SAMUHA

About SAMUHA

SAMUHA is a development organisation that has been working in the Raichur and Koppal districts of Karnataka since 1987. SAMUHA works with the most vulnerable people in society to improve their quality of life. SAMUHA works with people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS, people deprived of social justice and communities that are climate challenged.

How do SAMUHA and DCW work together

DCW works with SAMUHA on the community based rehabilitation of deaf children in Raichur and Koppal districts of Karnataka.

The aim of the current project is to improve 190 deaf children’s access to education.  While education is the primary focus, the project addresses a number of key areas that will contribute to achieving the Education objectives. These are as follows:

• Empowering parents through deaf awareness training to help parents become the best advocates for their children
• Promoting peer-to-peer support networks for parents of deaf children
• Developing groups of ‘Resource’ Parents, school teachers, and ICDS workers so that they can use deaf-friendly teaching methods to support deaf children with their education
• Developing communication skills of deaf children as well as their family members, siblings, peers and community members to reduce the communication barriers that exist for deaf children
• Working with local authorities in the communities to promote deaf awareness and strengthen the efforts by the government for inclusion of deaf people
• Enhancing community awareness about deafness so that deaf friendly environments are maintained

Beneficiary of the project, Mr.Rajavalli Attar says

“Before I was introduced to the SAMUHA deaf youth group, I was at home, alone. But as soon as I started attending the group, I got more confident and couldn’t keep away. I was able to access hearing aids and now I can understand voices.

“I also have learnt sign language and learnt about services and resources like the disability card which gives me access to free travel. I now own my own tailoring business and feel connected to society by being a member of a deaf group.”