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Sense International works in partnership to provide services and raise awareness of the needs of deafblind people and their families so they can connect, participate and contribute to their communities.

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• People's stories

Rajesh's Story

Rajesh was born with Usher syndrome, a genetic disorder which is a leading cause of deafblindness. He had a hearing impairment from birth and lost his vision as he grew older. Before losing his sight, Rajesh went to a school for deaf children, but when he became deafblind there was nobody to teach him to communicate and he was confined to his home. When his younger sister was also diagnosed as profoundly deaf, the family virtually lost hope. But Rajesh's mother kept up her search for professional support, as she and Rajesh developed their own way of communicating using her limited knowledge of sign language.

The Blind People's Association, an early partner of Sense International India, heard about Rajesh and contacted him. Initially the family was hesitant, but Rajesh's mother accepted the challenge of training her children. The Association's community-based workers identified Rajesh's strengths and built on these with the full participation of his family.

Rajesh, now 27, is a successful businessman in Limdi, Gujarat. He runs a sweet shop and specialises in preparing snacks such as samosas, fafdas and jalebi. Like any son he is proud to be able to support his parents. Away from work he enjoys watching his favourite movies late into the night, seeing them through his mother's eyes as she translates every scene through tactile signs. Rajesh's aim now is to learn English so that he can communicate using American Sign Language and travel to other Indian cities with his friends from the adult deafblind network.

The difference Sense International has made to Rajesh's life is enormous. His story, success and ambitions show what can be achieved.

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