disabilities.

4. Advocacy and Empowerment – The event provided a safe and supportive platform for participants to voice their concerns, highlight pressing issues, and advocate for their rights.

5. Showcasing Skills and Entrepreneurship – Some participants set up stalls to exhibit and their handmade products, promoting possibilities for increasing economic independence and entrepreneurship.

6. Community Building and Networking – Participants, including family members of PwDB, had the opportunity to interact with dignitaries, NGO representatives, and fellow attendees. These interactions facilitated learning about accessibility solutions, strengthened solidarity within the community, and fostered a sense of belonging among individuals with deaf blindness.

7. Building skills and knowledge of the professional community - professionals and students from NIEPMD, Vidya Sagar, Chetana Trust, NISH and ISLRTC had an opportunity to work closely with the deafblind community, raising their understanding of their capacity and needs and enhancing their existing skills.