In Romania: Young people with deafblindness found the Association Beyond Senses
In Romania, a group of young people with deafblindness have founded a new Organisation of People with Disabilities with the support of Sense International. The Assocation Beyond Senses will advocate for and represent people with multisensory disabilities in Romania, carrying out programmes, projects and activities with the purpose of advocating for social inclusion and improving quality of life.
Under these objectives, it plans to draw the community’s attention to the uniqueness of the disability, and to raise awareness of the rights of people with deafblindness and the responsibilities of employers, educators, and civil society towards them. It aims to collaborate with other governmental and non-governmental institutions and organisations in Romania and abroad to drive progress, organise training courses, conferences, and events, and promote the inclusion of people with deafblindness in the country.
For 30 years Sense International Romania has worked to promote the rights of people with deafblindness and amplify their voices. The founders of the Association Beyond Senses, many of whom have been supported by the organisation, are now working in partnership to build this new association by and for people with disabilities, and advocate for a better, more equal, and more equitable future. It is incredible to see the leadership and ownership that these young people, such as Founding President Oana Ene, are taking, giving us hope that the future of disability advocacy is in safe hands.
Oana’s Story
Oana grew up with visual impairments, but wasn’t aware she also had hearing loss until she was 20 years old. When she received this diagnosis, her world opened up; she was able to explain her communication needs to her colleagues, and by working together she was better able to participate in discussions and projects. For Oana, that was the beginning of real inclusion; she now strives to ensure that every person with deafblindness is included at every stage of life, leading her to found the Association Beyond Senses. She shared:
“We want this association to bring real support, visibility and a strong voice for our community… When the senses are silent, the soul begins to speak. And today, we speak with confidence and courage!”
Oane Ene, President of the Association Beyond Senses
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