News

Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within.

Published 2 September 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

“Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.”

These words belong to Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 - June 1, 1968) and were the motto of the Festival of Joy, a campaign organised by the Sense International Romania in June, on the occasion of the Helen Keller International Celebration, which has already become a tradition for us and our partners since 2011.

18 special education schools, partners of Sense International Romania, got involved in this festival of joy. For all those who participated, 578 children and young people with deafblindness, together with 309 parents and teachers, these workshops meant moments of joy, enthusiasm and cheerfulness.

The activities were possible thanks to the generosity of the companies that chose to direct 20% of their profit tax to Sense International Romania in the winter of 2023, to whom we want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts!

The festival also included educational activities that combined learning with fun. Students took part in nature trips and visits to various locations such as animal farms, zoos and factories, where they were able to learn about industrial processes and the environment.

In the multisensory workshops, children explored various textures and materials, stimulating their senses and motor skills. They also participated in sensory trails, psychomotor exercises and games with different sensory materials in the pool, picnics, skill games and sports activities, all of which helped to strengthen the bonds between peers.

Artistic and recreational activities brought a lot of joy to the children, and not only to them. Workshops such as making masks, therapeutic puppets, painting on canvas or decorating t-shirts raised many smiles and helped to develop creativity.

Dance-therapy moments and theater performances were among the students' favorites, giving them the opportunity to move freely and express their emotions through movement.

Congratulations to all the partner schools for the wonderful activities they have carried out and we thank them for the dedication with which they are involved each year!

The first guide for parents of children with deafblindness and sensory disabilities

Published 20 June 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

Bucharest, June 20. Sense International Romania, together with the School Center for Inclusive Education "Cristal" Oradea, the Special Technological High School "Vasile Pavelcu" Iași and the School Center for Inclusive Education "Constantin Pufan" Timișoara, launched today the guide "First steps: a guide for parents of children with deafblindness and sensory disabilities".

The launch took place simultaneously, in Iasi, Oradea and Timișoara, in the presence of over 110 parents, early intervention specialists, representatives of local authorities and medical institutions.

The first steps after learning a diagnosis such as deafblindness (hearing and vision impairment) or sensory disabilities are essential for a parent. The first months are an extremely difficult time for these families, with many questions and intense emotions. The guide launched today is aimed at parents, so they can get all the support and information they need as quickly as possible to support their child's development.

What does early intervention mean? How can we stimulate the child's remaining hearing and sight? How can we ask for family support and what services can we access? These are just some of the topics covered in the guide, in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner.

The material was developed with the help of over 70 parents from Iași, Oradea and Timișoara, who shared their experience, so that it would be as useful as possible for parents at the beginning of the journey.

Accepting the diagnosis is the first important step to a beautiful life. So be it, this is our path and theirs from now on. You, as a parent, will choose whether the road will be with tears or smiles. It's normal to cry, but not all the time. Cry, scream, but promise yourself that the day will come when you wipe your tears and say one morning: What can I do for my child? How do I make him feel that I love him with all my heart? The day you accept the diagnosis, your child's life will be much simpler and easier to live. Acceptance is power. The power to keep your head up, the power not to give up, to bring out the best in your child's potential. N.A., parent

The guide is based on the early intervention experience of the Sense International Romania and the three authors, specialists in early intervention: Mara Apostol, special education teacher at the Special Technological High School "Vasile Pavelcu" Iași, Eva Oprea, pecial education teacher at the School Center for Inclusive Education "Cristal" Oradea, Gabriela Jianu, psychologist at the School Center for Inclusive Education "Constantin Pufan" Timișoara.

The guide was developed within the project of the same name, a project selected and sponsored within the "Community Solutions" Campaign, implemented by Synevo Romania with the support of the Medicover Association.

I am happy every time I have the opportunity to discover good things, which are so much needed in the community. The first guide for parents of children with deafblindness and sensory disabilities, one of the projects sponsored in the second edition of the Solutions for the Community campaign, represents a joint effort and a real support for many families in the country who are looking for solutions to support the children in their struggle. I wish that in the future we will see more and more projects of this kind, and we, Synevo Romania and the Medicover Association, will be among those who make good ideas come to life, as is the case with this much-needed guide created by the partners of at Sense International Romania, adds George Istrate, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Synevo Romania and Director General of the Medicover Association.

The early intervention programme started by Sense International Romania in 2006 produced a strong impact in the lives of hundreds of children with deafblindness/sensory disabilities and their families. Over time, in the three partner early intervention centers in Iași, Oradea and Timișoara, over 800 children have benefited from multisensory stimulation services, functional visual training, perceptual-auditory education, speech therapy, physiotherapy and 1,600 parents and other family members received support and counselling. As a result of the centers' continuous lobbying, with the support of SIR, early intervention was included in the Romanian legislation in June 2022.

Orientation and Mobility in the heart of the mountains

Published 30 May 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

„The coolest thing”

The first trip took place in April, with participants from partner schools in Arad, Bucharest, Iași, Cluj, Tg. Frumos and Timisoara. On the first day, we set off for Sinaia, where we took the cable car up to 1400 meters above sea level. "This is the coolest thing!" was one student's excited exclamation, perfectly capturing the sense of adventure and discovery experienced by all present.

Up on the mountain, we had a picnic and enjoyed the dream scenery and the bright sun. On the way down, a ride on the little train and a visit to the courtyard of the Peleș Castle completed a perfect day.

The second day was dedicated to activities and games for knowledge, skills and development of independent life and socialisation skills, both individually and in teams. We also had a creative workshop where we prepared various arts and crafts for Easter, and at the end everyone expressed their appreciation.

"Everything makes sense in the meetings with Sense"

"Everything makes sense in the meetings with Sense" - this was the motto of the second orientation and mobility trip, organized in May, with participants from Arad, Bucharest, Focșani, Galați, Oradea and Sibiu. This meeting continued the successful tradition of the first trip, emphasising communication, knowledge and acceptance.

And this time, we explored the city of Sinaia, where we had a picnic in the Royal Park and visited the interior of the Peles Castle. The children were particularly impressed by what they discovered inside the castle, every corner of it being a source of fascination and learning.

The next day continued with activities specific to these meetings, in a safe and friendly environment, surrounded by soap bubbles, to the delight of our friend Cola.

Spring raffle

In both the first trip and the second, all participants enjoyed the spring raffle. The sensory gifts added excitement and joy, creating a moment of surprise and reward for all participants. It was an opportunity to celebrate teamwork and give everyone a small souvenir of this memorable experience. Witnessing the excitement of discovery is a magical moment that we cherish!

In conclusion, these two orientation and mobility trips were not only opportunities to learn and explore, but also unforgettable moments of personal connection and growth and the joy of being together with others who share the same challenges and victories. We want to provide valuable support and opportunities for children and young people with deafblindness and multiple sensory disabilities and demonstrate that together any obstacle can be overcome and any adventure can be lived to the fullest.

The fourth edition of the Initiation Course in Deafblindness

Published 29 April 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

Between March 18th and April 19th, 2024, we organized, online, the fourth edition of the Initiation Course in Deafblindness.

The training course had both a synchronous component, with weekly meetings on the Zoom platform, and an asynchronous one, on our e-learning platform, http://www.cursuri.surdocecitate.ro.

For five weeks, the 25 participants - teachers, students, therapists, social workers - learned about the historical context of deafblindness, its main causes, how DB people communicate, important principles regarding orientation and mobility, personal and social development, intervention methods, and the specifics of deafblindness in children and adults.

Every Monday evening, for two hours, the team of trainers addressed these topics with great dedication, offering participants concrete examples from their practical experience, working tools, answers to questions, and encouragement regarding possible obstacles they might encounter in their activity.

Three young people with deafblindness received "Vasile Adamescu" scholarships

For this edition of the Initiation Course in Deafblindness, we offered the opportunity to access the course for free, with the "Vasile Adamescu" scholarship, to six participants, including three young people with deafblindness.

"I had many realizations during the course. I liked the case studies very much, as well as the gentle and warm way the trainers presented. It was as if I lived through the experiences and stories along with them. Listening to them, I realized how many children's souls they have helped and how many parents' souls they have soothen." - O.E.

"I would recommend the course to both teachers and parents"

We concluded this new edition with great confidence that together we can be a real support for people with deafblindness and their families. In total, in the four editions of the initiation course organized online since 2021, we had 110 curious and dedicated participants, joining the over 300 specialists in deafblindness we have trained in our 23 years of activity.

We would like to give special thanks to the three trainers, dedicated professionals and dear friends of our foundation: special education teacher Eva Oprea, psychologist Gabriela Jianu, assistant professor Ioana Tufar, Ph.D.

In the coming period, we are preparing a more complex course, approved by the Ministry of Education and addressed to all those who wish to specialize and deepen their knowledge in this niche field.

"Thank you for sharing a small part of your experience with us. Thank you for your time and availability in providing us with useful materials and resources. For me, at the beginning of my work with children with deafblindness/multiple disabilities, it meant a lot to meet authentic and dedicated professionals. I would recommend this training course to those who work with children and are just starting out, as well as to parents who have children with deafblindness, to understand their needs and especially how they can help them." - C.C.
"I was glad to attend the Initiation Course in Deafblindness with a scholarship. I found myself in many of the case studies presented. The practical examples brought into discussion made the course sessions easy to follow, very interesting, and concrete." - B.S.

How was the conference?

Published 19 March 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

At the opening of the first day of the conference, we were delighted to have the presence of distinguished guests: Mr. Romi Mihăescu, President of the National Authority for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Dolores Maria Neagoe, representative of the Norwegian Embassy in Romania, Ms. Andreea Drăgan and Ms. Iulia Vizi, both representatives of the Foundation for Civil Society Development and the Active Citizens Fund Romania program.

The 68 participants, including 31 people with deafblindness, 15 parents and caregivers, and 12 Romanian Sign Language interpreters, rediscovered the main elements of the project The Voice of People with Deafblindness from Romania, a project carried out over two years (April 2022 - March 2024).

Thus, discussions revolved around the group of 45 people with deafblindness involved in project activities over the past 2 years, activities through which they have come to better know themselves and advocate for their own rights, to have a voice. There was talk about the Introductory Course in Deafblindness for the 17 Romanian Sign Language interpreters, addressing topics related to communication with people with deafblindness, and about promoting the red-and-white cane as a distinctive element drawing attention to the fact that the user is a person with deafblindness.

Additionally, we recalled the two awareness campaigns about the specific aspects of deafblindness, involving over 1.000 children and young people with deafblindness and sensory disabilities from 22 partner schools, along with over 400 teachers and parents.

In the second part of the day, we all visited the Palace of Parliament and extend our heartfelt thanks to our guide, Ms. Irina Pandelas, an Expert at the Center for Organization and Event Promotion within the Romanian Senate.

On the second day of the conference, the three present groups: the group of young people with deafblindness, the group of parents, and the group of interpreters, engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the future steps needed to foster growth, development, and problem-solving within the deafblind community.

Moreover, participants had the opportunity to learn more about Professor Vasile Adamescu (1944-2018), a person with deafblindness who consistently advocated for the rights of deafblind people in Romania.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the guest facilitators who guided the groups in identifying challenges and solutions: Ramona Antonie, psychologist psychotherapist, specializing in couple, family, child autonomy; Assistant Professor Dr. Ioana Tufar, Romanian Sign Language interpreter and national trainer in the field of deafblindness; Steluța Tudose and Professor Viorel Micu, members of the Board of Directors of Sense International Romania Foundation. Additionally, we thank all the interpreters who facilitated communication between participants, with special thanks to Ms. Monica Cătuțoiu, Lena Dermengiu, and Elena Demeter.

We were delighted to have Mr. Romi Mihăescu, President of the National Authority for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with us again at the end of the conference. He brought forth a concrete set of proposals for addressing the challenges faced by the deafblind community in Romania.

The conference concluded with a festive evening where, while enjoying a delicious cake, we all sang Happy Birthday to the new association of deafblind people in Romania, an association born from this project. The event marked the end of the "Voice of People with Deafblindness from Romania" project but also the beginning of a new chapter.

We thank all those present for their involvement, warmth, desire for change, and perseverance!

"The Voice of People with Deafblindness from Romania" is a project carried out by Sense International Romania Foundation in partnership with Sense International, with financial support from the Active Citizens Fund - Romania, a program financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants 2014-2021. The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the EEA and Norwegian Grants 2014-2021; for more information, visit www.eeagrants.org

We work together for a green, competitive, and inclusive Europe.

I too have a voice!

Published 20 February 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

During December 2023 – January 2024, within the 22 special schools partnered with Sense International Romania nationwide, a campaign dedicated to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities took place. Over 800 children with deafblindness and sensory impairments were involved, alongside over 340 teachers, parents, and volunteers.

The main goal was to raise awareness and understanding of deafblindness among the general public, as well as among authorities and institutions in the fields of social services, healthcare, and education.

Pottery-therapy

The activities were based on art therapy, particularly pottery therapy, which proved to be an effective means of expression and communication for children with such disabilities. Pottery therapy is a form of expression that allows pupils to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a creative and accessible way.

Through pottery molding, the pupils had the opportunity to manifest their inner world and translate their inner experiences into material forms. The artworks created were diverse and varied, including objects in different shapes and colors, such as beads, bracelets, Christmas tree decorations, refrigerator magnets, snowman figurines, candle holders, pretzels, elephants, migratory birds, and many more. The campaign slogan, "I too have a voice!", was reflected in each creation made, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and listening to the voice of each individual, regardless of the mode of expression.

Impact on Children

It is also essential to mention the positive impact that this type of activity has on the individual development of pupils. Through engagement in the creative process and through art therapy, students had the opportunity to develop fine motor skills, freely express their thoughts and emotions, and strengthen their confidence in their ability to make their voice heard in the world. Thus, this campaign was not only an opportunity for awareness but also a means of providing confidence in their abilities for individuals with deafblindness and multiple sensory impairments.

In memory of Professor Vasile Adamescu

As we do every year, we dedicate this campaign to the memory of Professor Vasile Adamescu (1944-2018), a remarkable individual who, despite being completely blind and deaf, achieved remarkable feats in life, becoming a teacher, writer, and sculptor, a true advocate for the rights of individuals with deafblindness.

"The Voice of People with Deafblindness from Romania" is a project carried out by Sense International Romania Foundation in partnership with Sense International, with financial support from the Active Citizens Fund - Romania, a program financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants 2014-2021. The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the EEA and Norwegian Grants 2014-2021; for more information, visit www.eeagrants.org

"We work together for a green, competitive, and inclusive Europe."

I want to be heard and seen!

Published 7 February 2024 | By surdocecitate.ro

I too have a voice! I want to be heard and seen!

With this emotional message and the certainty that we are stronger together, we concluded the fourth workshop organized within the project "The Voice of People with Deafblindness in Romania," which took place in Bușteni from January 11th to 14th.

23 people with deafblindness, along with 11 family members (mothers, a father, and a life partner), discussed the need to establish an association for people with deafblindness in Romania, reviewing the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the deafblind community as identified in the previous workshop.

They discussed what this association could do to improve the lives of people with deafblindness and expressed their support and desire to get involved.

Through Sense International Romania, participants received detailed information about the steps necessary to establish an association, from drafting a statute document to choosing the organization's leadership and setting priorities.

After the plenary discussions, participants worked in small teams and came up with proposals for the name and logo of the future association: Association of People with Deafblindness in Romania, Deafblindness Romania, and I Want to Be Heard and Seen were just a few of their creative ideas.

Subsequently, participants with varying degrees of deafblindness became directors, scriptwriters, and actors in emotional short plays with the following themes: Accessibility, Specialized Interpreters in the Language of Deafblind People, Awareness Activities for Deafblindness, and Independent Living.

Through realistic scenes, we witnessed some of the situations that a person with deafblindness may face in everyday life, the support she/he needs at work, in a store, or on the street, as well as possible solutions to enjoy an independent life.

The group of people with deafblindness will gather in Bucharest from March 14-17, accompanied by family members, Romanian Sign Language interpreters, and interpreters trained in the specific language of deafblind individuals. They will also be joined by guests representing national authorities at the conference that will mark the conclusion of the project "The Voice of People with Deafblindness in Romania."

The connections made and plans set for a future association of people with deafblindness will, however, continue to develop even after the conclusion of this project.

The Voice of people with Deafblindness in Romania is implemented by the Foundation Sense International Romania in partnership with Sense International UK, with the financial support of Active Citizens Fund Romania, programme funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants Grants 2014 -2021. The content of this materiale does not necessarily reflect the official position of the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021; for more information visit www.eeagrants.org. More details about Active Citizens Fund Romania are available at www.activecitizensfund.ro.

Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe

A new organisation is being born…

Published 19 December 2023 | By surdocecitate.ro

Bogdan, Cătălin, Crina, Delia, Emina, Iohana, Ionel, Iulian, Mădălina, Mario and Oana, the 11 participants in the workshop I too have a voice!, the third workshop organised within the project "The voice of people with deafblindness in Romania", took the decision to found an association of people with deafblindness in Romania.

During the workshop that took place in Predeal, between December 14-17, 2023, the 11 participants, together with 3 family members and the rest of the Sense International Romania team, discussed and debated the challenges faced by people with deafblindness in Romania. Thus, the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the deafblind community were identified and some priorities for the future were outlined.

The discussions were facilitated by a Romanian sign language interpreter, Monica Cătuțoiu, a graduate of our initiation course in deafblindness for interpreters in RSL, organised in the fall of this year.

The fact that a working team has already been created, a diverse group of people with deafblindness with different life experiences, with self-confidence and desire for change, a group that is starting to know their rights and demand their respect: here are some from the strengths identified by the participants.

Collaboration with other associations of people with deafblindness in the world, but also with Sense International Romania, with authorities and educational institutions, identifying and attracting new members to the group, the diversity of communication methods and the emergence of new technologies that support communication, all these are just some of the opportunities discussed.

Isolation, limited access to information and insufficient support resources, low visibility, poor knowledge and understanding of deafblindness are some of the weaknesses identified, alongside perhaps the most important weakness: the lack of a representative association for people with deafblindness.

Added to these are external threats related to the small number of identified deafblind people, the fact that although deafblindness is recognized by Romanian legislation as a distinct disability, the criteria for classifying it as a specific disability are missing. The lack of deafblind adapted sign language interpreters or a communication guide was another difficulty identified by participants.

I was very happy to be able to take part in this activity. It was a very beautiful and valuable experience from many points of view. Thus, it was an opportunity to broaden my horizon of knowledge regarding the specific characteristics of deafblindness and to reflect, together with my fellow participants, on the main challenges it entails, as well as on potential solutions. I also had the joy of seeing old friends again and making new friendships.
Throughout the three days spent at Predeal, the atmosphere was warm, the work sessions being seasoned with group walks, with special culinary experiences and finished with a surprise moment prepared by the Sense International Romania team, in the form of a campfire and gifts given on the occasion of the approaching Christmas.B
Bogdan S.

Starting from those identified above, the participants present established together a series of priorities for the future: first of all, the establishment of an association of people with deafblindness in Romania.

Then, this newly established association will be able to actively campaign for the improvement of the legislation, mainly regarding the creation of criteria for inclusion in the type of disability "deafblindness" and the resolution of issues related to the adapted sign language interpreter/communication guide. It can increase the level of awareness and sensitization of the general public and the authorities regarding the specifics of deafblindness and actively engage in programs to develop personal autonomy.

In January, we will continue the process with the fourth and final workshop, where a larger number of deafblind participants will continue the discussions and, if they wish, will join the process of establishing the association.

In March 2024, we will organize the closing conference of the project in Bucharest, on which occasion all those involved, people with deafblindness, family members, Romanian sign language interpreters, together with guests from the national authorities, will share the results obtained in the two years of implementation and will together draw up the strategy for the near future.

The Voice of people with Deafblindness in Romania is implemented by the Foundation Sense International Romania in partnership with Sense International UK, with the financial support of Active Citizens Fund Romania, programme funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants Grants 2014 -2021. The content of this materiale does not necessarily reflect the official position of the EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021; for more information visit www.eeagrants.org. More details about Active Citizens Fund Romania are available at www.activecitizensfund.ro.

Working together for a green, competitive and inclusive Europe

You do this profession out of vocation

Published 6 December 2023 | By surdocecitate.ro

Viorel is a special education teacher at the high school for visually impaired children in Cluj, the same high school he graduated from. At 7 years old, he came to Cluj-Napoca to study, and after high school, he pursued special education. In 2007, he started working alongside his teacher and mentor, Vasile Adamescu, a person with deafblindness.

"Almost everything I am today is due to him, and I have tried to steal as many of his qualities as possible" Viorel says about Mr. Adamescu, whom he describes as "a mountain of a man in a fragile body." He worked as an interpreter and communication guide for Mr. Adamescu for 11 years, and his mentor inspired him as a teacher also.

"I always say that my students are like my own children, that's how I feel about them. When you enter the classroom, their faces light up, they shout your name, jump and embrace you. It's the most important moment of the day, of the month, the year!", says Viorel.

He first heard about the Sense International Romania (SIR) when he was a student, also from Mr. Adamescu. In 2006, he accompanied him to a meeting, and after that followed conferences and roundtable discussions, meetings with specialists in the field, authorities, and individuals with deafblindness. He has fond memories of their first outdoor trip, when they climbed a mountain and took a boat ride on the Danube, as well as the conferences organized by SIR.

"Everything SIR does is at European level, every meeting. At the 2015 Deafblind International conference in Bucharest, there were people from about 40 countries. I think there were 400 people; it was like an anthill. We had the opportunity to meet many specialists, people whose articles we had read, but also people with deafblindness who excelled at what they did", remembers Viorel.

Another aspect he appreciates is the training courses organized by SIR, especially considering the fact that "universities only provide theoretical support and very little practical training." He completed the first edition of the online initiation course in 2021. He remembers eagerly awaiting the Monday evenings when the live sessions with the trainers took place.

Very informative were the meetings organized by SIR together with local and central authorities. This is how he learned about the services provided by the state and was able to guide parents accordingly.

In his opinion, the early intervention program developed by SIR was also very important: "early intervention is essential for a child with deafblindness. The early years are crucial in a child's life, and without this early intervention, they fall behind. When you have a child in kindergarten or school who has benefited from early intervention, the difference is clear" he emphasizes.

The young teacher considers the work of SIR to be very important and sometimes wonders what would have happened in Romania had the organization not existed: "probably, we wouldn't know what deafblindness means; we wouldn't have this term. Maybe there wouldn't be early intervention, and there wouldn't be such excellent teachers and many other things" he concludes.

Viorel is greatly motivated when he sees the progress of his students, their desire to learn and overcome their condition.

"I have a pupil at school who started speaking at the age of 12. And last year, she started learning to write and read, to do calculations. Now she is 14 years old and can write letter by letter, dictation-style" he adds. In the classroom, he works hard to teach his students life skills: they go out together on the streets, take the bus, visit parks, museums, and supermarkets. Thursdays are usually spent in the skills room where they cook, iron clothes, vacuum, and use other household appliances. Wednesday is cooking day.

"We think about what recipe to make, write it down, list the ingredients and preparation method, divide the tasks. We make our shopping list and go to the store; each person buys their items from the list and pays. So it's a whole adventure" Viorel adds.

He believes that love for this profession and creativity are the key ingredients.

"A special education teacher must love their profession very much, and be very creative. Everything is done with heart in this profession; you do it out of vocation."

Driven by his vocation, he works with his children with multisensory impairments and feels his work has a big impact. This way, he carries on the legacy of Mr. Vasile Adamescu, whom he constantly feels by his side. "I always feel his energy! It's interesting that in the classroom where he worked, on the ground floor, you can still smell the scent of clay and other substances he used. I constantly sense him next to me. A large part of what I am able to do at school today is thanks to him because he was absolutely stellar in the classroom, even though he lacked sight and hearing."

We have to move forward and leave the adversities behind

Published 27 October 2023 | By surdocecitate.ro

Alexandra is a 23 years old young woman with deafblindness.

She was born prematurely at 7 months, and that's when her fightbegan.

"They placed her in my arms and told me: your child will not hear, will not walk, will not speak, will have paralysis either in one hand or on one leg. I was scared! Then I told myself that my daughter has to be strong. I brought her home and put her on the bed; I was even afraid to lift her up. It was very difficult in the beginning!", her mother recalls.

Later on, her mother noticed that the baby didn't make many sounds, so she decided to take her for a thorough examination. This was followed by many therapies and treatments.

"It was very difficult in the beginning, until she grew a bit, but we got through it. Little by little, day by day. With check-ups, visits, massage, physiotherapy, injections, and she kept progressing", her mother adds.

At the age of 4, Alexandra said "mom" for the first time, and at 6,she took her first steps. Little by little, Alexandra became more independent, and now she communicates verbally.

The group helps me communicate better

Alexandra learned about Sense International Romania (SIR) when she was a pupil, at school. She was curious to know more and joined the group of young people with deafblindness that the organization works with. "I was very curious to see how things work there. I spent days with friends who have deafblindness, and it was very interesting", she remembers.

She participated in several trips organized by SIR and has fond memories from the mountains or from the seaside, where she rode the cable car and met other young people with deafblindness, just like her, from various cities in the country.

"The group helps me to be more open, and communicate better," Alexandra says.

We have to move forward!

Her mother was also happy when she found out what deafblindness exactly meant and that she could meet other children and parents going through similar situations.

"I was happy when I learned about deafblindness; I realized that there are other children like her. I wanted to meet them; I thought maybe they would become friends with my child! I wanted to share with them what I had learned and to have the opportunity to communicate with them", Alexandra's mother emphasizes.

It has been a long journey for the two of them, mother and daughter, and it continues with new challenges. For the past few months, Alexandra has been working full-time at the same factory as her mother. Working eight hours a day in three different shifts is tiring for her, but she enjoys it and is proud that she can do it. She now wants to save money for driving school and, if possible, even have a car.

Her mother would like to encourage other parents with similar stories: "They should start somewhere, even if it's difficult! We have to move forward, leave the difficulties behind a bit for them! We can't leave them behind! You can be anyone, you deserve to be helped!"

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