What does it take to spend over three decades building an international community and championing educational access across Latin America? Featuring a special written Q&A spotlight with regional leader and former DbI Vice President Graciela Ferioli from Argentina, this feature celebrates more than 30 years of grassroots advocacy, global collaboration, and the ongoing DbI Global Education Campaign. From helping host the landmark World Conference in Córdoba to partnering with ministries, universities, and families, Graciela reflects on a lifetime of ensuring individuals with deafblindness are seen, valued, and given the tools to reach their full potential.
Celebrating 50 Years of Deafblind International
Interview with Graciela Ferioli (Argentina)
For more than three decades, Deafblind International (DbI) has been an important part of my professional and personal life. Since joining the organization in 1989, I have had the privilege of growing alongside an extraordinary international community committed to improving the lives of people with deafblindness.
Throughout these years, I have served DbI in different leadership and volunteer roles. I was a member of the Board, later served as Vice President of the organization, and years later became a member of the Communications Committee (ComCom). I also contributed to the CIF initiative to promote the recognition of deafblindness and had the honor of serving on both the Organizing and Scientific Committees of the DbI World Conference held in Córdoba, Argentina.
Today, I am honored to lead the DbI Global Education Campaign in Latin America and the Caribbean, working together with colleagues, ministries, universities, organizations, and families to strengthen educational opportunities, promote the recognition of deafblindness, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with deafblindness across the region.
Looking back, I realize that every role I have had within DbI has been an opportunity to learn, to collaborate, and to contribute to a shared vision. As DbI celebrates its 50th Anniversary, I am grateful to reflect on this remarkable journey and the many friendships and partnerships that have shaped my life.
How did you first become involved with Deafblind International (DbI)?
I became involved with Deafblind International in 1989 when I attended my first international conference. From that very first experience, I realized that DbI was much more than a professional organization. It was a community of people who shared the same commitment to improving the lives of children, young people, and adults with deafblindness.
That conference opened my eyes to new ideas, innovative practices, and lifelong friendships. It inspired me to continue learning, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the development of services in Latin America. Looking back, joining DbI was one of the most important milestones in my professional life.
I never imagined that attending my first DbI conference in 1989 would begin a lifelong journey of service to the organization, leading me to take on different leadership roles and, today, to coordinate the DbI Global Education Campaign in Latin America and the Caribbean.
You mentioned that DbI feels like a global community of friends. How has working with colleagues from around the world helped or inspired your work?
One of the greatest strengths of DbI is the opportunity to work with colleagues from different countries who generously share their knowledge and experiences.
For example, I have had the privilege of collaborating with professionals from India, Brazil, Ecuador, and many other countries to support educational initiatives for children with deafblindness and multiple disabilities. These collaborations have allowed us to learn from one another, combine our expertise, and develop solutions together.
Working with colleagues around the world has shown me that, although our cultures and educational systems may differ, we share the same values and the same commitment. These professional relationships have also become lasting friendships, making DbI truly feel like a global family.
You are currently supporting the DbI Global Education Campaign in Latin America. What are some of the main goals of this project?
The main goal of the DbI Global Education Campaign in Latin America is to ensure that children and young people with deafblindness and multiple disabilities have access to quality education and meaningful participation in society.
An important priority is to strengthen the capacity of teachers, families, and professionals through training, practical resources, and ongoing support.
At the same time, we work closely with ministries of education, universities, members of parliament, and other stakeholders to promote policies and legal frameworks that recognize deafblindness as a unique disability and support the identification of people with deafblindness in each country.
Another essential goal is to build sustainable partnerships across Latin America, where countries learn from one another, share successful experiences, and work together to improve educational opportunities and quality of life for people with deafblindness.
Looking back at all the DbI conferences and events you attended, what is one special memory or experience that stands out to you?
It is difficult to choose just one memory because every DbI conference has been a unique learning experience. However, one experience that will always remain close to my heart is the DbI World Conference held in Córdoba, Argentina. Being part of both the Organizing Committee and the Scientific Committee was a tremendous honor.
What made this conference especially meaningful was that it gave hundreds of Argentine professionals, families, and students the opportunity to attend a DbI World Conference for the very first time—an experience that would not have been possible for many of them otherwise. It was also a unique opportunity for them to meet internationally recognized leaders in the field, exchange ideas, and become part of the global DbI community.
Seeing colleagues from around the world sharing their knowledge with participants from Argentina and Latin America, and watching new friendships and professional collaborations begin, was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that DbI is much more than an organization—it is a global community built on learning, collaboration, and mutual support.
What is your biggest hope for the future of Deafblind International and the people it serves?
My greatest hope is that Deafblind International will continue to grow as a strong global community that inspires collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
I hope more countries will recognize people with deafblindness, strengthen legal frameworks and public policies, and ensure access to quality education, communication, health services, and meaningful participation throughout life.
Most importantly, I hope that every child, young person, and adult with deafblindness will be recognized, valued, respected, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
After more than three decades with DbI, I have learned that lasting change is only possible when people work together. I am confident that future generations will continue building this remarkable global community with the same passion, generosity, and commitment that have inspired me throughout my journey.
Closing Message
Thank you, Deafblind International, for fifty years of leadership, collaboration, and hope.
It has been a privilege to be part of this extraordinary journey. I look forward to seeing DbI continue bringing people together, creating opportunities, and making a lasting difference in the lives of people with deafblindness around the world.
Happy 50th Anniversary, DbI!
About Graciela Ferioli
Graciela Ferioli is a prominent leader in the deafblind community in Argentina and across Latin America. A DbI member since 1989, she has served the organization in numerous vital capacities, including as a Board Member, Vice President, and member of the Communications Committee (ComCom). Having served on the organizing and scientific committees for the historic DbI World Conference in Córdoba, she currently coordinates the DbI Global Education Campaign in Latin America and the Caribbean, working alongside ministries, universities, and families to strengthen educational frameworks and inclusion.