Ms Shrutilata is a very bright and accomplished young adult. She is the first physiotherapist with deafblindness in Asia and the Advocacy Officer at Sense India. She participated at the roundtable in COSP (Conference of State Parties) and in the 13th session of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations. Shruti shared that before joining Sense India, she did not know about other people with deafblindness. Through Sense India she interacted with other people with deafblindness and realised that she can help them by advocating their needs and rights. Shruti highlighted, “People with deafblindness often feel isolated as they suffer from dual impairment, but they can do the same things that people with no disabilities do with extra support.”

She asserted that it is their right to get equal opportunities in education and employment and be supported wherever required. Shruti even focused on self-advocacy - that is to stand up for their rights and make their own decisions for a better life. One such forum for young adults with deafblindness to participate is a networking group named Udaan. Shruti even said that with their help she has become more outspoken and is more confident in expressing her views.

Ms Sishna Anand is a person with total deafblindness and she joined the session with her father who communicates with her through tactile sign language. She finished her education from the Hellen Keller Institute, Mumbai where she learnt mediums to stay connected with those around her. She is a working professional now and has been honoured with quite a few awards such as the Clinic’s award. Sishna makes paper bags, paper pens, umbrellas and mats in her free time. She is a self-advocate and an active participant in the network and advocacy meetings for young deafblind. Sishna is currently preparing for her State Service Commission (SSC) at home and hopes to pass it flying colours.

Mr Guman Singh is pursuing his higher studies (MA) and is an active participant in the meetings conducted by Sense India. Recently, he participated at the State Advocacy Meeting of Sikkim where he put forward his needs and rights. He joined the session with our special educator, Mr Vinay Singh. Guman realised about his condition after he joined school and was bullied by his classmates. He was quite a shy child. He became really interested in sports, however he was not encouraged by his teachers so he couldn’t play in school. So, he started focusing on his education. In class six, he came to know about Terry Fox who won a marathon despite having cancer in his leg. This determination motivated him to do better in studies. “My parents were not keen on me to continue my studies and wanted me to start earning, but I took a stand for myself and continued studying.” In College, he proved himself by securing well in Physical Education. Guman has received a scholarship for his education.

Ms Asha Patwal is sixteen years old and is studying in standard 10th. She is a young and energetic participant of the meetings by Sense India. She joined the session with her teacher Ms Taru and her guide and mentor Ms Sumanna Samuel, who has been a significant support in Asha’s progress. Asha was born with a cataract that was not treated in her childhood. She was supported by Ms Sumanna who took her to Delhi where she got her eyes and ears checked and later joined the Bajaj Institute of learning. Not only her, but Ms Sumanna learned Indian Sign Language (ISL) too. In 2014, Asha went to the US young achievers training camp for the deaf. She said, “Self-advocacy means studying for oneself.” This year, Asha participated and won the video competition of the UN World Data Forum and advocated that people with deafblindness should be included in the Census. She said, “Though we can’t see or hear, we have to still stand up for our rights and are included in the society!” Asha has been able to come this far because of the constant encouragement given by her teachers. Asha wants to light a spark so that no one can ignore the deafblind in the world and they get equal rights like any other person. She wants to keep moving forward and support children like her to achieve their dreams.

Ms Pushpa is a para-athlete and has won medals at the Special Olympics in the USA. She joined the session with her sister Ms Rupa. She was recently interviewed by CNN on her achievements. Pushpa was born in Nepal and brought up in Delhi and is currently studying at Delhi University. While studying in school, she didn’t receive the support she needed and felt isolated. Like a ray of hope, she got support from one of her teachers who encouraged her to take part in school. Pushpa started taking part in shot-put and weight lifting where she won and got an opportunity to participate on an international platform. After this recognition, she started getting support from her family, friends and teachers.

This support pushed Pushpa to believe that she can also pursue her dreams and be a role model for the world. She worked very hard for two years in weightlifting and represented India in the USA and won 4 medals. After meeting other children with deafblindness through Sense India, Pushpa realised that she is not alone and there many people like her.