Introducing Web Education on Deafblindness

Deafblindness is a unique disability - a combination of sight and hearing impairment. Though the degree of deafness or blindness varies, the combination of dual sensory loss leads to unique problems in an individual’s communication, mobility and their ability to access information. Because 95% of what we learn about the world comes through sight and hearing, children and adults with Deafblindness face unique challenges in communication, mobility and accessing information; making Deafblindness one of the most isolating disabilities.

Deafblindness is a low incidence disability and is hidden in community. There is no data available regarding the size of the Deafblind population in India as, to date there has been no comprehensive study or research to determine the true incidence. Estimates, based on information gathered from community based projects, indicate that there could be more than 500,000 Deafblind/ multiple disabled people in the country.

Sense International India also known as Sense India was established in 1997 as the first national NGO in India to support the development of comprehensive services for Deafblind people. Sense India supports local organizations to develop sustainable services for Deafblind people. Today Sense India works with 59 partners in 23 states providing services to over 78,000+ Deafblind people. Our key achievements include: Deafblindness now officially recognized as a unique disability under multiple disabilities in the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016, government of India; a dedicated Deafblind Teacher Training Programme; a national resource and information Centre on Deafblindness has been established, networks of families, special educators and adults with Deafblindness has been established.