Bhubaneswar:July 7 {UDN}: On the occasion of Helen Keller’s birth anniversary, renewed demands have been made in Odisha for the separate identification and comprehensive welfare of people who are both deaf and blind (deafblind).
According to disability rights advocates, while the state identifies and provides support separately for persons with hearing impairment and visual impairment, those who have both disabilities are not recognized as a distinct category. As a result, they are often deprived of specialized education, rehabilitation services, and government welfare schemes.
Data from the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) indicates that Odisha has around 12.11 lakh persons with disabilities, including approximately 5.11 lakh visually impaired individuals. The remaining population includes persons with hearing and speech impairments, among other disabilities. However, there is no separate database for deafblind persons.
Helen Keller, who was herself deaf, blind, and unable to speak, became a global symbol of courage and determination. She dedicated her life to advocating for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities, traveling across five continents and also working for peace during and after the World Wars.
Marking her birth anniversary, the National Federation of the Blind, Odisha has urged the state government to introduce a dedicated policy for deafblind individuals. The organization has demanded their separate identification, establishment of specialized schools, and access to essential benefits such as health insurance, housing assistance, and other social welfare schemes.
The federation believes that recognizing deafblind persons as a separate category would help ensure that they receive targeted support and equal opportunities, enabling them to lead more independent and dignified lives.
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