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Painting competition for deaf children
Hima, who is deaf, working in ear mold lab
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Project Managers T. Ramesh and Martine Cambron |
Secunderabad, India
Voice for the Deaf
Project No: I12
Project Managers:
T. Ramesh and Martine Cambron
Contact Info:
voicefordeaf@yahoo.co.in
For several years, Voice for the Deaf has worked with
hearing-impaired children in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
It has now broadened its scope to include those living in Mysore,
India. Voice for the Deaf also enlists the aid of other interested
individuals and groups, and since 1995, has helped to organize major
national events, such as International Week for the Deaf and All
India Deaf Cultural Festival.
In 2002, the National Institute of the Hearing Handicapped, government
officials and public sector organizations instituted an advisory
board in Hyderabad to promote Computer Education for the Deaf. FCF
Project Manager T. Ramesh was invited to join this committee and
help with the sign language part of the program.
To help empower hearing-impaired individuals to become self-sufficient,
Voice for the Deaf established a help desk and vocational training
program. One of the first to complete the computer-training course
is now married and employed at a local bank. Voice for the Deaf
also instituted an ear-mould lab that trained hearing-impaired workers
to take ear impressions of those being fitted for hearing aids.
"The Rehabilitation Council of India (the country's prime
center for assistance programs), conducted the first-ever Sign Language
Interpreter Course in Chennai, India, which T. Ramesh attended.
At the course’s end, all qualifying students were given certificates
that recognized them as rehabilitation personnel and have been entered
in the newly established National Directory of Interpreters."
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Real Life Story — Frustration to
Fulfillment — Though these 80
or so Indian boys and girls are deaf, you would never be able to guess
from seeing their happy faces....(click
here for full story)
To
donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME
and then click here.
Empowering India’s hearing-impaired
"Unemployment is a big problem among the deaf community
here, not to speak of their actual handicap," asserts T. Ramesh,
FCF Project Manager for Voice for the Deaf. To address this need for self-sufficiency
Voice for the Deaf has developed employment opportunities for the deaf
such as our recent Ear Mold Lab.
After completing his training program, Raju takes an ear mold
impression for the fitting of a hearing aid.
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Our Ear Mold Lab commenced with training and employing four deaf
participants, who are currently the only hearing-impaired individuals
in India trained in the making of ear molds.
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An ear mold is an integral step in being fitted for a hearing
aid. Unfortunately, there are very few people trained to make ear molds
in Andhra Pradesh. "With the recent assistance of a national institute,
we were able to provide such training for four young deaf people and we
then set up a lab for them where they have been producing the molds."
Within months of the lab opening, the newly skilled workforce
had already become part of a team of professionals attending composite
rehabilitation camps for the disabled, organized by the government in
various parts of the state. Since that time, they have provided ear molds
to thousands of hearing-impaired people.
Not only have these deaf individuals thus been able to gain employment,
but they also provide a much-needed service for other members of the deaf
community. "Incidentally, these four individuals are the only deaf
people in India who are trained in the making of these molds," adds
Ramesh.
Collaborating with another organization, we also conduct medical camps
for young hearing impaired individuals, whereby they receive free eye
check-ups. Often, here in India the Deaf have a very difficult time when
they go to a doctor for a check up, because of the communication barrier.
So at these medical camps, we handle all the interpreting for the deaf
attendees. We are often surprised as to the large percentage that need
glasses, and in some cases surgery. We them make arrangements to provide
free prescription glasses to any deaf attendees who are not able to afford
them.
 
T. Ramesh interpreting sign-language-to-English during various
stages of eye check-up.
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The International Week of the Deaf
Every September, International Week of the Deaf is celebrated
in Hyderabad for hearing-impaired children and adults. Recently, Voice
for the Deaf networked with another organization in Dance, Drama, Mime
and Painting competitions. Approximately 350 youngsters came from almost
30 deaf schools and institutions throughout Andhra Pradesh.
Premika encouraging deaf girl during the art competition |
Competition at the celebrations for
The International Day of the Deaf. |
Group dance by deaf young people |
Painting competition for deaf children |
In addition to the enormous funding required, organizing
this event includes arranging transportation, food and accommodation for
a vast number of out-of-town guests and a special tour of the city for
all non-resident hearing-impaired children.
Playing a game that fosters teamwork |
T. Ramesh & a volunteer serving refreshments. |
On the last day of International Week, a popular local
actor came to award prizes and performance artists put on a special show
for the children. A unique and unforgettable day!
A drama performed by deaf children |
Deaf children dancing |
T. Ramesh receiving a bouquet |
Voice for the Deaf performing team |
At an event for deaf children ages 3-7, we played musical chairs, ran
relay races, had a drawing competition, and much, much more. We gave each
child a “first prize” (with a special extra gift for the ones
who excelled in the games or competitions) so that every received a very
nice gift bag. Everyone went home a winner!
Big smiles on the children’s faces as they open up their gifts.
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Kids enjoying themselves playing with the balloons |
Counseling Cancer Patients
T. Ramesh & Martine & volunteers, with the Director
& the Resident Medical Officer of a Cancer Hospital
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T. Ramesh distributing glucose to the patients after
a presentation we did at the Govt. MNJ Cancer Hospital |
Caring for the Poor
During “Raksha Bandhan” (the “Festival
of Brotherhood”) we celebrated by having a special day
of fun, games and “family” for the children of
migrant workers.
It was a daylong affair, with games, magic shows,
a ventriloquist, and musical numbers by our performance team
(consisting of some hearing impaired students).
This was followed by a nice lunch of Chicken
Biriyani and ice cream!
In the afternoon we showed a film. Afterwards,
each child received a parting gift that included toothpaste,
toothbrush, soap, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, sweets and
a toy. The kids were “flipped out!” and many of
them said it was the best day in their lives. The joyful faces
and smiling eyes said it all.
To
donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME
and then click here.
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