Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind, Mumbai

25/04/2026

On April 17th, we had the privilege of participating in the Annual Low Vision Awareness CME and Workshop at the SRCC Centre for Child Development, Mumbai.

This gathering is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we move beyond departmental compartments. There is immense value in having every stakeholder in a child’s life—Pediatricians, Ophthalmologists, Surgeons, Eye Rehab Specialists, and Special Educators—under one roof, all striving to improve intervention and rehabilitation.

A special thank you to Dr. Himika, who has invited us for the last four years to share in this experience. We truly appreciate the opportunity to bring the "practical reality" of special education to the table, ensuring that the academic needs of students with low vision are central to the conversation.

When medical expertise and classroom strategies align, the impact on a child's development is life-changing.

We are proud to be part of a community that looks at the whole child, not just the diagnosis.

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

24/04/2026

Today, we pause to honour the memory of our beloved Founder Director, Mrs. Beroz Vacha, on her death anniversary.

Beroz Ma’am was more than a leader; she was a vibrant, resilient force of nature. Her unwavering belief that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves a voice and a place in the world, remains the heartbeat of Helen Keller Institute for Deaf and Deafblind.

This year carries a profound significance as we celebrate our 50th Golden Jubilee year. Looking back at the past five decades, we see her legacy in every tactile book, every vocational success story, and every smile of a student finding their independence. She didn't just build a school; she built a sanctuary of hope and a community of inclusion.

As we move forward, we carry her spark with us, committed to nurturing the seeds of resilience she planted so many years ago.

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

23/04/2026

A Significant Step Toward Disability Inclusion:

On April 16th, a landmark moment for disability rights took place with the official release of the policy guidance note: “Enabling Equity for Disability Inclusion – An ESG Perspective.”

The Director Education at Helen Keller Institute for Deaf and Deafblind (HKIDB), Ms. Anuradha Bagchi, was truly honoured to have been invited as the Guest of Honour for this significant launch. It was heartening to see prominent leaders unite to advocate for a world that prioritizes accessibility and genuine inclusion.

This policy guidance note is being hailed as the "need of the hour," providing a strategic roadmap and actionable recommendations to tackle the most critical barriers facing the community:
* Healthcare: Addressing the shortage of trained medical professionals.
* Employment: Breaking down systemic barriers to ensure equal access to the workplace.
* Awareness: Increasing outreach for essential welfare schemes.
* Affordability: Reducing the high cost of assistive devices and therapies.

The event highlighted that disability inclusion is no longer an afterthought—it must be at the very heart of the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda.

This publication marks a huge step forward in ensuring that equity is woven into the fabric of corporate and social responsibility. We look forward to seeing these recommendations pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible future for all!

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

15/04/2026

**Art knows no bounds!** 🎨✨

We are beaming with pride! Four of our talented beneficiaries from Helen Keller Institute for Deaf and Deafblind (HKIDB) were shortlisted to participate in the “Inclusive Art Workshop: Celebrating Diversity”, held at the iconic Sir JJ School of Art on April 8th.

The event, organized by Sir JJ School of Art, IASOWA, and NIEPID, was a beautiful testament to the power of inclusion. Our students had the distinct honor of showcasing their creativity before Chief Guest, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal Ji (Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra)and Director NIEPID Dr. BV Ramkumar.

The resounding round of applause they received from the esteemed guests said it all. Their artwork serves as a powerful reminder: disability can never dampen the spirit when the right opportunities are provided.

Congratulations to all the young artists for their incredible achievements on such a prestigious platform.

31/03/2026

13/03/2026

We Are Hiring: Executive Assistant to the CEO 📢

We are seeking a highly organized and strategic Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support to our Chief Executive Officer. This role is essential in ensuring the CEO’s office operates with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities
* Executive Support: Manage the CEO’s calendar, appointments, and high-level correspondence.
* Meeting & Event Coordination: Organize meetings and board meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes, and follow up on action points.
* Strategic Liaison: Act as a primary point of contact between the CEO and staff, donors, partners, and Government Officials.
* Travel & Logistics: Arrange travel itineraries and support the planning of organizational webinars and conferences.
* Confidential Support: Assist with research, data analysis, and the handling of sensitive information with total discretion.

Required Qualifications & Skills
* Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
* Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication in English, Marathi, and Hindi is a MUST.
* Experience: Experience in the NGO/Development sector is desirable, but dynamic freshers are welcome to apply.
* Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Office and various digital tools.
* Competencies: Strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and expertise in CSR communication and event management.

How to Apply
If you are a professional who thrives on problem-solving and stakeholder coordination, we want to hear from you.
📧 Please send your application to: [email protected]

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi

10/03/2026

Safety isn't just about what you can hear or see—it’s about what you know.

For children who are Deaf or Deafblind, "incidental learning" (picking up info from the world around them) doesn't always happen naturally. This can create a dangerous gap when it comes to fire safety.

To bridge that gap, we teamed up with our local fire brigade for a hands-on, sensory-rich masterclass! 🚒 This wasn't just a demonstration; it was a tactile experience. From feeling the vibration of the equipment to interacting with the gear, our students transformed a complex concept into a concrete, life-saving skill.

A huge thank you to the fire team for making safety accessible to everyone!

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

22/02/2026

🌟 50 Years of Turning Silence into Strength! 🌟

Today is a monumental day at Helen Keller Institute for Deaf and Deafblind. As we celebrate our 49th Founders’ Day, we aren't just looking back at nearly five decades of impact—we are officially stepping into our Golden Jubilee year! 🎊

Forty-nine years ago, our Founder Director, the Late Mrs. Beroz Vacha, along with our esteemed founder members, Mr. Dalal and Mr. Parekh, sowed a single seed: a promise that Deafness and Deafblindness would never be a barrier to a full, vibrant life. Today, that seed has grown into a towering legacy of dignity and independence.

✨ Honoring the Heart of Our Journey
An institute is only as strong as the community that carries it. As we bridge the gap between our 49th year and our golden future, we want to say thank you to:
* Our Students: You are our heart and soul. Your breakthroughs are our greatest rewards. ❤️
* Our Teachers & Trainees: For your tireless dedication and for carrying this mission forward.
* Our Staff & Admin Teams: For the essential work you do behind the scenes to keep our wheels turning.
* Our Parents: For your unwavering trust and partnership.
* Our Donors & Partners: Your kindness has been the sunlight that allowed us to grow.

From a humble beginning to 50 years of transforming lives, we remain more committed than ever to Beroz Ma'am’s vision. Every communication won and every soul empowered is a victory we share with all of you.

Here’s to the legacy we’ve built and the golden year ahead! 🕯️✨

📸 Check out some glimpses from our celebration below!

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

20/02/2026

A Day of Talent, Diversity, and Big Wins! 🏆✨

February 18th was a truly special day for our school as our students took center stage at two prestigious events!

🎨 Nehru Centre Art Gallery: Our young artists poured their hearts into the Annual Art Competition. From intricate clay models to vibrant drawings, the talent was on full display. A huge shoutout to our student who walked away with an award in the Clay Competition!

🤝 CCI Club: We then moved to the Cricket Club of India for a beautiful celebration of inclusivity and diversity. Our students didn't just attend—they shined! Our participants in the Fancy Dress competition brought home the award with their amazing costumes and confidence.

We are so proud of our students for showcasing their skills and spirit. Days like these remind us why we do what we do!

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

04/02/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce that our students from HKIDB Deaf Section secured 2nd Place at the Oscar Foundation’s Annual Football Day!

Their journey to the podium was defined by incredible focus, unspoken coordination, and pure passion for the game. This trophy isn’t just about the goals scored; it’s a testament to the fact that talent knows no boundaries.

Huge congratulations to our champions and a big thank you to the Oscar Foundation for hosting such an inclusive and energetic event.

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Sanjit Dharankar Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo

27/01/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a beloved member of our HKIDB family, Mr. Mahesh Joshi.

Mahesh was a dual talent within our organization, serving as a Graphic Designer for the Braille Press and a Block Printing Designer at our Vocational Training Unit. Beyond his incredible skills, Mahesh was a fun-loving, hardworking, and selfless person who had a unique gift for bringing a smile to everyone’s face.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family especially his wife Seema and his daughter Mrudula during this difficult time.

He will be deeply missed by his colleagues and the community he served so passionately.

Rest in peace, Mahesh.

Yogesh Desai Anuradha Bagchi Priya-Ann Gonsalves Aranjo