Help Educate 500 Deafblind Children in India

During this quarter, the Education Programme continued supporting children with deafblindness and multiple disabilities through individualised education, communication training, daily living skills, sensory development, and family engagement. Working closely with families, special educators, and community-based rehabilitation workers, the programme helped children develop essential life skills while building confidence and independence.

One inspiring example is Devraj, a nine-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh who lives with vision loss and mild to moderate hearing loss.

Before joining the programme, Devraj faced significant challenges in communication, learning, and daily living. He relied heavily on his family for routine activities and struggled to participate in structured learning. His communication was limited to vocalisations, and he often showed behavioural challenges, including reluctance to attend school. Sensitive to loud sounds, he preferred spending time on a mobile phone, limiting his exposure to learning and social interaction. His parents were worried about his future and uncertain about how to help him become more independent.

After enrolling in Sense International India's Education Programme in 2023, Devraj received individualised support tailored to his developmental needs. The intervention focused on improving daily living skills, communication, sensory development, behaviour management, and pre-academic concepts. Through structured activities, he learned self-care routines, explored different sensory experiences, and developed an understanding of shapes and sizes. His parents were actively involved through regular counselling and home-based guidance, ensuring that learning continued beyond the classroom. Consistent support from educators and community-based rehabilitation workers helped create a positive and encouraging environment for his growth.

Today, Devraj has made encouraging progress. He performs several daily living activities with minimal support, cooperates better during learning sessions, and actively engages in sensory activities. His parents have become more confident in their ability to support his development and are optimistic about his future. Although he continues to require support in communication and school readiness, his growing independence and participation demonstrate the impact of early intervention and family involvement. Devraj is steadily moving toward a brighter future with increased confidence and improved functional abilities

Thanks to GlobalGiving and the continued support received from donors like you andyour continuedencouragement, many more deafblind adults across India will be able to stitch their way toward dignity, confidence, and financial independence.

• Global_Giving_Reports_Education.pdf (PDF)
  

During this quarter, the education programme continued supporting children with deafblindness through individualized learning, communication training, therapy, and family engagement. Educators used sign language, activity-based learning, and structured routines to help children build communication, literacy, and daily living skills while also connecting families to government entitlements and assistive services.

One inspiring journey is that of Hulsi.

Twelve-year-old Hulsi lives in Raipur with her parents and younger brother. Born with deafblindness caused by a genetic condition, she faced many barriers when she was first identified at the age of six. With severe hearing loss and low vision, Hulsi struggled to communicate and depended entirely on her family for daily tasks. She also found it difficult to understand basic concepts such as colours, numbers, and letters.

After joining the programme in 2018, Hulsi began receiving speech therapy, sign language training, and activity-based educational support. Over time, she developed communication skills and greater independence. Her family also received support to access disability certification, hearing aids, and scholarships.

Today, Hulsi studies in Class 7 at a government school. She can read and write in  Hindi and English, solve arithmetic problems, and confidently introduce herself.

Her mother shares, “Hulsi’s speech and confidence have improved so much. She now studies with great focus.”

Hulsi is moving closer to her dream of becoming a teacher.

With the support of donors through GlobalGiving, many more children like Hulsi will gain access to education, confidence, and opportunities for a brighter and more independent future.

• Global_Giving_Reports__Education.pdf (PDF)