Sense International launches hub for persons with deafblindness

___________________

Sense International Uganda, a non-governmental organisation working to support people with complex disabilities, has unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform to support individuals with deafblindness and their caregivers.

The launch of the Global Deafblindness Resource Hub, held at Hotel Africana recently (June 29th), marked a significant step toward closing the digital divide for one of the most marginalised groups in society.

Speaking at the event, Edward Otim, the Regional Director for East Africa at Sense International, emphasised the challenges faced by persons with deafblindness in accessing digital resources and information. He said that despite Uganda’s progress in digital development, people with this dual sensory impairment continue to be excluded from both mainstream technology and disability-specific services.

“This being a unique disability, most times accessibility in terms of equipment and government-tailored policies don’t favour this group. This particular resource is tailor-made to reach out to people with deafblindness,” Otim said.
He explained that the platform is the result of persistent advocacy efforts by Sense International and its partners, including engagement with institutions like the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

“We feel people with deafblindness are often left behind. The Ministry of Gender should recognise this tool and incorporate it into national plans and policies targeting people with disabilities,” he added.

The platform, he revealed, has been developed with a long-term vision. Future phases will involve translating content into various local languages to make it accessible to users across Uganda and beyond.

Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, the Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities, speaking at the launch of Global Deafblindness Resource Hub, held at Hotel Africana last Friday. (Photo by Aloysious Kasoma)

Dr Abdul Busuulwa, a lecturer at Kyambogo University and a board member of Sense International Uganda, delivered the keynote address. He hailed the platform as a timely and transformative intervention that will improve access to information, education, mobility tools, and community services for persons with deafblindness.

“The launch of the Global Deafblind People’s Resource Hub is a timely solution to some of the persistent challenges faced by persons with deafblindness,” said Dr. Busuulwa. “It’s not only people with deafblindness who will benefit from this hub. Families, teachers, community leaders, health workers, and policymakers can all access valuable information through this platform.”

He noted that the platform is especially important for low-income families who often lack the resources to support deafblind family members. “Imagine a family without internet access, but with a child who is deafblind. This hub gives them hope. It offers knowledge in accessible formats, enabling parents, teachers, and even health workers to make informed decisions,” he said.

Dr. Busuulwa also shared his personal journey growing up blind, highlighting how lack of accessible resources hindered his education.

“I remember needing someone to read my exam, and the only person available was a school groundsman whose English I barely understood. I missed the test. That wouldn’t happen today with tools like this,” he said. “When you open doors of accessibility, you open doors of opportunity.”

Representing the government, Hon. Asamo Hellen Grace, the Minister of State for Persons with Disabilities, described the Resource Hub as more than just a digital achievement.

“The launch of the Global Resource Hub is not just a technological milestone—it is a bold step toward equity. It offers knowledge. It offers connection. And most importantly, it offers hope,” Hon. Asamo said.

She reflected on the social isolation often faced by people with deafblindness, especially due to communication barriers. “Imagine a time when someone had no way to communicate—it felt like being silenced, almost lifeless. Today, we celebrate a space that brings light where there was once isolation.”

Hon. Asamo commended the inclusive design of the Hub, noting that it reflects both global best practices and local lived experiences. She said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s Persons with Disabilities Act of 2020 and the broader national commitment to inclusive development.

“We are committed to inclusive education, inclusive health services, and inclusive digital platforms. When technology is designed with inclusion in mind, it breaks down barriers and opens new doors. This Hub is a living example,” she said.

The Minister called on all stakeholders to play their part in promoting and utilising the Resource Hub. “I call upon government institutions, development partners, organisations of persons with disabilities, caregivers, and the private sector to embrace the Resource Hub. Let’s not stop at launching it—let’s use it, share it, and let it transform lives.”

The Global Deafblindness Resource Hub now stands as a beacon of hope, accessibility, and opportunity, setting a new standard for how inclusive digital tools can empower one of the world’s most underserved populations.