Disability News India (DNI)
Disability News India (DNI), is a disability News service dedicated to providing a quality up-to-date information to the Indian Disability. DNI's news section is updated two times a week, though we also add breaking stories as and when they occur.
Disability News India – August 2008 Issue
- Govt's blurred vision hits blind schools
- Physically disabled person first member of Chiranjeevi's party
- Life in a big city: when chores become a challenge
- TN to have separate policy for disabled people
- Fill 3% quota for disabled teachers: Delhi HC to DU colleges
- Prisons wake up to the needs of physically disabled inmates
- Robots may enhance disabled people's lives
- Malhar brings joy to disabled lives
- Need to upgrade the outreach services: central government tells AYJIHH
- Bombay High Court Rejects Abortion on Supposedly Disabled Unborn Baby
- Redefine 'disability' in the national trust act: NGOs
- Supporting disabled people
Govt's blurred vision hits blind schools
HYDERABAD, 23 Aug: Has the state government hit where it hurts the most? It perhaps has with two schools for visually impaired in the city refusing to open, protesting an "insensitive'' government move.
These government schools for visually impaired, one in Malakpet and another in Darul Shifa, are among the five schools in the state that are being shifted from the education department to the department of disabled welfare, as per a GO issued earlier this year. The Andhra Pradesh Welfare Committee of the Blind (APWCB) is now questioning why, after several decades of being under the education department, are these schools being shown the door.
Both the schools have not reopened after the vacations that ended on June 12. "It is simply injustice and discrimination against the visually impaired community. The way the government is trying to sideline the physically challenged by confining it to the disabled department is degrading the community," said an agitated N Venkat Ramulu, chairman of APWCB, adding that the government's decision is a violation of their right to equality.
Apart from these five schools run by the education department for children with disabilities, 11 are being run by the department of disabled welfare of which five are for the visually and rest for the hearing impaired. Its being clubbed under one umbrella department that has irked the students and teachers of blind schools. Ramulu argues that the government should try and have such schools under various departments as against bundling all schools for the disabled under one department. "Why are the visually challenged deprived of their right to choose the school they like?" they question.
Apart from these two schools, one school for the blind in Kadapa and two others for the hearing impaired in Hyderabad and East Godavari districts, are mentioned in the GO.
A senior official of the department of women development, child and disabled welfare, however, maintains that bringing all such schools under one umbrella will lead to better management and hence better condition as they will get "special attention". But APWCB members fear that the condition of these schools would only get worse with this move pointing out that the schools presently under department of disabled welfare are in a bad condition.
"If the government wants to improve the schools' condition, it should work to develop schools under both the departments," says Ramulu.
However, state officials claim that teachers are "encouraging the students to protest". They explain that many teachers in blind schools do not hold a degree in special education, which becomes a mandatory qualification once the schools move under the department of disabled welfare. In the absence of the degree, these teachers remain with the school education department and can be posted anywhere in the state.
Senior teachers however, deny such apprehensions. Meanwhile, the APWCB threatens to go on "fast unto death" if the GO is not cancelled even as the government stands firm on its decision.
Clearly, it is the over 140 students of these two schools who are the victims of this stand off.
While children their age are busy attending school, students of these two schools are taking part in a relay hunger strike, which reached its 78th day on Wednesday.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Back to TopPhysically disabled person first member of Chiranjeevi's party
Hyderabad, Aug 21: A Disabled person has become the first member of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi's political party.The actor, who is set to formally launch the party at temple town of Tirupati Aug 26, announced Thursday he was admitting K. Balakrishna, a disabled person, as the first member of the party.
A day before his 53rd birthday, Chiranjeevi made this announcement before reporters at his party office here and welcomed more people who joined his party.
He appealed to his fans not to come to the state capital to wish him and instead take up social service activities in their respective towns and villages.
In a gesture to mark the birthday, the party decided to send 450 doctors to tribal areas affected by a viral fever and malaria outbreak. The doctors will organise health camps and treat patients till Aug 26.
Chiranjeevi, whose film career spans over 30 years, Sunday announced his entry into politics. The actor, who runs a blood bank and an eye bank, also declared that he was dedicating his life to serve the people.
Meanwhile, two prominent physicians joined Chiranjeevi's party. One of them is S. Chandrasekhar, an oncologist and son of former Telugu Desam minister Simhadri Satyanarayana. The two doctors took oath in a local temple that they would never indulge in corruption.
Welcoming them into his party, Chiranjeevi said he would only admit those with a clean image into the party.
In Kakinada, two Chiranjeevi fans who had sustained burn injuries during the celebrations Sunday, died in the coastal Andhra city. They were among nine people injured during the fireworks display organised to celebrate actor's entry into politics.
Source: http://www.thaindian.com
Back to TopLife in a big city: when chores become a challenge
CHENNAI, 20 Aug: Watching a movie, shopping at a nearby mall, depositing a cheque at the bank and hopping across the road to shop at your local supermarket. These might seem to be simple, almost mindless tasks.
But not if you are disabled people. For a physically disabled person, apart from performing these tasks without assistance, even approaching the buildings in question could be quite a challenge.
Located at a higher level, sometimes with even two flights of stairs, most banks and post offices in the city remain inaccessible to disabled people. Therefore, the absence of ramps is even more conspicuous. In fact, a branch of ICICI bank had steps leading upwards and downwards to different sections of the bank. When questioned about the lack of facilities, an employee admitted that there was no way a physically disabled person could enter the bank, but said he had no idea why the building was made that way.
Dipti Bhatia, deputy director for Vidyasagar, which works with people with disabilities, said approaching banks has been a major problem for disabled people. "Opening a bank account for a disabled person itself is tedious, and using the bank thereafter is a pain as there is no proper means to get in," she said. Bhatia, who is visually challenged, said the banks don't allow her to use cheque books, which means she needs to visit the bank personally to withdraw money.
"The situation is worse with the post offices. Thank god for email," she added. However, she said educational institutions seem to cater to the needs of disabled people. "If MOP and Ethiraj College can build ramps, why can't buildings that cater to public needs follow their lead?" she asked.
Most of the larger malls in the city have sensitised themselves to the challenges faced by disabled people, but the smaller malls are yet to catch on. Prince Plaza, Egmore, is one such place. Slightly raised and surrounded by stairs, the absence of a ramp is conspicuous.
Even Apex Plaza, which houses book chain, Landmark has forgotten the needs of physically disabled people. "I visited the store a few days ago and was shocked to see no way to enter without going down that flight of stairs," said Bhatia. However, Alsa mall and Globus have built ramps.
Bigger malls in the city are making an effort to turn things around. Spencer Plaza has built ramps at their phase II and III entrances. Citi Centre has gone the extra mile by providing wheelchairs to be used at the mall free of cost. "We have tied up with Wheelchair Trust of India and have about six wheelchairs three of which are battery operated. We also have people on call to take them to any place in the mall, so that they can shop without any difficulty," said Derick Michael, the mall manager.
Most theatres and sabhas also appear inaccessible. However Satyam Cinemas, which is undergoing renovation, said they plan to make the building disabled friendly. Hotels have also made similar efforts.
Vasanth Raghuvir, chairperson of Shakthi Foundation, which works for the betterment of the disabled, said the city today is more open to being disabled–friendly.
The foundation's efforts for almost 17 years have borne fruit. The traffic police have demarcated 32 zones in the city for disabled people and the corporation has made all its offices accessible for disabled people.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Back to TopTN to have separate policy for disabled people
Chennai, 20 Aug: Announcing a slew of welfare measures for disabled people in the state, chief minister M Karunanidhi has promised to formulate a separate policy for them.
After meeting representatives of federation of disabled associations, the chief minister announced the constitution of a high–level committee of secretaries headed by social welfare minister to fill all the 9,000 vacancies in government service set aside for disabled people.
The government has taken initiatives to fill up three lakh government jobs of which 3% have been earmarked for the disabled. The services of the disabled in government service for more than two years on consolidated pay will be regularised.
Presently, disabled travel in trains by paying one fourth of the fare. Now this concession would be extended to all disabled persons travelling by state corporation buses too. The government will also seek priority in employment for disabled people at the time of signing a memorandum of understanding with big companies setting up offices in the state, the chief minister promised. Besides , the state will pay the 5% contribution on behalf of the disabled to enable them to take up self–employment under the recently–announced Prime Minister's Employment Scheme.
A centre to train and improve skills of disabled people with residential facilities will be built in all the districts of the state. The government will fund the projects to be started by non government organisations, the chief minister said. The state will also extend unemployment allowance to persons with all kinds of disability matching the dole granted to visually impaired.
These orders would benefit about 14.5 lakh disabled persons in the state. Social welfare minister Geetha Jeevan , Rajya Sabha member K Kanimozhi and officials were present at the meeting.
G Chidambaranathan, president of the Tamil Nadu Federation of Physically Handicapped People, who presented a charter of demands to the government, said the measures were welcome and would benefit a large number of people. "This is just the beginning and there needs to be greater awareness in the government about the problems that disabled people face," Chidambaranathan said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Back to TopFill 3% quota for disabled teachers: Delhi HC to DU colleges
New Delhi, Aug 13: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Registrar General of the court to file a status report on colleges which claim to have complied with its order to give three per cent quota to disabled persons in teaching posts.
A division bench of Justice A P Shah and Justice S Muralidhar passed the order following a submission made by some of Delhi University colleges that they have filled up the vacancies for handicapped persons in the faculty.
The colleges also sought to vacate the stay against them on their recruitment process.
Directing the colleges to file their compliance report before the Registrar General of High Court, the Bench said it would take a decision to vacate the stay only after the registrar files the status report.
Last year, the Bench had directed all the colleges to provide 3 per cent of reservation to the disabled persons in the teaching staff pursuant to the Disabilities Act.
However, some of the colleges failed to comply within the order following which the Bench had stayed the recruitment process for the teaching staff in the respective college and directed the Registrar General to file the names of those colleges which had failed to comply with its orders.
The court was hearing a PIL seeking direction to DU as it failed to control its colleges after they failed to comply with the provisions of the Disabilities Act.
Meanwhile, the Delhi College of Engineering moved an application claiming that it would not come under the purview of the order as the appointment was done by the UGC but not by DU. The court fixed to hear on the application on next Wednesday.
Source: http://www.zeenews.com
Back to TopPrisons wake up to the needs of physically disabled inmates
CHENNAI: The State Prison Department is working on a relief package to make the prison environment–friendly for physically disabled inmates.
The initiative is also expected to bring succour to senior citizens serving life sentences in different jails across Tamil Nadu. According to Additional Director–General of Police (Prisons) R. Natraj, 87 prisoners were found to be physically disabled during a census conducted recently.
"We are also taking a list of senior citizens, particularly those above the age of 80 years. Jail Superintendents and Medical Officers have been told to interact with these inmates and submit recommendations on the extra care or facilities that can be extended to them," he told.
He said steps would be taken to provide crutches, wheel chairs and special toilets for the physically disabled and senior citizens. Focus would be more on their health and diet requirements. As per the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Jail Manual, efforts would be made to recommend the release of inmates with "serious" ailments and remission of sentence on merit.
Mr. Natraj said a list of orphans was also being prepared in Central prisons. "We are considering those who never had visitors over a period of one year as an orphan. An arrangement has been worked out with NGOs to provide such inmates with sweets or snacks on occasions such as birthday, festival etc. "Custodial care is a vital part of prison administration. Prisoners with diabetes and hypertension are given special diet as per the recommendations of the medical officer," he said.
On the 115 mobile phones and SIM cards seized from prisons in the last one year, he said firm instructions were given to Jail Superintendents to ensure that there was no compromise on security. A majority of the seizures (of mobile phones) was made in Tiruchi and Coimbatore Central prisons. "We have asked the local police to investigate how the SIM cards reached prisons and in whose names they were actually issued. While frisking of visitors and their baggage has been intensified, convicts/remand prisoners entering the jail would be thoroughly searched. Surprise checks on cells were being conducted at regular intervals," Mr. Natraj said.
Source: http://www.hindu.com
Back to TopRobots may enhance disabled people's lives
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 11: A U.S. study foresees robots as improving both the quality and flexibility of the lives of people with disabilities that affect the use of their limbs.
The robotics engineering research, sponsored by The National Science Foundation, utilized physiological information –called bio–signals – produced by the human body to improve external assistive devices called orthoses that help stroke or spinal cord injury patients regain the use of their arms and legs.
"The data collected through this project will assist designers and engineers in developing more sophisticated assistive aids for individuals suffering from various neuromuscular diseases and musculoskeletal injuries," said Rochester Institute of Technology Assistant Professor Edward Brown.
He said a robotic orthosis can take advantage of an individual's residual strength and any remaining physiological information in their limbs, such as an electromyographic signal produced in muscles. That could ultimately assist muscular dystrophy patients in regaining significant use of there limbs.
"Better orthotic technologies could ultimately help people suffering from this disease (to) greatly enhance the quality of their life," Brown says.
The project also included scientists from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgetown University.
http://www.upi.com
Back to TopMalhar brings joy to disabled lives
MUMBAI: Ever wondered what it's like to navigate a wheelchair on an undulating surface? Or negotiate a bumpy pavement when you can't see? Or carry on a conversation without being able to hear?
Students visiting Malhar, the St Xavier's College youth festival which begins on August 15, will get a taste of life with a disability through 'Antarchakshu; The Eye Within' –a series of events organised by the Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC). While Malhar has–over the years–come to symbolise fun and games, this event will, in a light vein, introduce students to a world without sight, sound, or the use of a limb.
For the last two years, the resource centre has introduced a number of activities during Malhar to help students understand what it's like to be visually challenged. Students were blindfolded and asked to find their way through a maze. This year, for the first time, it has included other disabilities.
To begin with, participants are made to go through an obstacle path either blindfold or on a wheelchair. Once out, they get to play a series of games that involve everyday activities performed by people with disabilities. For instance, they'll experience what it's like to wear a shirt with only one hand, or read embossed letters without being able to see them.
"We want students to understand that people with disabilities are as human as anybody else though they may perceive the world through different senses,'' says Dr Sam Taraporevala, St Xavier's College professor and director of the XRCVC. Taraporevala , who is visually challenged himself, feels that levels of awareness on disability in our society are, at present, abysmal.
Over 50 students from the college are involved in Antarchakshu. "Organising the activities gave me a first–hand experience of living life with a disability. While working on an activity that involved reading embossed letters, I found that being sensitive to touch was not as easy as I imagined. For me, Antarchakshu was an eye–opener,'' says Sneha Chaturvedi (19), a Xavier's student, who is one of the coordinators for the event.
The resource centre has conducted similar events for M.Ed students as well as corporates in order to sensitise them to the lives of people with disabilities. There will also be an exhibition of paintings and photographs by visually impaired artists at Malhar.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Back to TopNeed to upgrade the outreach services: central government tells AYJIHH
Mumbai, 8 August: The Ali Yavar Jung Institute of the Hearing Handicapped (AYJNIHH), Mumbai has launched the Disability Information Line – an IVRS based telephonically accessible information service, which will cater to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. Inauguarating the Siliver Jubilee celebrations of the Institute held at the Rang Sharda Natya Mandir in Mumbai this morning, Shri K. M. Acharya, Union Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment stressed the need to do more work in the area of prevention, early identification and intervention. Shri Acharya said that the Institute needed to upgrade its outreach services to the hearing impaired.
Speaking on the occasion, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Parasuraman, Director, Tata Institute for Social Science (TISS) Mumbai stressed the need for other national level institutes and international organisations like FICCI, CII to collaborate with AYJNIHH in reaching the quality services to the needy in the community.
Director, Prof. R Rangasayee, enumerating the activities of the Institute informed that the students trained in its academic courses found immediate global placements. He further informed, that for the first time in the history of the country, efforts had been initiated to put Sign Language in Indian Languages, to begin with in Marathi.
The AYJNIHH has grown to the status of International standards and also has acquired ISO: 9001–2000 certifications in terms of quality services and manpower development. During its 25 year period, the Institute has adopted an integral approach that persons with hearing impairment require to achieve development in various spheres of life. The AYJNIHH is also a pioneer in the design of education of infants & children with hearing impairment.
Bombay High Court Rejects Abortion on Supposedly Disabled Unborn Baby
Mumbai, 4 Aug: After a panel of physicians weighed in on the case, the Bombay High Court on Monday denied a request from a couple who wanted a late–term abortion on a baby who is supposedly physically disabled. The doctors said further examinations showed no abnormalities in the 24–week–old unborn baby.
The Mehtas argued that they believe they won't be able to afford to care for the baby or endure the trauma, and, therefore, they should be allowed to terminate the life of their unborn baby.
Justices RMS Khandeparkar and Amjad Sayed cited the recommendations by the doctors in their decision.
"There is no medical evidence on record to say that he will be disabled after birth," they wrote in their decision. "The petitioners have not made out that this lady's case is exceptional for us to use discretionary powers."
They said they would not have allowed the abortion even if the request came before the 20–week period considered the earliest an unborn child could survive outside the womb.
The couple had claimed at least one doctor indicated the baby would be born with a congenital heart block. They said the baby would need a pacemaker to regulate her heart from the time of birth and they couldn't afford one.
The judges also said they couldn't change the current India law on abortions, known as the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. The law prohibits abortions beyond 20 weeks into pregnancy unless the mother's life is at risk from it.
"It is the job of the legislature to help you alter the provision. We can not legislate the provision," they said, according to a NI Wire report.
Redefine 'disability' in the national trust act: NGOs
BANGALORE, 3 Aug: Support networks not only support disabled people, but also provide strength to their families, said Poonam Natarajan, chairperson of National Trust, at a workshop on Saturday .
The event, organized by the Karnataka Parents Association for Mentally Retarded Citizens (KPAMRC), sought amendment of the National Trust Act with reference to the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The NTA was proposed to address apprehensions of parents on the future of children with intellectual disability, and enacted in 1999.
Since the Act has several lacunae, new legislation by which these gaps can ben addressed was discussed at the workshop.
Professor at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research, Amita Dhanda and Gabor Gombas, senior advocacy officer for mental disability, Hungary, spoke about harmonizing national laws with the CRPD and suggested amendments to the National Trust Act.
Other issues discussed at the event included re–definition of disability in the Act, training programmes, certification for rehabilitation professionals, caregivers and attendants, supported decision–making , community participation, early diagnosis, setting of norms regarding education and employment.
Representatives of NGOs, parents' associations, persons with disabilities and self–advocates participated in the workshop. "Definition of disability needs to be redefined with a universal model and there is a need for recognition of limited guardianship," stressed Rajiv Rajan, who suffers from severe cerebral palsy. He started his education at the age of 12 and completed SSLC within six years. He is now studying through distance education for his diploma in human rights from the Institute of Human Rights, New Delhi.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Back to TopSupporting disabled people
When 16–year–old Kumaran slipped from a train and lost both his legs while commuting to college in Chennai, his family was shattered . For his father, a daily–wager , meeting initial medical expenses to save his son's life was itself a challenge. The amputation of both legs, and the sense of being a burden to his parents, pushed Kumaran into depression. He tried committing suicide on several occasions .
Fortunately, concerned friends bought him to Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). He was fitted with lower limb prosthetics (artificial leg) free of cost and trained to walk. Initially, he used elbow crutches, then a walking stick. Today , he can walk independently, and currently works as a technical adviser in a firm.
This is but one of the many success stories of ALIMCO, which produces more than 355 types of aids and appliances of various categories , including some for the mentally challenged. ALIMCO was established in 1972 in Kanpur to provide artificial limbs to thousands of injured soldiers of the Indo–Pak war. In fact, 13% of ALIMCO employees themselves are disabled people.
Though it has been in existence for more then 36 years, not many are aware that this non–profit organization , working under the ministry of social justice and empowerment , has been distributing aids and appliances free of cost and at concessional rates. It has five regional marketing centres in India – Bangalore, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar , Kolkata and New Delhi. ALIMCO has been a channel of distribution under various schemes like Assistance to Disabled Persons for purchase/ fitting of aids and appliances (AIDP) and Sarva Shikshana Abhiyan (SSA).
According to a sample survey in 2002, there are about 18.04 million persons with disabilities in the country. In addition, about 3% of children below 14 years suffer from delayed development. So, aiding the disabled has been a challenge for the government.
Under AIDP, disabled people whose monthly salary is below Rs 6,500 can avail of these aids free of cost. Those costing below Rs 10,000 are covered under the scheme. Sarva Shikshana Abhiyan along with Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry, provides these free of cost to disabled children between 6 and 14 years through organizations like ALIMCO. K V Rajesh, assistant manager, ALIMCO, Bangalore , said last year it reached out to 21 districts in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. "We have covered 6,400 beneficiaries under SSA and, in Karnataka, 3,700 under AIDP, which issued an annual fund of Rs 7 crore for the distribution of aids and appliances . Under SSAs, there is no limit to the funds; we provide 60% and the HRD ministry covers 40% of the cost," said Rajesh.
Since ALIMCO has 355 types of aids and appliances, all disabled people can contact its nearest centres . Thanks to such efforts, a handicap needn't mean the end of the world.
Two photographs Certificate of disability Identity and address proof Income certificate For those with monthly income less than Rs 6,500, aids and appliances up to Rs 10,000 are free For those earning more then Rs 6,500 but less then Rs 10,000, all aids and appliances available at 50% of cost.
Contact block education officer or block resource coordinator of the area or the district deputy coordinator of SSA scheme ALIMCO has 355 types of aids and appliances to assist various kinds of disabilities, including mental illnesses. For further information, log on to www.artlimbs.com
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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