Understanding Deafblindness with Akhil S. Paul

This film features Akhil S. Paul, Founder-Director, Sense International, and an expert in the field of deafblindness, as he unpacks the complexity, challenges and nuances of this often-misunderstood disability. Through personal reflections and professional insights, Akhil explains that deafblindness is a distinct and multifaceted condition. Through Akhil’s voice, this film also explores the spectrum of deafblindness, the limitations of existing training systems and the need for dedicated support structures.

You can navigate to the specific topics using the following chapters:
00:00 – Ritika Sahni’s introduction to the film
00:18 – Akhil S. Paul on deafblindness
03:36 – Do you provide training programs for individuals seeking to work with persons with multiple disabilities?
5:12 – Are there any current research initiatives focused on understanding the causes of deafblindness?
6:58 – What is the estimated number of deafblind individuals in our country, based on available statistics?
7:31 – What challenges do parents of individuals with deafblindness typically face?
10:53 – Could you provide examples of successful individuals from across the country who are deafblind?
13:42 – Could you tell us about the technology available for people with deafblindness?
15:11 – How does the sign language used by a deaf person differ from that used by a deafblind person?
16:39 – What initiatives or training programs are being implemented to support and empower individuals with deafblindness?
21:41 – How do individuals with deafblindness manage feelings of boredom, or loneliness caused by communication barriers and what impact does this have on their mental health?