Deafblind too need ‘Technology’

Sense India hosted a side event on 15th February 2021 on “Social Development of Persons with Deafblindness in South Asia" during the UN CSocD59. It opened the platform to people with deafblindness from India, Nepal and Bangladesh to talk about their experiences with technology. These young and motivated individuals highlighted the gains of technology, the obstacles they faced, its possible solutions and how the State and Tech companies can do their bit to #LeaveNoOneBehind.

The side event was introduced by Shrutilata Singh, and the panelists included Asha Patwal- India, Pushpa Raj Rimal- Nepal, Farjana Yesmin- Bangladesh, Sakti Prakash Lamichhane- Nepal and Motiur RahmanBangladesh. Ishan Chakraborty- Moderator.

Asha Patwal, a panelist from India stressed on the best parts of internet and living in a digital world. During the lockdown technology became a blessing. She said, “Technology has been a blessing in the pandemic. It helped me connect with my family and friends. My education moved online and learning didn’t stop. I learned net banking and kept up with local and global news.”

In order for technology to be accessible, it needs to reach the people who need it. Pushpa Raj Rimal from Nepal said, “The most important senses are seeing and hearing. So, when both these senses are gone the alternative is to use technology.” Though technology has made the lives of people with deafblindness easier, the troubles in acquiring them is not lost on him. He says, “The devices are not easily available, not user friendly and costly in developing countries.”

Motiur Rahman from Bangladesh said that though the benefits of technology like smartphones are endless it would make no difference if one doesn’t have the means to own it. As he does not own a smartphone, he is lagging behind in class. Motiur also pointed out that location plays a big role in accessing technology. Most of the people with deafblindness in India, Nepal and Bangladesh live in remote and rural areas where advanced technological devices cannot reach and be afforded.

While moderating the session Ishan Chakraborty stressed on why technology should be away from the charity model. “We have been talking about how the State should take the responsibility of distributing technological devices, but here I want to say that let it (technology) not be a charity model of disability.

We want it to be recognised as our Right to access technology. It should move beyond the narrow arena of tokenism. It is our Right to access the digital world. An attitudinal change along with an infrastructural change must be brought about in the field of technology. They forget that we are customers of technology as well.”

Their solutions:

• Devices are expensive
  Cutting down the cost of devices like smartphones where the state can take the responsibility.

• Making technology available
  The State should take the responsibility of making technology accessible to people with deafblindness, even in remote areas.

• Training
  It is necessary that people with deafblindness are provided training for using new technology that could make their lives easier. It is the only way to know and practice new technology.

Event Flyer:

Event recording available at following link: https://drive.google.com/le/d/1LxWeQMhyul2Mep0KfSPeS

For more information, please visit: https://www.senseintindia.org/