Many see disability as a hindrance or obstacle in achieving their dream. For Krishneer Sen he saw it from a different perspective.
As a person with hearing impairment, Sen, 33, realised he didn’t have the same opportunities as others in the community, but that did not deter him from fulfilling his dream.
Originally from Korotogo Village along the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Sen was born with this disability and is the only one in his family who is deaf, so he uses sign language to communicate with loved ones.
“The language barrier was a major challenge. As a kid, doing normal things, such as watching cartoons and news on TV, was difficult, as there were no subtitles or other tools,” he said.
As a young man with big dreams and ambitions, he moved to Suva to gain better education and work opportunities.
He said during his childhood he struggled to access information. “Fiji lacks accessible information and communication means for people with hearing impairment.
I was constantly facing new challenges like many in the deaf community still do today.” Rather than dawdling on the challenges, he decided to work towards bringing change.
And from thereon, he has dedicated his life to helping other people like himself. Sen is the founder and director of the Deaf Consultancy Pacific (DCP).
Through the Youth Co: Lab, a project co-led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citi Foundation, Sen got the opportunity to turn his dream into reality.
He established (DCP), which provides quality consultancy services to improve the lives of deaf people.
Formerly of Marist Brothers High School, he obtained a Chevening Scholarship in 2015 and acquired his Masters degree in Human Rights from University College London in the UK.
“My biggest achievement was obtaining my degree from University College London and Gallaudet University which is the world’s only liberal deaf University.”
Sen said his mother believed that people with hearing impairment, could do anything if they were motivated to achieve their goals.
“During my childhood, I lost hope many times but my mother was the biggest backbone of my education journey.”
Soon after Sen established himself, COVID-19 pandemic struck and brought about a lot of concern for dissemination information particular to the deaf community.
He said he was worried for the safety of the people with hearing impairment, especially as there was little information available to them.
“News updates and COVID-19 updates lacked sign language interpretation and deaf community is already among the most marginalised groups in society, and in crisis situations like these that is further aggravated,” he said.
Sen used his free time during the lockdown by volunteering to sign-language translations for video announcements by Government on the deadly virus.
He also put up a sign language learning sessions online. “Both initiatives quickly picked up speed as viewings of the videos increased and people expressed interest in online lessons.
Despite the technical and other difficulties faced, Sen continued to work, adapted and continues with regular Government updates about the virus and keeping communities safe “The technical aspect of using the web also provided a steep learning curve.
Little was in place before so we had to start from scratch.
“Sometimes, slow internet connections and lack of technologic resources to support clients’ access caused problems, however, with more financial support we can further improve our services,” he said.
Sen encouraged people to not look at their disabilities rather look at their abilities.
“Always focus on your abilities because there is nothing about us without us,” he said.
