Project Managers
Raman Mehra and Tepu Khieya
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Visakhapatnam, India
Family Services Vizag
Project No: I24
Project Managers:
Raman Mehra
and Tepu Khieya
Contact Info:
harbourhome@dataone.in
Family Services Vizag developed a program
for deaf youth which focuses on teaching them both to communicate
and adjust to society, the second element an attempt to countering
the tendency of local mores to ostracize those with handicaps. So
in addition to the educational aspect, the program is designed to
help the deaf overcome the immense emotional and psychological effect
their handicap has had on them.
Family Services Vizag offers their social
and educational programs in Visakhapatnam and neighboring districts
of Kakinada, Vizianagram, Anakapalli and Srikakulam. Additionally,
they oversee a similar work in Kolkata, which was established some
years back.
The regular classes and seminars offered by Family
Services Vizag allows deaf youth the opportunity for proficiency
in sign language, English language (utilizing visual aids) and computer
skills, all crucial in allowing them a fuller lifestyle and livelihood.
The Family Services Vizag program includes
an interactive club for the exchange of character building ideals
and ideas, all within the vision of each deaf student developing
the ability to stimulate and teach ideas. The deaf youth in turn
reach out to many other deaf throughout the region.
In the educational field, Family Services Vizag
also provide quality training programs for teachers and parents
to help them cope better with the challenges of raising and teaching
deaf children in the rapidly changing school and home environment. |
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To
donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME
and then click here.
English Language Classes
Computer Classes for the Deaf
Interactive Club for Exchange of Ideals
Promoting Advocacy for the Deaf
Teaching Seminars
Real Life Story of Kana Babu
Kanababu was born deaf in a small village near Visakhapatnam. He moved
from his little village to Visakhapatnam to complete his basic education.
When he met the Family Services, he had no knowledge of English. Gradually
he has learned basic English and is able to communicate and explain himself.
After a lot of training he has gained confidence to do direct marketing.
Kana Babu with his wife Kanaka and
children, Karun (7 yrs old) and
Kavya (2 yrs old). |
Karun and sister. They are both hearing.
Karun is studying in one of the best
schools in this city. |
Kana Babu got married to Kanaka who is also deaf. We helped them through
marriage counseling and also helped Kanaka through her two pregnancies.
They love their two children who are both hearing and growing very normal.
It is very cute to see little baby Kavya (2yrs old) signing for water
or food etc to her parents. Kana babu has been supporting his family through
the direct marketing that the Family Services has set up for him. His
wife Kanaka is also actively engage in the deaf centre, counseling and
teaching other deaf girls. She also learned English through Family Services
and now has a job in a government university. Their older son gets a good
education which is sponsored by a friend of ours. Kana Babu is also instrumental
in organizing a lot meetings and events that are held for the deaf.
Instruction for Parents and Teachers of the Deaf
Meet the Purosothams
While visiting a doctor friend, one of our staff was introduced to Mr.
Purosotham. We soon learned that he and his wife had an 11 year old daughter,
Tabitha, who was deaf . The Purosothams had been hesitant to let Tabitha
learn sign language as they instead hoped she could learn to speak. At
the same time, they as parents were unsure of their decision, and wracked
with guilt about their daughter’s handicap.
We invited the family to our Deaf Center and met their very sweet, beautiful
and intelligent daughters. The whole family sat in our classes, and decided
to accept our invitation for Tabitha to learn sign language.
Sitting in on the next class, and watching their daughter’s eyes
beaming as she vibrantly communicated with others, the Purosothams saw
how a whole new world had opened up for her through learning sign.
We then watched a video we use in our program about a young man who has
no arms nor legs, and yet amazingly, has learned to overcome and operate
independently, accepting his handicaps and now has a worldwide public
speaking ministry, which touches and inspires many. They realized that
if some one like him could accept his handicap, could they not do the
same for their daughter? They have since come to realize that God has
a special plan for Tabitha and overcome their own personal feelings of
guilt as a result.
Empowering Deaf Women
Sewing as a Vocation
Donated Cell Phones
So how would the deaf use cell phones? -- Text messaging!
Deaf people miss announcments in train stations, and end up missing a
crucial train departing from another track, which could result in a missed
job interview.
Or how do deaf children and/or parents communicate about being late returning
from school, or agreeing on a place to rendezvous? - Not to speak of needing
help, or finding themselves in danger?
So Family Services Vizag contacted local businesspersons to
make a donation to purchase a bulk number of cell phones. These donated
cell phones were distributed to the most responsible and active deaf young
persons, who thus became able to keep in touch with FSV, as well with
their families.
Other Specialised Functions
AIDS Awareness and Prevention
Rotary Club presentation and support
Seminar attendees relaxing together over the meal
Excursions
To
donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME
and then click here.
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