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Music brings people together ❤️

We are happy to share with you the story of the campaign “I Too Sense Music! – Music Therapy for Children with Deafblindness and Multisensory Disabilities”, carried out in partnership with 23 special schools across the country. The campaign began on December 3, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and continued until January 2025.

Since 2019, December 3 has become an occasion to celebrate through sensory activities, and this year we have chosen to carry the tradition forward through music and vibrations. How else could we have done this better, if not with the help of musical instruments? We provided each partner school with a set of carefully selected instruments, so that children could explore sounds and vibrations, transforming music into an experience that stimulates their senses, creativity and self-confidence.

For two months, 546 students and 280 adults – teachers, parents and volunteers – joined the activities, discovering the magic of music together. They sang, played, sang carols, and experienced beautiful moments together.

Music unites, creates new connections between people

The campaign is a tribute to Professor Vasile Adamescu (1944-2018), a deafblind person, a dedicated promoter of this cause and former member of the Board of Directors of the Sense International Romania. Here is what Viorel Micu, the professor’s interpreter, told us about his connection with music:

“Can music mean anything to people who are deafblind? Our instinct would be to think that it doesn’t. However, Professor Vasile Adamescu, a person with profound deafblindness, demonstrated that music can be perceived just as well based on vibrations. In music education classes, teachers showed him instruments and how they manage to make noises. He could perceive these noises through vibrations, by touching objects around him, or even the musical instrument itself.

Also, teacher Florica Sandu, the one who unmuted him and trained him, showed him dance styles, taught him to waltz, to dance tango, to dance a hora. And Vasile Adamescu, based on vibrations, managed to do this.

So, as we know, music has a strong therapeutic character on people with special needs, but also on able-bodied people. Music unites, creates new connections between people.”

Patience, curiosity and passion for music

On December 3, 2024, we organised the online workshop "I Too Sense Music - music therapy for children with deafblindness and sensory disabilities", in which more than 100 participants signed up. Together with Carmen-Venera Pătruțescu, psychologist, and Alex Lupo, therapist, musician, composer and performer, part of the Sense Arts and Wellbeing program, we delved into the secrets of music therapy, learning together about the beneficial effects of music. Patience, curiosity and passion for music are the main ingredients in music therapy, as Carmen and Alex told us.

One of the most valuable results of this campaign is the promise of the schools to continue the music therapy activities beyond this campaign. We can say that music knows no limits and can become an essential support in the personal and social development of children with sensory disabilities, turning every sound into a step towards a more accessible and harmonious world.

The costs related to these endowments are covered by the donations and sponsorships received by Sense International Romania from companies. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for always being with us!

Approaching deafblindness and multisensory impairments in a didactic context

Between November 4-29, 2024, we organized the first in-depth training program in deafblindness approved by the Ministry of Education, with 18-20 transferable professional credits.

The course was an intensive one, with both a synchronous component, with two weekly meetings on the Zoom platform, and an asynchronous one, on the organization's e-learning platform, cursuri.surdocecitate.ro, totalling 60 hours.

The 20 trainees, special education teachers from all over the country, deepened their knowledge about deafblindness and learned techniques and methods for working with deafblind children. During the live sessions, they shared the challenges they face in the classroom and, together with the team of trainers, sought solutions and received encouragement.

The theoretical information was complemented by case studies and numerous practical examples from the experience of the four trainers, accomplished professionals and long-term collaborators of our foundation: psychopedagogue professor Mara Apostol, psychologist Gabriela Jianu, psychopedagogue professor Eva Oprea, asst. univ. dr. Ioana Tufar. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their dedication and for the passion they always invest in what they do!

6 scholarships in memory of Vasile Adamescu

With this training course, we fondly remembered our mentor Vasile Adamescu, a supporter of the organisation's programmes and a true promoter of the rights of deafblind people in Romania. We continued the tradition of recent years and offered six scholarships to special education teachers who work or want to work with children with deafblindness or multiple sensory disabilities.

From our participants

We finished the training programme with many emotions, gratitude and enthusiasm for future projects!

"Perfect specialists; I learned a lot from the trainers and, most importantly, THE ATTITUDE with which they transmitted them remained in my soul: the joy of sharing, the pleasure of a job well done and the value built with each example provided. Appreciation and esteem!" (L.T.)

"The course is absolutely necessary for any professional who works with students with deafblindness or multiple sensory deficiencies. No matter how much experience you had before this course, you will update information, learn new techniques and be able to observe working methods and tools from practical examples." (C.R.)

"Thank you for the extraordinary experience and valuable information. Each course contributed both to enriching knowledge and to understanding the needs and challenges faced by children with deafblindness." (C.V.)

One step closer to an association of people with deafblindness

One step closer to an association of people with deafblindness

At the beginning of August, we organised in Predeal the workshop “Beyond Senses”, part of the “Global Inclusive Education Project”, funded by Nelumbo Foundation and Sense International UK. It was a special meeting, attended by 8 members of our group of people with deafblindness, formed over time, alongside 2 family members and a Romanian sign language interpreter. During the workshop, they debated the idea of ​​establishing an association of people with deafblindness that would actively campaign for their rights and beyond.

Deafblindness taught me about patience, about acceptance, first of all, acceptance of myself, and after that it taught me about acceptance of others. It taught me gentleness towards myself, and after that, gentleness towards others. – Oana

Together, we can do a lot

The first half of the first day was dedicated to the Global Resource Hub, an integral part of the “Global Inclusive Education Project”, developed by colleagues in the UK. The Hub, which will become a valuable resource for people with hearing and vision impairments, was presented to the group, which provided important feedback and suggestions. After the discussions, the participants filled out a questionnaire, and all the information collected was sent to the UK team.

I am with a group of friends, also deafblind, trailblazers with whom we want and hope to succeed in creating a strong group and association. - Crina

In the second part of the day, discussions focused on the opportunity to establish an association of deafblind people. After debates and consultations, the group decided to take this important step. Three of the participants, Oana, Iulian and Crina, took responsibility for founding the association, establishing its name, goals and objectives, with the support of the other members. The evening ended with a barbecue organised by the participants and a basketball game, strengthening the bonds between them.

Inspiration in nature

The second day of the workshop was dedicated to exploring nature. We travelled by train to Azuga, where we took a gondola ride up the mountain, enjoyed spectacular scenery, fresh air, and a delicious picnic. This nature experience was the perfect opportunity to continue discussions about the association in a relaxing and inspiring setting. Upon our return, the participants were greeted with a surprise Arabic-style dinner, which was enthusiastically received by all present.

Inspiration in nature

At the meetings with Sense I always felt like I was in a big family. – Oana

The workshop “Beyond Senses” was a wonderful experience, which strengthened the group and brought the dream of an association dedicated to people with deafblindness even closer to reality. The activities carried out helped the personal and collective development of the participants, transforming this meeting into a valuable opportunity for learning, collaboration and mutual support.

Finally, we thank the participants for their commitment and energy, which inspire us every time to continue. We also thank Monica Cătuțoiu, a Romanian sign language interpreter, for her help in communication, and the Medieval Guesthouse in Predeal for their hospitality and constant support.

What thoughts do you have after the meetings with Sense?
With the thought of change! With the thought that it can be better! - Iulian

Orientation and Mobility in the heart of the mountains

In the spring of this year, we organised two orientation and mobility trips to Predeal, bringing together children, parents, grandparents, teachers and the puppy Cola. These trips are part of the foundation's traditional activities, offering participants a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature, learn and relax in a safe and friendly environment. For us, these meetings are extremely valuable, giving us the opportunity to learn and energise ourselves. Such encounters give us meaning.

„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.

I too have a voice!

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!

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.

Deafblindness on the stage

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.

Throughout the entire workshop, communication was facilitated by two Romanian Sign Language interpreters, Monica Cătuțoiu and Elena Demeter, who graduated of the introductory course in deafblindness for interpreters organized by Sense International Romania in the fall of 2023.

Orientation and Mobility in Bușteni

The agenda also included moments of orientation and mobility. Participants enjoyed walks in the snowy outdoors and a guided tour of Cantacuzino Castle, a first-time experience for many of them.

The workshop concluded with a sculpting session. Each person molded a clay piece of art, which they then offered to a fellow participant along with a hug, a grateful thought, or a promise of reunion in the spring.

The final conference, in March

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

 

The first initiation course in the field of deafblindness for sign language interpreters

People with deafblindness in Romania represent a vulnerable, marginalized, isolated group, affected by inequalities and social exclusion. The combination of the two disabilities, sight and hearing, raises serious barriers to accessing services, given the major difficulties in communication, orientation and mobility, in accessing information, to which is added the lack of trained interpreters in the field.

In this context, Sense International Romania  organized, between September 4 and October 16, 2023, the first Deafblindness Initiation Course for Romanian Sign Language Interpreters, attended by 17 experienced interpreters from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Craiova, Slatina, Bârlad and Brașov.

The course totaled 44 hours of theoretical and practical training and had both an online component, on the organization's e-learning platform, www.cursuri.surdocecitate.ro, and a face-to-face component.

Thus, during four online sessions, the participants learned about the specifics of deafblindness, which are the main types and causes, basic notions regarding the anatomy and physiology of the senses, as well as legislative elements regarding deafblindness. A special moment in the course was the presence of Viorel Micu, interpreter of Professor Vasile Adamescu, and the guests from Sense International India and Sense UK, who shared their experience regarding the interpreter for people with deafblindness.

Only together can we bring "light" into the lives of people with deafblindness

In the face-to-face workshop, organized in Predeal between September 14-17, the participants practiced the communication methods and adaptations necessary for people with deafblindness, as well as aspects of orientation and mobility, using the red-white cane, symbol of deafblindness worldwide. Through role-playing and creative exercises, they experienced some of the challenges faced in everyday life by visually and hearing-impaired people, guided by the course trainer, university assistant dr. Ioana Tufar.

"Emotion was the word that ran through this formation like a red thread. The position of interpreter for people with deafblindness is extremely demanding for an interpreter in Romanian sign language. So little is known about deafblindness, only together we can change mentalities, we can bring "light" into the lives of people with deafblindness!" - Angela Mate, special education teacher and Romanian sign language interpreter

 

This was the first edition of the initiation course in deafblindness for Romanian sign language interpreters, but Sense International Romania intends to organize other editions.

"We created this first course dedicated to interpreters in Romanian sign language to respond to a real need for training and information regarding the specifics of deafblindness as a distinct and very complex disability. We are glad that the participants received the course with so much enthusiasm and we want to organize new editions to have as many interpreters specialized in the field of deafblindness as possible. There is still a lot to do, we will also continue the efforts to harmonize the legislation on deafblindness, but now we have dedicated interpreters with us, friends of deafblind people in Romania" - Etelka Czondi, director of Sense International Romania.

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.

About Active Citizens Fund Romania

The Active Citizens Fund Romania programme is funded through the EEA Grants 2014-2021. The overall objective of the Grants is to reduce economic and social disparities, and to strengthen bilateral relations between 15 beneficiary countries and the Donor States (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). The programme is administered by a consortium composed of Civil Society Development Foundation, Romanian Environmental Partnership Foundation, Resource Center for Roma Communities, PACT Foundation and Frivillighet Norge, acting as Fund Operator designated by FMO – Financial Mechanism Office of the EEA and Norway Grants. The objectives of the Active Citizens Fund Romania are to strengthen civil society and active citizenship and to empower vulnerable groups. With a total allocation of 46,000,000 euro, the programme pursues a long-term development of the civil society sector sustainability and capacity, stepping up its role in promoting democratic participation, active citizenship and human rights, while strengthening bilateral relations with organizations from the Donor States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. For more information about the Active Citizens Fund in Romania, please go to www.activecitizensfund.ro. For more information about the EEA and Norway Grants, go to www.eeagrants.org.