Sustainable Livelihoods for Deafblind Adults

Kabita, a 22-year-old woman with deafblindness, faced significant barriers due to her dual sensory impairments. Living in a remote area with limited access to specialized education and vocational opportunities, her daily life was marked by dependency on her family. The lack of tailored resources and skills left her unable to contribute to her household, leading to a cycle of financial strain and diminished self-confidence.

Sense India project team identified Kabita during a community outreach programme. Recognising her enthusiasm and resilience, they worked closely with her family to outline a plan tailored to her strengths and aspirations. Kabita’s dream of financial independence and her willingness to learn became the foundation for the intervention.

In June 2023, Kabita embarked on a transformative journey supported by a seed grant from Sense India. She received comprehensive training in:

• Money Management: Understanding basic finances and savings.
• Stock Handling: Managing inventory and ensuring quality control.
• Customer Interaction: Building rapport and improving communication skills.

These interventions enabled Kabita to establish a small shop in her village, becoming a pivotal source of income for her family. This initiative not only uplifted Kabita financially but also instilled confidence and purpose in her.

By 2024, Kabita’s entrepreneurial success and financial independence led to remarkable milestones:

She saved 25,000 from her earnings to contribute to her family’s new home under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana.
Her shop became a community hub, inspiring other young individuals with disabilities to explore self-reliance.

Kabita’s next goals include investing in a refrigerator for her shop to expand inventory and purchasing modern gadgets to improve her household’s quality of life.

Thanks to GlobalGiving and the supporters for being part of this transformation and bringing light to those living in darkness. Your contribution can spark such life-changing miracles, creating more success stories like Kabita's!

Links:

• Annual Report 2023-24

• Empowering_Independence__Livelihood.pdf (PDF)
  

Dinesh, a remarkable 35-year-old champion with deafblindness, joined our transformative program in 2017. Despite his limited hearing and vision, Dinesh's spirit shines brightly. While his family's love has always been unwavering, it was our dedicated team that ignited his journey toward independence. Dinesh's insatiable hunger for growth drives him to eagerly embrace every new skill, propelling him forward with unwavering determination.

Before joining the programme, Dinesh, born deafblind, struggled with daily living tasks, relying heavily on his family for support. He preferred staying indoors, occasionally venturing out with his father to look after the cattle. Dinesh's weak communication abilities left him feeling isolated and lonely. His parents, unaware of his condition and limited knowledge, were unable to provide the necessary support.

With Sense India's intervention, a comprehensive approach to support Dinesh was taken up. He was provided training on activities of daily living and taught both Indian and American Sign Language to enhance his communication skills. Pre-vocational and vocational activities were introduced topromote independent living, while multiple rounds of parent counseling sessions helped Dinesh's parents understand the potential for their son's growth and independence. Socialization skills were also improved, and linkages with schemes and benefits were established to support the family's needs.

 Dinesh made remarkable progress after joining the programme. He became self-sufficient in his daily tasks, and his communication skills improved significantly, allowing him to use both Indian and American Sign Language effectively. Despite his declining health and balance issues making it difficult for him to travel, his special educator, Mr. Mukesh, provided home-based services to ensure his continued development. With the support of his family and the program, Dinesh opened a shop in February 2023, earning around 4000 rupees per month to support his household expenses. His family is now grateful to Sense India and proud of Dinesh's progress, as he continues to grow more independent and contribute meaningfully to his family's well-being.

Dinesh's special educator beams - "He's a constant source of amazement, always moving forward!"

Dinesh's family now breathes easy, his mother shares – "We're grateful to the entire team for empowering him. His independence was beyond our wildest dreams"

Dinesh's journey echoes George Bernard Shaw's wisdom: "Progress demands change, and those unwilling to change their minds can't change anything." The team's unwavering dedication led to an incredible breakthrough!

Thanks to GlobalGiving and the supporters for being part of this transformation and bringing light to those living in darkness. Your contribution can spark such life-changing miracles, creating more success stories like Dinesh's!

• Dinesh_Livelihood_Project_Report.pdf (PDF)