The Cybernetic Approach

"Language is the channel through which you become expressive. Language acquisition takes place almost automatically and in due course for people with normal vision and hearing. However the Deaf & Deafblind must first learn to communicate using language before they can move on using technology".
"But, how do you expect a Deafblind person to use the PC or even the typewriter without knowing the alphabet? For that, they must first learn to communicate through sign language, palm printing, writing and reading in Braille," adds Vacha.

She reflects, "Most suggestions centred on imprinting the tactile Braille script on the keyboard. Again, that would mean undermining their intelligence. I insisted that all the Deafblind learned touch-typing, a pre-requisite to operate the keyboard. While our aim is to work effectively with electronic technology, we cannot afford to ignore manual technology such as the portable 'Brailler' that teaches alphanumeric typing in Braille. We essentially follow a cybernetic approach."

Teaching with Tender Loving Care

Katy Gundevia has been teaching English and other subjects at HKIDB for three years. She says, "My initial reaction when I was faced with the prospect of teaching them was - how can I do it? I learned palm printing and sign language. On hearing that we would soon use computers, I was instantly relieved! the familiar sight of the PC was encouraging. It is now easier to communicate with students through computers."
The students are very enthusiastic about using computers and often try to monopolies the machine! They are taught the aids and appliances necessary to operate the computer - starting with the typewriter to learn touch typing, followed by the Perkins Brailler (a special Braille type writer) and finally moving on to computer keyboard.
           The Deafblind and the Blind cannot see the monitor and the mouse serves no purpose either. This is where the electronic Braille display board comes in. This display board indicates each & every change that takes place on the monitor.
           The Deafblind & the blind can understand these changes by moving their fingertips across the cells on the display board, which are in Braille.
           The Braille cells move as data is entered through the keyboard enabling the Deafblind to read the text on the screen, maneuver accordingly, make changes and even e-mail, surf and download content from the Internet.  

The Computerised Mini Braille Press

An integral part of HKIDB is the pioneering Computerised Mini Braille Press project, set up in January 2002. Here, the Deaf and Deafblind are trained to use the computers and undertake computer-related programming and designing. This computer training unit-cum-mini Braille press produces a variety of materials to suit the needs of the Deafblind / Blind / Low Vision / Sighted and Hearing individuals.

The Deaf students re trained in graphic design an produce tactile graphic educational material. While, the blind, those who are proficient in Braille, help in proofreading. the newsletter Deafblindness in Aisa: A Communication Link is composed and published by the Braille Press and is circulated among all centers for the Deafblind in Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.
          Vacha says, "The success of our Computerised Mini Braille Press is thanks to the contribution of the Rangoonwala Foundation, U.K. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the British High Commission, Christoffel Blindenmission and other donors. We are equally grateful to our trainers for their efforts to teach the students."

The Process 

A software called JAWS (Jobs Accessing With Speech) enables the blind (who have normal hearing) to use computers by listening to the audio interactions.

JAWS is also essential for synthesizing text or commands on screen into Braille, which then appear on the electronic Braille display board. The Deaf who have normal vision work on Graphics using Coreldraw, while the printing & packaging jobs are looked after by the Deafblind

Computer trainer Devyani P states, "We had nobody to emulate and had to start from cratch. We researched a lot to produce material in Braille and normal print. we started with greeting cards."

Tools & Techniques

The Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) is a software that translates text, say, from Ms Word, into Braille. Printouts in Braille can be taken through an embosser. Even those who do not know Braille, can type in regular English and print in Braille, which otherwise would be time-consuming and tedious even for those who can write in Braille.

At The Workshop

Assistant computer trainer Pradip Sinha (25) has a family in Kolkata, while he stays in Mumbai, as the facilities provided by HKIDB are not available elsewhere.

Devkumar (25) who is Deaf, is the DTP operator. The hearing-impaired but extraordinarily talented Mahesh Joshi (31) and Dhirendra Dubey (27) are graphic designers. A first-year B.Com students, Aarti Shetty (20) is hearing impaired and works as the data entry operator. Naina (30) was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and her vision and hearing is on the decline. She says, "In seven months I have learnt Braille, computers, candle and perfume making and other crafts. I am glad to be independent."
          Incidentally, Dhale (27) is one of the people responsible for teaching Amitabj Bachchan manual communication for the Deafblind for the film Black, where the Big B plays the teacher of a Deafblind girl. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his team visited HKIDB to study the characteristics of the Deafblind.  

Income Generation

Balaji J, administrator at the Braille Press says, "Our assignment range from printing stationary, brochures to educational material. These assignments help us disburse stipends and salaries to the Deaf & Deafblind who work in the Braille Press."

Their clientele reads Sunchem Corp, Sauradip Chemical Industries, Fine Stitches, Tankaria Exim, Shreepal & Company and various other firms. They recently completed an assignment for the Mumbai District AIDS Control Society a brochure in Hindi and English with 5,000 copies in normal print and 10,000 in Braille. They received a work order for 2,500 copies from Dignity Foundation. At present, they are working on a safety introduction manual in Braille for Jet Airways.
At exhibition and displays of the Braille Press products, visitors are stunned to see he Deaf and Deafblind expertly handled computers. Through learning and using computers, the physically handicapped can become contributing members of the society and lead successful lives.