Poised to fly on wings of ambition & grit

She was a remarkable woman, an inspiration to many. She is Helen Keller, who dedicated her life to improving the lot of the blind and the deaf-blind. On her birthday on June 27, which is celebrated as Helen Keller Day, dna spoke to a few deaf-blind people on their achievements.

Zamir Dhale
Currently employed as advocacy officer in Sense International (India), an NGO working with the deaf-blind, Zamir is involved in developing awareness and recognition of rights for deaf-blind people. He is actively involved in developing; implementing and monitoring advocacy plans for the NGO along with teaching tactile sign language to professionals in the field of deaf-blindness.

In 2003, he worked with Sanjay Leela Bhansali as an instructor in his film, Black, to train Rani Mukerji and Amitabh Bachchan on the sign language — Braille and Mobility — for the film.

Zamir was among the four persons he nominated to speak during the interactive panel discussion to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA). Speaking about this achievement, Zamir through his trainer Parag Namdeo, said: “I guess, it was the first time that a person with deaf-blindedness was able to speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council. I hope this would inspire my fellow mates, suffering from the same disability. Recognition of the specific needs of deaf-blind persons is essential to ensure inclusion of many deaf-blind persons like me and I will keep on fighting for it until we achieve it.”

Zamir has not only achieved professionally but personally, too. He is married to a sighted-hearing woman and has a four-year-old daughter.

Rajesh Seth
Rajesh was born with a genetic disorder which is a leading cause for deaf-blindness. Impaired of hearing since birth, he even lost his vision as he grew older. Before losing his sight, Rajesh went to a school for deaf children.
But, when he became deaf-blind, there was no one to teach him to communicate and he had to stay confined to his home.

Yet, his mother never gave up hope. She enrolled Rajesh with an NGO, working with the deaf-blind. 30-year-old Rajesh owns a sweet shop and specialises in preparing snacks such as samosas, fafdas and jalebi. Rajesh likes watching movies in his spare time. How? “I see them through my mother’s eyes. She translates the movie, scene by scene, on my hand,” he said.

Daya Vala
Daya is born deaf-blind as her mother was infected with Rubella disease while Daya was in her womb. Besides the disability, Daya did not give up hope nor did her parents. She has successfully completed her schooling. With vocational training, Daya has learned to make handmade jewellery, tie and die dupattas and diyas and gets a stipend for her work. “Initially, it was difficult but now I have learnt how to work on tying dupattas with thread and I also make jewellery by mixing contrasting beads and stones for preparing a neck piece or bracelet. It feels good to be independent and contribute monetarily to the family,” said Daya through her interpreter.

With the assistance of hearing aid and glasses, the 17-year-old Daya can now identify colours, discern shapes and is exploring the world of numbers.

Meera Verma
Meera has recently passed her board exams with flying colours. The 17-year-old girl’s dream is to become a teacher and passing this exam is like getting a step closer to realising her dream.

Through her interpreter, she said: “I succeeded in passing my exams and I am grateful to my educators Madhavi and Bharti m’am and also my mother, who motivated me. I hope to become a teacher soon and help other children like me.”