On July 26, the Association Beyond Senses, the association of people with deafblindness in Romania, was launched in Bucharest, in the presence of a group of young people with deafblindness, their families and those who have been and still are by their side in this endeavour.

It was an event full of emotions, with a lot of warmth in everyone's souls. The three founding members, Oana Ene – president, along with Crina Gherghel and Iulian Duluman – vice-presidents, told those present why they felt the need to establish this new association, as well as what their plans for the future are.

"We want this association to bring real support, visibility and a strong voice for our community. It is an important step towards more acceptance, accessibility and representation. When the senses are silent, the soul begins to speak. And today, we speak with confidence and courage!", Oana conveyed to everyone present.

We were delighted to have special guests who promised to support the group in this endeavour: Mr. Romi Mihăescu, Secretary General of the National Authority for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity; Mr. Daniel Lolici, President of the National Association of the Deaf in Romania; Ms. Kavita Prasad, CEO of Sense International UK; Ms. Gina Chiriac, President of the Romanian Association of Integrative Psychotherapy. Representatives of the Nelumbo Foundation and the Foundation for the Development of Civil Society (Active Citizens Fund programme) were also present, without whom this association would not have been possible.

In the sensory tent set up at the event, the guests had the opportunity to experience for a few moments what deafblindness means and how the loss of sight and hearing brings a new perspective on life. In the presence of Viorel Micu, former interpreter and communication guide of Professor Vasile Adamescu (1944-2018), the guests were able to admire sculptures made by him, telling stories about the man who was a true promoter of the rights of deafblind people in Romania.

The group of deafblind youth and family members visited the Museum of Senses, stepping into a world where the senses come to life through over 50 captivating installations and interactive attractions. We thank the museum for their generosity in offering free access to everyone in our group, and for their guidance.

The group also visited Cotroceni Palace, the seat of the Presidential Administration, a historic site with a tradition of almost 350 years. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit this place full of history and for the kind words received from Mrs. Cătălina Galer, State Counselor within the Presidential Administration, Department of Administration, Public Policies and Civil Society:

"We extend our congratulations and appreciation for the launch of the Association Beyond Senses and for the initiative to include the Cotroceni Palace in the visit occasioned by this remarkable event. We convey to you, to the same extent, our sincere appreciation for the commitment and constant effort you make in supporting people with deafblindness and promoting their rights."

The event ended with a working meeting, where the members of the group of young people with deafblindness discussed what they want from this association and how each one can contribute to achieving the purpose and objectives of the Association Beyond Senses, as described in the founding documents.

The purpose is social inclusion and improving the quality of life of people with deafblindness in Romania.

The objectives of the Association Beyond Senses are:

• To carry out programmes, projects and activities that lead to social inclusion and improving the quality of life of people with deafblindness in Romania;
• To support the social inclusion of people with deafblindness and fight discrimination;
• To collaborate with other governmental and non-governmental institutions and organisations in the country and abroad, in order to support people with deafblindness in Romania;
• To organise training courses, conferences and other events to promote the inclusion of people with deafblindness in Romania;
• Draw the community's attention to the uniqueness of this disability and change people's mindsets towards the rights and responsibilities of people with deafblindness and multiple disabilities.

Warm thanks to the team of interpreters who facilitated the communication: Monica Cătuțoiu (Coda Association), Mihaela Dascăl and George Weiner. We also thank the members of the Board of Directors of Sense International Romania who were with us: Adina Ciulei – president, Alina Bugean, Steluța Tudose, Kavita Prasad, Raluca Ochișor and Viorel Micu. Warm thanks also to Mrs. Sandra Tone, MyCONTINENTAL Bucharest, for her availability and professionalism.

But most of all, we thank the group of young people and parents who instill in us, Sense International Romania team, the strength and courage to move forward, beyond senses...