Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind

The Early Intervention programme at the Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind (HKIDB) was established in 2004 to address the increasing number of infants experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. Specially trained educators work with infants who have multiple disabilities and visual impairments. A parent or caregiver is required to attend the 2-hour sessions, where they receive training in communication strategies for implementation at home. The programme employs diverse approaches, including playway, multi-sensory intervention, therapy, and adapted equipment, tailored to each child's developmental and communication needs. Early involvement with educators is crucial, given the children's multiple disabilities, resulting in a 1:1 teacher-student ratio. The programme's mission is to provide families with resources and support to enhance their child's physical, cognitive, and social/emotional development while assisting them in overcoming personal challenges and setbacks.

The Education Programme includes separate tracks for Deaf children and those with Multiple Disabilities with Visual Impairment (MDVI), as their instructional needs differ. The curriculum for Deaf children follows the Maharashtra S.S.C. Board, while MDVI students receive individualized instruction. The institute emphasizes both academic and functional development, covering subjects like personal hygiene and computer education. State-of-the-art facilities and hostel services are provided to meet the unique requirements of these children.

To address the shortage of professionals capable of meeting the unique needs of children with multiple disabilities, including Deafblindness, the Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind (HKIDB) initiated a teacher training programme in 2000. This specialized programme, recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, offers a two-year Diploma in Special Education (Deafblind). The objective is to train qualified educators who can effectively teach and communicate with children experiencing Multiple Disabilities with Visual Impairment (MDVI), promoting their holistic development. The Deafblindness teacher training course focuses on equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to support MDVI children in various settings, including homes, schools, and communities. The curriculum includes extensive theoretical instruction and hands-on practical experience working with children with multiple disabilities, including Deafblindness.

The Vocational Training & Rehabilitation programme empowers students with sustainable skills for financial independence. It offers employment and entrepreneur-oriented vocational training, including computer education with assistive technology. HKIDB operates a Centre for National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) for Persons with Disabilities, promoting digital literacy. The Fine Arts & 3D Animation programme partners with an animation studio to provide industry-driven skills for the hearing impaired. The institute has a mini braille press for tactile graphic designing, and students engage in training programmes like tailoring and gift article making. HKIDB strives to create employment opportunities in sectors such as Retail, Hospitality, Beauty & Wellness, and IT/ITES for persons with disabilities.