Creating pathways to dignity, inclusion, and independence since 1977

Empowering the Deaf & Deafblind Community

On July 11, 1977, Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind (HKIDB) was established with 2 Deafblind and 1 Deaf child, 3 staff and a band of committee members – IT WAS A DREAM THROUGH AN AWAKENING TO THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION – This situation being- “Where is the place for this deaf multiply handicapped child with minor visual problems to total blindness” who were already on our door-step. 

Thus, the Institute was created to educate and address the issues of Deafness and Deafblindness in our country. Since then, the institute has increasingly focused on several important issues of persons with Multiple disabilities, including Deafblindness. Our asset was not in finance but in VISIONS, HOPES and a group of STRONG COMMITTED PEOPLE ON PURPOSE with faith in each other. 

Helen Keller Institute for Deaf and Deafblind started the first Residential facilities in India for children and adults with Deafblindness/MDVI from outside Mumbai. In 2000, the School moved to Navi Mumbai, but not all the students were able to move due to physical disabilities like cerebral palsy and financial restraint especially since the majority of the families are from lower socio-economic status. Thus, the Byculla Outreach programme was started in September 2004, and the Chembur Outreach programme in July 2013 to cater to the needs of these students.

Vision & Mission

To be a pioneer NGO working in India for the betterment of children and youth who are Deaf, Deafblind and with additional disabilities by providing them with unconditional love, care and guidance and equipping them with education and vocational training to lead a dignified life.

No one is incapable of being taught, and no one can do without education. It is the fundamental birthright of every child to be loved and to receive an education.

Objectives

  • Education, training and rehabilitation for learners with Hearing impairment and Multiple disabilities, including Deafblindness. 
  • Ensure that the beneficiaries are independent and self-reliant. 
  • Ensure that our beneficiaries are socially competent and integrate seamlessly into mainstream society. 
  • Guidance and support to parents and guardians of our beneficiaries.
  • Providing need based therapy and aids and appliances.

Leadership

Our Founder (Late) Ms. Beroz Vacha

(Late) Ms Beroz Vacha began her career in 1965 as a special educator for the Deaf, where she had a chance meeting with a Deafblind girl. This was her first introduction to the disability of Deafblindness. Inspired by the intelligent and free-spirited girl, she set about creating many success stories for Deafblind persons. She strongly believed that education is a must for all. Kind-hearted and generous to a fault, she dedicated her life to making the world a better place for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). She vociferously advocated for the rights of the Deaf and Deafblind.

She was the recipient of the President’s National Award for her outstanding performance towards working for the welfare of people with disabilities and the prestigious Anne Sullivan Award (Sweden), among many others. She was a shining star in the lives of her students, guiding them with her light.

(Late) Mr. Suryakant Dalal

At the age of 89, Mr Suryakant Dalal was fondly called the ‘youngest member’ of the HKIDB family. He joined HKIDB as the President in 1978 and was instrumental in generating the much-needed funds and other resources to drive the new organisation. He was deeply involved in all the activities. His business acumen, passion for the cause and open-door policy made him a favourite amongst everybody.

Lovingly called Surubhai or even Papa by many, all sorely miss him.

Mr. Sudit Parekh

President & Founder Trustee

Dr. (Mrs.) Shashi Merchant

Trustee

Mr. Askaran Agarwala

Trustee

Mr. Dilip Vora

Treasurer & Trustee

Mr. Shishir Desai

Secretary & Trustee

Mrs. Pinky Dalal

Member

Mrs. Sheela Sinha

 Member

Mrs. Anuradha Bagchi

Director Education & Member

Mr. Pradeep Shah

 Member

Mr. Yogesh Desai

CEO & Member

Awards

Global Visionary Award – 2014

Vision Foundation presented the Global Visionary Award to the Institute for its exemplary services in education and rehabilitation of Deaf and Deafblind persons.

Nina Sibal Memorial Award – 2013

All India Women’s Education Fund Association (AIWEFA) presented the Nina Sibal Memorial Award to the Institute for its dedicated work towards the rehabilitation of blind and Deafblind persons.

National Award – December 2007

National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, in public recognition of the Institute’s outstanding performance.

Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Award – January 1998

Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Award presented to Ms Beroz Vacha by His Holiness Dalai Lama for Pioneering the Education of Deafblind in India & South East Asia.

National Presidential award – December 1997

The National Presidential award for the Welfare of People with Disabilities to Mrs. Beroz Vacha in Public Recognition for her outstanding performance in the field of welfare of people with Disabilities.

Anne Sullivan International Medal – August 1991

The Anne Sullivan International Medal, Sweden, to Ms Beroz Vacha for her achievements, contributions and efforts for pioneering work for the Deafblind in India & South East Asia.