School for the Deafblind
About Deafblindness
Deafblindness is a unique disability – a combination of visual and hearing impairments. Though the degree of deafness varies, the combination of dual sensory loss leads to unique problems in an individual’s communication, mobility and the ability to access information.
Mathru in association with Sense International India, aims to create a greater sensitivity to challenges that deafblind individuals face in their day-to-day simple chores. Our aim is to encourage education and rehabilitation of deafblind people in karnataka, with the ultimate aim of taking them on the path to inclusion.
Mathru Deafblind Project
- This project was started in 2014 with the support of Sense India
- At present, there are 88 DB/MSI children, 44 deafblind adults and 15 home based, 25 centre-based and 32 children under support service in Mathru D J Halli centre.
- Centre is well equipped with all infrastructure and specially trained teachers.
Objectives of the Project
- Address the needs of deafblind children in Karnataka
- Early intervention
- Support the parents of deafblind children
- Provide medical facilities for deafblind children
- Undertake research programmes
- Build strong network of teachers, parents and volunteer groups
- crete awareness programmes for the community at large.
Activities at the Centre
- Communication skills
- Developing social relationship
- Mobility
- Daily living skills
- Speech therapy
- Sign Language
- Physical and mental exercise
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Sensory ability training
- Pre-vocational training
Facilities Provided
- Nutritive Supplements
- Uniforms and sweaters
- Medicines
- Aids and appliances
- Service of special educators, physiotherapist and speech therapist
- Getting Government benefits
- Home based services
- Support services
Deafblind Centre at D J Halli
With the effort of management and parent's association of deafblind children, Mathru got suitable premises at Devara Jevana Halli (D J Halli) Tannery Road in 2017, which houses better infrastructure.
Mathru Programs on Deafblindness in Other Districts
>Mathru is aiming to conduct sensitization programs for deafblind in all the districts of Karnataka. Such programs have been conducted in Bangalore Rural, Bangalore Urban, Mandya, Chikkaballapura, Kolar and Tumkur districts. The participants included Government officials, special educators, medical and para-medical professionals and NGO’s.
Pre-Vocational Training for Deafblind
Mathru has started a pre-vocational training centre for deafblind and appointed a qualified vocational trainer to train them. These children have been trained in book binding, screen printing, phenyl, soap oil making, paperbag making, tea making, vegetable cutting and gardening.
Parent's Association
The parents of deafblind and multi-sensory disabled children have formed a registered association called "Ektha" in 2018 to fight for the rights and welfare of their children.
Impact of Deafblind Project
- Deafblind children are trained with mobility, communication skills, living skills etc.
- Conducted various sensitization programs at state level to create awareness for parents, special educators, medical and para-medicals.
- Created a network of parents of deafblind children.
- Built a good network with Government officials, Asha and Health workers, Anganwadi, Sarva Shikshana Abhiyan teachers and NGO professionals.
- Supported parents to get available benefits from the different departments of Government.