CHENNAI – 6 Nov, 2026 Sense International India, in collaboration with The Spastics Society of Tamil Nadu (SPASTN), organised a press conference at the Press Club, Chennai, today to highlight the need for accurate identification and representation of people with deafblindness in Census 2027, accessible information and greater opportunities for women with deafblindness to participate in leadership and decision-making.
The press conference was led by adults with deafblindness from Udaan, Sense India’s national network of approximately 280 adults with deafblindness across 25 states.
Four women with deafblindness from the Udaan Network shared their journeys, experiences and aspirations with media representatives. Ganga, 27, from Bathery, Wayanad, is an independent professional who handles Malayalam typing for her organisation and travels independently. Syed Ali Fathima, 25, holds a Master’s degree in English from Queen Mary’s College and is preparing for competitive examinations for banking and government jobs. Yasmin Babu, a woman with deafblindness, is building her independence through tailoring and vocational skills in Tamil Nadu.
Together, the speakers brought diverse perspectives on education, vocational training, professional aspirations, independence and creative expression, demonstrating the importance of recognising the abilities, choices and aspirations of women with deafblindness.
Deafblindness is a distinct disability arising from a combination of hearing and vision impairments, significantly affecting how individuals communicate, access information, navigate their surroundings and participate in everyday life.
A key focus of the press conference was the upcoming Census 2027, which presents an important opportunity to address the invisibility of people with deafblindness in India’s data systems.
Commenting on the engagement, Uttam Kumar, CEO, Sense International India, said, “Girls and women with deafblindness must be recognised not merely as beneficiaries of services, but as leaders, advocates and decision-makers. Our role is to create spaces where their voices are heard and included in decisions that shape their lives.”