Sustainable Livelihoods for Deafblind Adults

In the quiet embrace of an odisha village, the story of 23-year-old Prakash unfolded—a tale of resilience and determination. Deafblindness cast its shadow over his academic journey, compelling him to drop out after the 9th standard. A course in electrical repair provided little solace as job opportunities eluded him.

Sense India’s partner organisation conducted a survey that unveiled Prakash's hidden reservoir of skills. Frustration and responsibility weighed on him as the breadwinner of a low-income family. The quest for meaningful work, coupled with dreams of entrepreneurship, led him to a pivotal intervention.

Guided by a dedicated special educator, Prakash's journey underwent a transformative phase. Vocational skills, from money concepts to management, became the building blocks of his newfound path. Sense India's training sessions, uniting individuals from various corners of the country, infused motivation into Prakash and his family.

This year marked a turning point. Empowered by Sense India and the support from the donors, Prakash received a seed amount to set on to his journey of entrepreneurship by inaugurating a cloth store. Today, his business thrives, with daily sales reaching a minimum of Rs. 500. Prakash, now a content entrepreneur, radiates happiness, and his family witnesses the blossoming of self-esteem and confidence.

Beyond the economic impact, the Income Generation Activity (IGA) support forged connections within the community. Prakash and his family, engaged in the local market, not only enhanced their livelihood but also became integral parts of their neighbors' lives. As Prakash's cloth store flourishes, it symbolizes more than just a business—it stands as a testament to the triumph of resilience, intervention, and the unwavering spirit of one determined individual.

• Prakashs_Journey_from_Deafblindness_to_Entrepreneurial_Triumph.pdf (PDF)