Annual Report 2023 - 24
95% of what we learn is through our sight and hearing. But with absence or impairment of vision as well as hearing, children with deafblindness are unable to communicate even the most basic of needs – such as hunger, thirst or pain. They live in isolation and neglect – being denied the right to medical care, education, social interactions and work that are taken for granted by most of us.
armed with a vision of a world in which all children and adults with deafblindness can be full and active members of society, Sense International India, also known as Sense India started its journey with 23 children in 1997.
Today, Sense India is the only national organisation supporting and advocating for children and adults with deafblindness for their better care through early intervention, individualised education and livelihood opportunities. Our work is transforming the lives of more than 80,000 persons with deafblindness from isolation and neglect to interaction, self-esteem and becoming contributing members of the society.
Early Intervention, Mental Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
Vocational Training and Income Generation Activity
Special Education and Inclusive Education
Inclusion and Awareness
It gives me immense pleasure to share with you the 27th Annual Report of Sense India. Over the past year, we have witnessed remarkable progress in creating a more inclusive world for individuals with deafblindness. From our humble beginnings supporting just 23 children 27 years ago, we are now a nationwide movement reaching those who need us most, thanks to the unwavering support of our partners, funders and advocates.
This year, we have made substantial strides in early intervention, education, livelihood and advocacy. The establishment of our new centre, SPARSH, in Bengaluru marks a pivotal moment in our journey. Together, we are unlocking potential and transforming lives.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we thrive.
- Akhil S Paul, Executive Director
States
Partners
Children and adults reached
Children and adults are receiving direct services
Children with deafblindness have been enabled access to education through Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan programme
The highlights showcase the breadth and depth of Sense India's impact over the past year. TOGETHER WITH OUR PARTNERS, FUNDERS, GOVERNMENT AND CHAMPIONS WE HAVE…
Timely intervention is crucial. At our baby screening centres, specialists conduct thorough screenings for new-born babies and children aged 0 to 6. We then develop tailored early intervention strategies that address the unique requirements and severity of sensory impairments for each child.
I am very happy with my child's progress. Along with education and therapy, she receives medicine and nutrition, which have helped her development. I never imagined seeing her walk on her own—she used to only sit and move using her hips.
Baby screening units supported by us
Babies screened
Children were identified and enrolled in our Early Intervention programme
Children with deafblindness aged 6 to 14 learn through our individualized education plans based on detailed assessments. Our team of special educators and therapists for speech, mobility, and physiotherapy work with children at their homes and our centres. This focused, individualized care is instrumental in helping children with deafblindness reach their full potential.
From the time we came to Sense India’s partner organisation Caritas, I have been stress-free and seen so much improvement in Paras. Even the doctors are happy with his progress.
Children were identified and enrolled in our programme
Children are receiving services at their homes and centres
Children with deafblindness are now going to mainstream schools under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
Learning a vocational skill empowers deafblind individuals with economic independence and self-assurance. We work closely with parents and family members to customise the training process, pinpoint appropriate skills, and assess job opportunities that match the individual's abilities and interests.
Sense India, in partnership with multiple organizations, promotes internship opportunities for deafblind adults. This initiative has evolved into a fellowship, culminating in an annual event where deafblind individuals come together to exchange experiences, insights, and knowledge.
Young adults are being trained in diverse vocational skills
Vocational Units across India
Vocational training by itself is not enough; therefore, we focus on identifying and facilitating income-generating activities for individuals with deafblindness. This includes helping them start their own micro-enterprises in collaboration with their families or helping them secure employment.
Initiated a new project with the mission to empower 80 young adults with deafblindness and multiple disabilities in Delhi and Kerala (Alleppey) by enhancing their employability and vocational skills over a span of two years.
Young adults are now contributing members of their families
Young adults received support to start their own micro enterprise this year
Children and adults with deafblindness need expert trainers and educators. Our goal is to empower parents, teachers and educators with the necessary skills, expertise and knowledge to effectively support those with deafblindness. We also provide trainings and workshops for parents to ensure their children receive appropriate care from an early stage.
Deafblindness should never be a barrier. Sense India has initiated a pilot project, 'Sports for Persons with Deafblindness & Multiple Disabilities,' in Ahmedabad with our partner organisation Blind People’s Association (BPA). In the first year, we're training 10 master trainers to work with 20 budding sports persons with deafblindness.
Government teachers, professional, parents and experts trained through various National and International trainings
Professionals and parents trained through our Web Education on Deafblindness and Sign Language
Caregivers and professionals trained through hands-on, personalised onsite visits
The children and adults under our care face one of the most challenging disabilities. With the backing of Grand Challenges Canada, Sense India had initiated a unique program to assess, identify, and support individuals aged 10 to 24 with deafblindness, focusing on mental health. We provide training for deafblind adults, parents, and educators to improve communication, conflict resolution, emotional expression, and counselling awareness. This initiative has fostered a constructive change, as parents and educators now feel more at ease discussing mental health issues and engaging actively in the process.
A training with lots of activities that helps us learn more about ourselves and also how to understand someone else's Mental health.
It's beneficial for adults with deafblindness and the parents we work with, and it also helps us understand them very detailedly.
Children and young adults with deafblindness screened, assessed and receiving intervention for mental health issues
Children and young adults with deafblindness were receiving counselling
Adults with deafblindness, special educators, parents/caregivers and CBR workers trained in identifying and addressing mental health issues
We have created three national networks: Udaan for adults with deafblindness, Prayaas for parents and Abhi-Prerna for special educators. These networks promote peer support and the exchange of experiences, allowing us to extend our reach to more children in need. Currently, Sense India provides support to 22 local parent groups throughout India.
Alice William, an Udaan member won Miss International 2023 in Special Model Category.
Members are connected through our national networks for deafblind adults, teachers and parents
Network members from 23 States participated in 1 National, 5 Regional and 14 State Network Meetings
Born with deafblindness due to congenital rubella syndrome, Alice faced overwhelming challenges from the start. When she joined Sense India’s partner organization in 2015, her sight was rapidly fading, and communication seemed impossible. But with training in Sign Language and Braille, Alice began to reclaim her world.
Her true gift, however, was creativity. Encouraged by her ever-supportive parents and educators, Alice found joy in cooking and jewellery making. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and her family lost their jobs, Alice stepped up. With help from Sense India, she started her own catering business, turning her passion into a lifeline for her family.
Yet, Alice didn’t stop there. Pursuing her love for modelling, she graced magazine covers and eventually became Ms. International India in the Special Model Category. Alice’s journey is a testament of her strength, her family’s belief in her, and the power of support. She continues to inspire everyone around her with her courage and creativity.
We reached out to various government bodies to raise awareness about deafblindness and to address important issues, including the need for proper certification, equitable disability pensions, inclusion in the National Census, access to election and UDID cards, voting rights, and the provision of inclusive education for children with deafblindness. For the first-time home-voting was facilitated for deafblind adults in Chhattisgarh by State Election Commission.
At the International Purple Festival in Goa, Sense India raised awareness and sensitized key officials from DEPwD, Skill Development and the Goa state. Our Deafblind Ambassador, Ms. Shrutilata Singh, participated in panel discussions alongside Udaan network members, addressing the challenges encountered by Persons with Disabilities in areas such as education, health, gender, technology and mobility.
Government officials sensitised in 14 States across India
Individuals with deafblindness are availing government benefits like disability pension, Niramaya Health Insurance, assistive devices, bus pass, railway pass among others
Deafblind adults exercised their right to vote in 3 states
Sense India has integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education into all training programs for adults with deafblindness. Thanks to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), we have now initiated a pilot program addressing SRH for adolescents with deafblindness and multiple disabilities. Our focus is on breaking barriers and providing sex education, training, and information to adults with deafblindness, teachers, and caregivers to promote responsible and healthy behaviour. We aim to help them understand their sexuality and advocate for their rights.
It helped clear a few biases and set the narrative for healthy perception of one’s gender identity.
Girls/adults with deafblindness, special educators, parents/caregivers and CBR workers received training on SRH
Sexual and reproductive health accessible training manuals/modules made
Deafblind Experience Zone is a first-hand experience aimed at raising awareness and sensitising people towards one of the most distinct and underrepresented disability, deafblindness. This specially designed activity gave our participants a glimpse into the unique needs of people with deafblindness, and the abilities of the senses.
It was wonderful. For once at least I could step into my children’s shoes.
It was a much needed experience to understand the daily challenges of those with Deafblindness and how they navigate their space.
people visited and gained insight into the needs and abilities of persons with disabilities
Volunteers from different corporates have transformed the learning experience for children with deafblindness by making it engaging, enjoyable, and accessible by crafting tactile learning materials, pre-braille books, sensory boxes and mobility aids.
Today at Cisco Bangalore, we had an event with Sense India, the activity was creating sensory kits for the children with deafblindness. This is one of a kind event that we CISCO team has conducted. The best part was that everyone was involved. We got to understand to an extent what will be helpful for people with deafblindness, mostly the challenges they are facing in their day to day life and how we can help them by creating these kits.
Volunteers engaged
Corporates
materials created
We proudly held the 10th edition of Messengers on Cycles in association with Finolex Pipes & Fittings and Mukul Madhav Foundation. The event, flagged off by Gujarat’s honourable Chief Minister, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, saw over 800 champions, including individuals with disabilities, participating in a 15km cycle ride and 5km walk through the vibrant streets of Ahmedabad, raising awareness and celebrating the resilience of individuals with deafblindness.
On December 8, 2023, Sri Das Suryavamshi, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in Karnataka, officially opened our first direct service in Bengaluru. The SPARSH Centre is equipped to provide specialised services to children and adults with deafblindness like screening and assessment, early intervention, special education, home-based intervention, parents/caregiver counselling, vision therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility among others.
Before coming to the SPARSH Centre, Syed didn’t receive the support he needed. Now, he is learning braille and abacus, and his progress in physiotherapy has been incredible. We are so happy with the services here.
Children and adults are receiving services in our Sparsh Centre
On the 8th of March, we unveiled Sense India's coffee table book 'Senses Lost and Found', featuring stories of trials and triumphs of individuals with deafblindness. We also premiered our short film 'We Too Exist', which highlights Sense India's impactful journey, at 'An evening with Sense India' in Mumbai. The book and film was launched by Ms Amruta Fadnavis, a prominent social activist, banker, actress, and singer along with Mr Sunil Sheth, a prominent lawyer and philanthropist; Mr Amith Dholakia, Chair of Sense India; and Mr Akhil Paul, Executive Director of Sense India.
A big thank you to all our supporters who donate funds for our programmes, volunteer at events, contribute to our staff salaries and operating costs to help us do what we do. We wouldn’t exist without you.
Individuals
Hashim Kathawala
Roopak Vasant Vaidya
Vedantika Puri
Yeshwanth Mabukal Kini
Reeta S Puri
Bhavna A Shah
Tushar Arvind Mavani
Perviz Bommy Lashkari
Vijay Gohil
Sudhir S Shanbhag
Joji Thomas
Shyam Anil Divan
Aditya Nayak Bantwal
N K Agrwal
Umakant Patel
Kalyan Kumar Banerjee
Vikas khemani
Prayaag Kasundra
Jayanti Prasad Khaitan
Sivakumaran Meenakshisunderam
Sarosh Nariman Contractor
Sandeepa Moparthi
B C Balasubramanian
Pradyuman Trivedi
Abhishek Saxena
Prasad Parthasarthy
Muthu Sankar
Kundavi
Venkatesh Prasad
B. V. S. R Murty
Ketan Patel
Mihir Safi
Samir Jitendra Kumar Khatri
Brahmadesam Canthadai Balasubramanian
Mojindar Narayanarao Keshavarao
Mohan N S
Miriam J E Contractor
Narayana Prasad Athreya
Pooran Krishna Bansal
Kalpesh Babubhai Dalal
Venkatesh Narayanan Chakravarty
Indira Krupavathi Culshaw
K Sankar Muthu
Krishan Kumar Maheshwari
Sandhya Abhay Londhe
Vincent Bhatt
Usha Subramanyam G
V Krishnasami Bharathi
Preetham Solomon
Ananda Ramesh
Juzer M Vasi
Chanda J Jog
Bella Rajendra Joshi
Jalpa Sameer Parikh
Aleem Adatia
Sushil Golcha
Jhansi Rani
Amar Mahta
Yogesh Patel
Corporates, Trusts and Foundations
Adobe Sytems India Pvt. Ltd.
Alchemy Capital Management Pvt. Ltd.
Azim Premji Foundation
Bahar Infocons Pvt. Ltd.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd.
C H Robinson Worldwide Freight India Pvt. Ltd.
C U Shah Charitable Trust
CAF America
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)
Cisco India
DMCC Speciality Chemicals Limited
Edelgive Foundation
Gail (India) Limited
Give Foundation Inc.
Grand Challenges Canada
Hawpar Pvt. Ltd.
Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd.
J K Dholakia Charitable Trust
Kamal India Foundation
Kamal Udwadia Foundation
Microsoft Research Lab India Pvt. Ltd.
Mukul Madhav Foundation
Nelumbo Foundation
Oracle
Sense International, UK
Shell India
U. K. Paints India Pvt. Ltd.
VMware Software India Pvt. Ltd.
Estate Of Ram Gopaldas Keswani
K Pravinchandra and Associates
Hemkunt Agro Care Pvt. Ltd.
Standard Industries Ltd.
Kryolan Cosmetics India Pvt. Ltd.
Intercon Investment & Finance Pvt. Ltd.
Seiko Investments Pvt. Ltd.
Malviya Charitable Trust
Shree Naman Developers Pvt. Ltd.
Yatayat Corporation Of India
Purab Textile
G D Saraf Charitable Trust
Bai Freny Darab Pader Charitable Trust
Parbhudas Kishordas Tobacco Products Pvt. Ltd.
Smt Menaben Kanjibhai Patel Memorial Trust
Finolex Pipes & Fittings
Shapoorji Pallonji & Co Pvt. Ltd.
The Tinplate Company India Ltd.
Impressico Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Ramco Steels Pvt. Ltd.
Quarkxpress Publishing R and D India Pvt. Ltd.
Aira Controls
Dharamtar Motor Service Petroleum Products
Monthly Donors
Abdul Rehman Desai
Ankit Gandhi
Anupam G Gupta
Avinash Dighe
Bhanu Chaudhary
Pushpita Hati
Cyrus Naval Daruwalla
Guru Prasad Mugeraya
Jai Kapoor
Kanchan Khabya
Kiran Wadagavi
Kirubakaran Kalimuthu
Kumar Abhishek
Kunal Rathod
Manishbhai Gupta
Manjunatha M
Mayank Saxena
Mohan Baburao Magdum
Murthy S
Nikita Bisht
Prabhu Sai Uday Kiran Kairam
Rama Naga Anjaneya Kumar Kuncham
Ramesh Rathod
Ripunjoy Gohain
Roshan Daniel
Sachin Goled
Santosh Sethy
Seethalakshmi S
Sumit Shankar Sinha
Tapas Mohanty
Varun Dev Shanker
Vivek Khabya
Vivek Madhwal
Xerxes Rao
Endowment Fund
Paul Suryavanshi Endowment Fund
Sadashiv and Saraswati Prasad Endowment Fund
Ajay Khanna Fund
Sugandh Endowment Fund
Kumud & Vasant Joshi Endowment Fund
The Nozer & Burjish Memorial Endowment Fund
Tulsi Projects Pvt. Ltd.
Every donations counts as it helps us provide services to more children with deafblindness.
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