In the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district, the silent struggles of Ms. Haseena (name changed), born with a hearing impairment, echo the broader challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss. However, amidst societal barriers and limited opportunities, Caritas India’s Community-Based Rehabilitation (CI CBR) program emerges as a source of unwavering support, empowering Ms. Haseena not just to overcome communication hurdles but to lead a life of dignity and self-reliance.

Hearing impairment, though often silent, brings forth a myriad of challenges. Beyond the obvious communication barriers, it stunts language development and casts a shadow of social isolation. Ms. Haseena’s journey highlights the deeper impact, with academic setbacks, limited job prospects, and the looming specter of mental health issues. Despite her determined spirit, societal roadblocks truncated her educational journey at the 5th standard, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive support for individuals facing hearing loss.

In 2015, CI CBR became a pivotal force in Ms. Haseena’s life, identifying her with a 70% hearing loss. This marked the commencement of a transformative journey, where CI CBR’s holistic approach went beyond the conventional understanding of support. The team facilitated her disability documentation, ensuring a monthly pension that not only provided financial assistance but also symbolized a lifeline of support. Ms. Haseena found a community within the local Self-Help Group (SHG) for persons with disabilities, with CI CBR acting as a bridge over communication barriers, creating an environment of understanding and inclusion.

Acknowledging the significance of her residual hearing, CI CBR took a step further, arranging for a hearing aid from ALIMCO. This seemingly simple gesture held profound implications, not only improving Ms. Haseena’s ability to communicate but also empowering her to actively participate in discussions. The significance of this shift cannot be overstated, as CI CBR’s role moved beyond providing aid to fostering an environment where Ms. Haseena could truly engage and contribute.

Supported by CI CBR, Ms. Haseena assumed the role of Secretary in the Village-SHG (V-SHG) and became an integral part of the Block Level Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (BOPD) Governing Body in 2018. The transformation from a passive observer to an active participant epitomizes the impact of tailored support and the ethos of CI CBR in empowering individuals facing hearing impairment.

CI CBR’s commitment to holistic empowerment is exemplified in its support for Ms. Haseena’s pursuit of education beyond traditional academic realms. In a remarkable turn of events, CI CBR facilitated her enrollment in a beautician course and tailoring training. These endeavors, often overlooked in the conventional discourse on disabilities, proved to be essential building blocks in Ms. Haseena’s journey to self-reliance.

Armed with newfound skills, Ms. Haseena not only established her own tailoring unit but also initiated a home-based beauty parlour. Recognized as a Mehndi artist in her village, her dedication and multi-tasking efforts resulted in a steady income for her and her family. This not only serves as a testament to Ms. Haseena’s resilience but also underscores the transformative impact that targeted support can have in fostering economic independence and self-esteem.

Ms. Haseena’s journey culminated in well-deserved recognition. In 2019, as part of the Women’s Day celebrations, she received the Divyang Pratibha Award, a testament to her efforts, perseverance, and contribution to the development of persons with disabilities in the Pandhurna block of Chhindwara. Beyond local recognition, she was acknowledged as an achiever and contributor to the social cause by the Collective Action for Basic Rights Foundation, felicitated on Women’s Day in 2021. These accolades not only shine a light on Ms. Haseena’s individual achievements but also underscore the broader impact CI CBR can have on transforming lives and fostering inclusive communities.

While Ms. Haseena’s story stands as a testament to the impact of CI CBR on an individual level, the program’s reach extends far beyond. Catering to 6182 individuals with total hearing loss, 3676 with partial hearing loss, and 2026 facing speech and hearing difficulties, CI CBR recognizes and addresses the diverse needs of individuals with hearing and speech impairments. By acknowledging these categories in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, CI CBR plays a crucial role in ensuring social security and upholding the dignity of those facing silent struggles.

In the symphony of empowerment, CI CBR’s role becomes not just a support system but a catalyst for transformative change, illuminating paths toward a more inclusive and dignified society. Through individual stories like Ms. Haseena’s, CI CBR demonstrates that, with targeted support and understanding, individuals facing hearing impairment can not only overcome challenges but also become contributors to their communities, dispelling societal misconceptions and fostering an environment of true inclusion and acceptance.