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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 – January 2010 Issue



Blind people protest to press for their demands of jobs

After nearly two hours of traffic coming to a complete standstill, DCP (Zone I) Vishwas Nagre–Patil (l) was able to convince the group of visually–impaired protestors (below right)
Mumbai, 26 Jan: Visually–impaired protestors blocked the road outside BMC headquarters, in front of Azad Maidan, for almost two hours on Monday, to press for their demands of jobs in government and semi–government organisations.

The protestors, who were on a hunger strike for the past four days at Azad Maidan, were upset that there was no response from the government, even after they had sent many letters to Mantralaya and the civic body.

The protestors took the police by surprise when they suddenly decided to occupy the road, thus blocking the flow of traffic. Given that they were visually impaired, the policemen on duty just did not know how to react.

The police then quickly called up their seniors, desperately seeking their advice to deal with the situation.

On being told of the issue, every senior officer from the nearby Azad Maidan Police Station rushed to the scene. They did their best to reason with the agitators, urging them to stop blocking the road and return to the ground.

The group, however, refused to budge.
Visually-impaired protesting for their demands in Mumbai
Vishwas Nangre–Patil, DCP (Zone I) was then contacted. He, in turn, tried to pacify the crowd and coaxed them to move away from the road.

This went on for over an hour–and–a–half, before Nangre–Patil told the protestors he would call up some ministers. The protestors, however, insisted on none less than the chief minister himself coming to meet them.

Eventually, the DCP did call the CM and briefed him about the situation. The CM then asked him to inform the protestors that they could meet him on January 27, and he would hear them out.

No sooner did Nangre–Patil give them an assurance that the meeting would happen, the group moved back to Azad Maidan, much to the relief of the police and motorists alike.

Source: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/

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Southern Railway not disabled–friendly in berth allocation

CHENNAI, 25 Jan: Southern Railway may have ramps and wheelchairs for disabled passengers at major stations, but it is not disabled–friendly when it comes to allotting berths for such passengers.

There have been complaints that in many instances lower berths were not alloted to disabled passengers even if reservation was done much in advance. Senior citizens too faced the problem.

"I had booked a ticket for a relative who is disabled people. But, they did not allot a lower berth even after I presented a medical certificate showing that the passenger was disabled and that she would not be able to climb up to any other berth," said Manoj Joy, a resident of Velachery.

"The staff at the counter told me to exchange the berth with some other passenger as it was difficult to allot a lower berth because all berths were occupied. I have often seen young people being allotted lower berths, while senior citizens are given upper or middle berths. Some people agree to exchange their berth, but not everyone is so compassionate," said S Ramachandran, a senior citizen and a frequent traveller by train.

Manoj Joy had to cancel his ticket and book again twice before he got a lower berth on a different date. K Gopinath, member, TN Welfare Board for Disabled feels the number of berths allotted for disabled people is inadequate. "The number of people travelling by train has increased, but the allocation for disabled people has not gone up proportionately," he said.

Activists and associations working for the rights of disabled people had protested when the railway converted a general compartment meant for disabled people into a reserved compartment recently. Shanthi, a Chennai resident who was accompanying Adhishwer Ram, a child with cerebral palsy from the city to Coimbatore by West Coast Express on confirmed reserved tickets recently had a tough time due to overcrowding in the coach meant exclusively for disabled people, in October. The compartment meant to accommodate two disabled persons and their escorts had over 60 people.

Southern Railway chief public relations officer VJ Accamma said that lower berths are allotted to disabled people and also senior citizens depending on availability. "Every train has four berths for disabled people in the portion near the guard's cabin. Apart from this, we have not allocated any particular number of lower berths for senior citizens or disabled in other coaches. Passengers can always make a last minute request for lower berth. We have given some of the lower berths meant for emergency quota for senior citizens in the last minute," she said.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Government considering issuing driving licences to deaf people

New Delhi, 24 Jan: Around 5 crore people in India with impaired hearing may soon be permitted to drive. The Central Government is considering issuing driving licences to the hearing impaired and is consulting health specialists on the issue.

The government's move was informed by counsel Jyoti Singh earlier this week to the Delhi High Court.

Informing about the move to a division bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw, Singh said: "We are consulting health specialists and a study is being carried out as to how hearing impaired disorder can affect driving. Earlier studies show that impaired hearing lessens the sense of judgement while driving."

"Though technical specialists did not agree with us on our move of giving licences to deaf people, we are still trying to consult the health specialists," Singh added.

The Union Road Transport Ministry and Department of Health are presently reviewing the case.

"It's a positive approach. At least the whole thing is now being re–looked at," the bench said.

At present, the Motor Vehicles Act prohibits the deaf from obtaining a driver's licence on the ground that they could be a source of danger to the public.

The court has directed the government to give its final report by February 17.

The court was hearing a public interest petition by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), seeking a direction to quash the requirement of having no hearing impairment for the issuance of a driving licence.

Deaf people are allowed to drive all over the world except in 26 countries, including India, NAD said.

Medical experts say those who can hear up to 60 decibels with the use of a hearing aid can be permitted to hold a driving licence for private vehicles, while those with a hearing level of up to 40 decibels with hearing aid can be allowed to drive commercial vehicles.

Source: http://ibnlive.in.com

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Disability activists in Imphal stop screening of film 'Thadoi'

IMPHAL, Jan 24: As a drive towards minimizing stigma and discrimination against disabled person, activists of the Handicapped Foundation (HDF) forcibly stopped screening of 'Thadoi' a Manipuri feature film in digital format which is now showing at Pratap Talkies in Imphal.

Handicapped Foundation alleged that 'Thadoi' carries a message which gives negative impact upon handicapped person.

A sizeable number of HDF activists stormed Pratap Talkies today and snatched away banners and hordings of 'Thadoi' displayed at the premise of the popular cinema house of Imphal city.

Speaking to mediaperson during today's drive against screening of the film, general secretary of HDF Jaswanta said 'Thadoi' would be banned throughout the state as the film portray scenes which could enhance stigma and discrimination against disabled persons.

Jaswanta who led today's drive at the cinema hall further stated HDF has been trying its best level by to minimize the discrimination against handicapped people organizing various awareness programmes but this film carry messages which could increase discrimination against disabled people.

He also appeal to the people of Manipur and concerned authorities as well as film makers to extend support and encouragement to disabled people without any discrimination.

Later, the director, producer and the unit production team of 'Thadoi' along with the members of HD Foundation held a meeting at Pratap Cinema Hall and reached an understanding to stop showing the film.

It may be mentioned that "THADOI" a production of Bright Film Manipur was released on January 17 at BOAT and is currently running at Pratap Talkies from January 18.

Source:

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Infrastructure should be more friendly for disabled people: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary in Taare Zameen Par






















Mumbai, Jan 20: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan says that the Indian infrastructure should give be more accessible for disabled people. "Our society barely thinks about disabled people. It's necessary. There should be proper infrastructure, be it buildings, theatres, roads, everywhere so that they can too have a comfortable access to every places like a normal person does," said Aamir, honouring 18 achievers of the IBN7 Bajaj Allianz Super Idols awards here at the Taj Lands End hotel Tuesday.

The Bollywood star, whose recent release "3 Idiots" takes a critical look at India's education system, feels that the infrastructure in the country should be remodelled so that disabled people can move around without hindrance.

The award is an initiative by the channel in partnership with the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper group to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome their physical challenges to achieve success as well as the individuals who worked tirelessly for the rights of people with disabilities

Rajdeep Sardesai, the editor in chief of IBN 18 Network, told IANS: "I think there is so much negativity in the media. Unless we focus on these kinds of positive stories how will we inspire the next generation? In my case, it happened by working with Ability Foundation (a charitable trust that works to empower disabled) on a project. I realised the remarkable work these people were doing and it shook me."

"It will be an annual event. There are so many such people and it won't be that difficult to find 18," he added.

Television actress and politician Smriti Irani, who was also present at the award ceremony, appreciated the effort and said she is also planning to work with Ability Foundation.

"This is extremely appreciable and an inspiration to those who want to achieve something. People who don't try because of their disablility, I think this award will be an inspiration for them. I am going to work on a project with Ability Foundation and it will be a new beginning for me," she said. Music director Anu Malik, Lalit and Aadesh Shrivastava were also present.

Source: http://calcuttatube.com

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IIMB, MphasiS partner to set up disability services office

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB).
Bangalore: Jan 19: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) and MphasiS announced a partnership to open an Office of Disability Services (ODS) to cater to the academic needs of students and staff with disabilities at IIMB.

This facility of ODS will make an assessment of all the incoming disabled students, categorise what support the institute has to provide for them, and then coordinate with the concerned offices within IIMB to provide such support.

"Setting up such a one–point support system for disabled students will enable IIMB to provide inclusive education that is competent enough to match some of the best universities in the world," said Professor Pankaj Chandra, Director, IIMB.

"This partnership with MphasiS will enable us to create an inclusive academic world where everyone gets an opportunity to excel without any discrimination. We are one of the first professional educational institutions in the country to have an articulated policy that aims at removing all barriers that prevent students with disabilities from realising their true potential," Chandra specified.

"MphasiS is deeply committed to supporting people with disabilities and in aiding them to become employable. One of the reasons for low rate of employment of people with disabilities is the lack of infrastructural facilities at educational institutions. MphasiS has joined hands with IIMB, to respond to this need in India which has not been met yet," said Elango R. Chief Human Resources Officer – MphasiS.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com

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Disabled artist in Mumbai gets gallery show

Surendran with his work
MUMBAI, 19 Jan: He has been a wheelchair user since the age of 14 due to a neuromuscular and has hardly moved out of his home in his small village Kerala but C V Surendran's talent has come a long way in two decades and on Monday, it got a broader canvas.

His sketches, all made with a ballpoint pen, are now on display at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai.

Now 35, Surendran from Kerala's Kannur district, who had to fight years of frustration, tried to explore his talent as a painter. But using a brush did not work, as his only functioning hand, the right, did not have enough power.

"I could not use the brush. So I tried a pencil. But that also failed and I took up the ballpoint pen," says the artist who has been holed up in his small room most of his life. That was 20 years ago. Surendran, with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, now has made around 200 sketches of which around 60 are on display at the Jehangir Art Gallery till January 24. The exhibition began on Monday.

He takes around three months to make a sketch. Surendran feels his works are a manifestation of his "struggle with fate". "Sketching had earlier dissuaded me from the thought of suicide. Today I live for it."

Speaking to reporters, he said he hoped his paintings would boost the morale of people with disabilities like him.

Back home, his paintings first won praises from friends and acquaintances. Gradually, word spread and the Kerala Chitrakala Parishad exhibited his works. Later, the Lalit Kala Akademi granted some money for his treatment.

Surendran has also been felicitated with the Kesari–Kiyaf Award instituted by the Kodankkandath International Art Foundation.

His works reached Mumbai with the help of friends in Kerala and likeminded Malayalees in Mumbai. They are providing food and accommodation for him as well as a chance to display his works in the famous gallery that has a wider audience.

He hopes to use the money from the sale of the paintings on his treatment so that he does not have to depend on anybody. Back home in Kerala, it's a struggle for him to find buyers.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/

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'Condition of schools for hearing impaired despicable'

New Delhi: Schools for hearing impaired in the national capital are facing shortage of teachers for the past 10 years, a fact which has prompted the Central Information Commission to impose maximum penalty on officials for not providing information on the matter.

The Social Welfare department of Delhi was pulled up by Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi for "despicable" condition of the schools for children with special needs.

"It is obvious that the department was neglecting its duty of appointing teachers for hearing impaired children since the year 2000. This is really despicable," Gandhi said.

The case relates to RTI application of Amarkesh Mahendru seeking details of teachers' appointment for the 26 vacant seats in four schools for hearing impaired children in February 2009.

Source: http://www.ptinews.com

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IIMB takes further steps to improve comfort level of MBA students with disability

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB).
Bangalore, 18 Jan: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) on January 13, 2010 inaugurated an Office of Disability Services (ODS) to cater to the special needs of disabled students on campus. The ODS has been set up with the support of Mphasis Ltd, an HP company.

Professor Pankaj Chandra, the Director of IIMB and Mr. Elango R, the Chief Human Resource Officer, Mphasis Ltd presided over the function.

In his speech Professor Chandra said, "Setting up such a one–point support system for students with disabilities will enable IIMB to provide inclusive education that is comparable to some of the best universities in the world. This partnership with Mphasis will enable us to create an inclusive academic world where everyone gets an opportunity to excel without prejudice and discrimination. We are one of the first professional educational institutions in the country to have an articulated policy that aims at removing all barriers that prevent students with disabilities from realising their potential."

"The rate of employment for people with disabilities is low because of the lack of infrastructural and training facilities at educational institutions in the country. MphasiS has joined hands with IIMB to respond to this unmet need in India," said Mr. Elango R.

Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Corporate Strategy & Policy area at IIMB is the Chairperson of the Office of Disability Services. ODS will provide a single point of contact and all support for students with disabilities on the IIMB campus. The activities of ODS will include:

Assessment of students' special needs when they enter the institute.
Proactive steps to provide all academic material in formats suitable for students.
Identification and provision of scribes, readers and other support volunteers, and
Coordination of any special accommodations in the classroom and examinations

Source: http://www.mbauniverse.com

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CCP fails to provide pedestrians with leveled, smooth pavements: Report

PANAJI, 17 Jan: City Corporation of Panaji (CCP) has failed to ensure that the width of pavements in the city is not abruptly reduced to suit the builders interest, thereby neglecting the pedestrians interest, reveals a field visit report submitted to the sub–committee on mobilization plan for Panaji city under Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) schemes and other projects under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

"The CCP and other relevant agencies have taken no role to ensure all the paralleled road like MG Road, 18th June Road have leveled and smooth pavements as the heights of the pavements differ with each building, thus making walking on pavement a mobility hazard.

Even the width of pavement have been abruptly reduced to suit the builders not keeping in mind the pedestrians interest," the report notes.

The report prepared by a team headed by Dr Joe D'Souza, who is also part of the sub–committee states that the footpath pavements and overhead bridges in the city were totally inadequate and often reduced in size and without proper alignment, thus making it difficult for the pedestrians, especially disabled people to cross roads. The field inspection was carried out on December 18, 2009.

This report was discussed in detail during the sub–committee meeting headed by leader of Opposition, Manohar Parrikar, in a meeting for appraisal of Detailed Projects Reports (DPR) on projects in the UIG on January 4, 2010, after which the sub–committee directed CCP to ensure that proposal for uniform footpaths, user friendly pathways or streets for senior citizen and specially disabled person should be included in the comprehensive mobility plan for the city.

The sub–committee has been entrusted with the task of preparing detailed project reports that would be submitted to get funds under the UIG schemes and JNNURM schemes to implement and finish the projects by 2030.

The minutes of the meeting also states that in Panaji there is a need for overhead bridges and underground subway near Custom house connecting the river front with the MG Road, as well as the Garcia de Orte Garden, besides installation of ramps for disabled people to cross over from pavement on to the road where height differs and which have gutters.

The report also notes on the need to have more overhead or underground bridges near Custom house connecting the river front with the MG Road, as well as the Garcia de Orte garden to facilitate senior citizen to move from the garden to the river front and also enter the shopping area on the MG Road and 18th June roads.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Three Disabled Bengal Youths begin India tour to spread awareness

Jalpaiguri (WB), Jan 17: Three disabled youths from West Bengal began a tour across the country on Saturday to spread awareness among the physically disabled on their abilities.

The youths from the Doars tea gardens of Jalpaiguri district will be travelling on wheel chairs.

All these three youths Ram Swarup Mahali, Binod Hautal and Sumit Mahali, being disabled people, are on a mission to show the world that despite having disability in their life, they have succeeded in winning all hurdles. The locals of the region gave them a warm farewell.

"Through this tour across the country, I want to make physically disabled people aware of their abilities and assure them that even they are like normal human beings and have the right to live like them. I want to spread this message that no physically disabled person should consider himself as helpless or weak. If they have the spirit to do something, they will definitely become successful." said Ramswarup Mahali, one of the volunteers.

World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. India has also ratified the Convention.

According to the Indian Census 2001, 21.9 million persons of the country's total population of over a billion people are disabled, and that 7 million of these are in the age group of 0–19 years.

Source: http://www.thaindian.com

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Man thrashes disabled daughter to death

Kannur (Kerla), Jan 15: Unable to bear the plight of his physically and mentally disabled of his seven–year–old daughter, a man thrashed her to death at his residence at Thripangottur in the district.

T Abdulla (33) beat the girl, who also suffered hearing impaired, last night and she succumbed to her injuries while being taken to hospital by family members and local people, police said today.

Abdulla, against whom a case was registered charging himj with murder, confessed to the crime, saying he was unable to bear the plight of his physically and mentally challenged daughter, police said.

Abdulla, working at an electric shop, said she was treated at various hospitals but it was of no help, police said.

Source: http://www.ptinews.com

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Government decided to simplify the process of issuing disability certificates

New Delhi, Jan. 14: The government has decided to simplify the process of issuing disability certificates through a slew of steps that would among other things relieve disadvantaged people in rural areas of the trouble of making long, "cumbersome" trips.

The social justice ministry has decided to let doctors at primary health centres issue disability certificates to those with visible disability such as blindness, amputations and paralysis of limbs.

At present, a person with disabilities has to travel to district headquarters to get such a certificate from a medical board comprising a civil surgeon and an expert on disability.

Ministry sources said the plan would be of great help to the country's 2.19 crore disabled, including those with mental illnesses, who make up 2.13 per cent of India's population.

The disability certificate is crucial for a disadvantaged person as it makes him or her eligible to apply for facilities, concessions and benefits under schemes of governments or non–government organisations.

"Disabled people, especially those from rural areas, had been finding it very difficult to get a disability certificate as they have to make trips to district headquarters. It has come to our notice that many disabled people in rural areas have been deciding not to get the certificate because of the cumbersome process involved. Hence we have decided to simplify the procedure," said an official with the social justice ministry.

But those with complicated disabilities not easily discernible and which need to be assessed scientifically will still have to get the certificate from the district medical boards.

These include non–visible locomotor disabilities, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, low vision, mental retardation, autism and mental illnesses.

"Certain disabilities like hearing problems and autism cannot be assessed by a general physician. They (people with such disabilities) will have to go and get their problems certified by doctors at higher levels," the official said.

But even in the case of people with such non–apparent disabilities the government has decided to make the process of getting a disability certificate easier.

It has decided to fix particular days in a week or month for issuing the certificates. It has also decided to hold camps for issuing the certificates at the taluka or block level.

The government is also planning to fix a time frame for issuing the certificates once an application is submitted with the district medical board.

In case the board does not have a government psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist or a paediatrician, it will be able to use the service of a private practitioner.

The government has decided to make it the responsibility of principals/headmasters of schools to arrange for disability certificates for students with disabilities. Under the new plan, the district medical board has to visit a school for evaluation of a student's disability on the written request of the school's authorities.

While the government's move has come in for praise, many NGO activists voiced fears that it could lead to "massive corruption".

Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com

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Blind people in Maharashtra form cooperative

Panaji: With government jobs becoming a distant dream, Maharashtra–based cooperative society of blinds have provided self–employment to around 225 people, outsourced from various state government establishments.

"We usually look after the maintenance job right from re–caning of chairs, furniture, repairing, polishing and even manufacturing new furniture," Maharahstra Andha Audyogik Utpadak Sahakari Sanstha (maryadit) president Shaikh sayyed Nanhu said.

The cooperative society's list of esteemed clientele includes Mantralaya, Bhivandi Municipal Corporation, High court, sessions court, sales tax, excise and even police department. Interestingly, it is based in Mumbai, the metro with having highest number of blind people in the country.

Nanhu said that the turnover has touched Rs 35 lac last financial year, which is a jump from the initial turnover of Rs two lac, when they began in 1990.

"The entire operations are handled by blind people right from the work to delivery," he added.

The concept stems from the basic fact that the organizations working for handicapped are related to religious entities, which makes them charitable institutions. "We decided that we will venture into cooperative sector where getting the grants may be an ardous task but for sure, we can make the blinds eke out respectable life," he said. Nanhu, who is in Goa with around 50 blind people to feel the sea, sand and surf, said that the youngest member of the society is 18 year old while the eldest one is 56.

"Maharashtra government's resolution in 1999 to outsource maintenance work to our society brought in much needed assignments for us. Now we serve almost 90 per cent government offices, which gives us monopoly in the sector," he said.

Nanhu, who originally hails from Himayat Nagar in Nanded district, is master of arts (MA) and conceived this society way back in 1990.

"People's attitude towards blind people has not changed. There are many people who try to secure their blind child in the four walls of the house. That makes him more frustrated," he said.

He said that the government which has announced one per cent job reservation is not able to do justice to blind people as there are hardly any government vacancies released.

The members of this cooperative venture have also set a good example through their successful stint in private jobs. "The blind person can work better where there is need of concentrationc They are also humble and hardworking," Usha Iyer, who herself is a blind and working at Bank of India's Malad Branch in Mumbai, said.

Source: http://www.daijiworld.com

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Are public buildings friendly to disabled people: HC

BANGALORE, 14 Jan: The high court on Wednesday directed the PWD, UDD and other departments concerned to file affidavits on facilities for disabled persons at public buildings across Karnataka.

You say you have issued circulars. But they should not remain in paper, a division Bench headed by Justice V Gopala Gowda observed before adjourning the hearing for 10 days.

The podium block in Visvesvaraya Tower and the building housing the commissioners office dont have easy access for disabled people. Although the PWD Act came into force in 1996, there has been no improvement in facilities , D Simharaj claimed in the PIL.

The hearing on petition filed by Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) has been adjourned to January 19. Advocate General Ashok Haranahalli said the government will give alternative site as suggested by BTC management. The government has given licence to BTC till January 31.

The high court and its circuit Benches wont have sittings on Friday, solar eclipse day. The HC notification stated that Friday has been declared as non–sitting day for the HC principal Bench, and circuit Benches at Dharwad and Gulbarga . February 6 will be a sitting day.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Barriers remain on path to web access for people with disabilities

The Internet has no boundaries. At least that's the conventional wisdom. Nonetheless, hurdles remain for many who would like access to the worldwide web, especially those with disabilities. At issue are details seldom considered by web designers, programmers and non–disabled users.

But there are solutions, for example for blind people who want to surf the web. Screenreaders dictate website contents or print pages in Braille format.

One big step toward improving accessibility has been a recent trend toward separating web design from content. But people in the industry say that such developments are just the first step.

Lawmakers have set some guidelines. In Germany for example agencies are required by law to make their Internet presences accessible to people with disabilities. But there remains a lot of catching up to do for commercial websites, says Birgit Scheer of ABI, a German group fighting for barrier–free web access.

"Innovative" lawmaking and initiatives that have built upon those laws have already forced a lot of movement, says Christian Schmitz of Aktion Mensch, another German group that awards prizes for groups that make inroads toward easier Internet access. But much remains to be done.

"We've already done those things that are technically easy to accomplish," says Klaus Seeberger of web designer Vitango. But interest and pressure are needed for more complicated projects.

Just making a standard website accessible is a challenge. Problems crop up if designers forget and include graphics and navigation elements that cannot be pronounced or described by reading programmes. Without those steps, those programmes lapse into vague announcements about "Link 2", "Link 3" or "Graphic X".

These problems often crop up during attempts to make websites more interactive. Anyone who wants to send off forms, create contact networks or send emails to companies is often forced, for security reasons, to type in combinations of letters.

Those characters are often generated by the website in such a way that a only a human could read them, deliberately distorted and twisted so that automatic spyware programmes cannot decipher them. But that security feature also stops screenreaders in their tracks, says Scheer.

Even if efforts are made to separate layout from content, there's a long way to go until a site is truly accessible. After all, accessibility doesn't mean just offering a trimmed down version of the website offered to others, says Schmitz. It's about creating an online environment where everyone can access the potential, not a separate system for disabled people.

That means setting up websites so people with mental or learning disabilities can also use them. Thus, simple concepts and understandable texts are a must. Programmers and webs designers need to craft their sites with a care for how they might be used by colour–blind and elderly people.

Navigating websites should also be possible without a mouse. Those kind of requirements show the kind of innovative potential that needs to go into creating accessible websites, say the expert. After all, simple design and easy navigation set standards. And those will be important for the development of web content for devices like mobile phones.

Source: http://thehindu.com

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Don't turn away disabled children: CBSE

Jan 14: Despite inclusive education being a constitutional guarantee, most parents of disabled children find themselves up against an apathetic tide when seeking admission in regular schools.

One board appears to have taken notice of the malaise and is trying to set things right. Moved by numerous complaints, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular to its schools across the country, warning them with disaffiliation if they are found erring on this count.

"It has been observed that several schools affiliated to CBSE are not abiding by our directive of inclusive education. Disabled children face challenges in learning as they may not be able to focus on the teacher during classroom interaction, or their pace of learning may be slower. Schools need to allocate more aid for these children and make an extra effort," said Vineet Joshi, secretary and chairman of the Delhi–based board.

A recent survey conducted by an NGO, Pratham, about the schooling status of children with disabilities (CWD), reveals that 77% of them are out of school. The human development report of last year states that the literacy rate of disabled children in the city is a meagre 17%.

"Many parents of visually challenged children have sought our help when a school refused admission. We intervened and persuaded the school to take the child, and even provided resources. Instead of promoting segregated schools, the government should concentrate on funding integrated education," said K Ramkrishna, honorary secretary of National Association for the Blind (NAB).

According to Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School, Santa Cruz, the institute has had several differently–abled children who have excelled in academics and sports.

"Last year, we had a student who was hearing impaired, but went on to score 92% in board exams. Schools that are not sensitive to the special children, and do not have special educators, are the ones who usually deny admission," she said.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com

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Chinese disabled artistes perform in India

Artistes of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe perform Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Jan 12: Artistes of the China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe perform Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva during a special show 'Dream On' at the Nehru Indoor Stadium on January 10, 2010.

About 55 disabled artists gave a two–hour–long performance in aid of Sacred Heart Leprosy Foundation.

This is the first time the troupe from China, comprising visually, hearing and physically disabled artistes aged 12 to 40, is performing in India.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

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Government decided to make 6000 websites disabled–friendly

New Delhi, Jan. 10: The central government has decided to make each of its 6,000 websites disabled–friendly.

Under new government guidelines, the visually challenged will be able to use a "screen reader software" that will read out the text that appears on a computer monitor. People who have difficulty handling a mouse can use the "voice recognition software" to work the computer with verbal commands.

The websites will provide features like "iconic learning" for those with autism and learning disabilities; keyboard support for those with visual or upper limb impairment; and navigation facilitation for those with visual and learning disabilities. They will offer transcripts of the audio–video content for the hearing impaired as well as changes in colour schemes.

The Centre will institute three awards for the best disabled–friendly websites in the government, public and private sectors.

Early this week, the social justice and empowerment ministry became the first to make its website compliant with these guidelines.

"This is a significant contribution to addressing the profound social disadvantages faced by persons with disabilities. I am sure other central ministries and government departments will soon make their websites accessible as well," social justice and empowerment minister Mukul Wasnik said.

A ministry official said: "Although screen–reading technology has provided power to visually impaired people, it has hardly reached the broader population in the country and has remained limited to a small, fortunate English–speaking minority. But our website will be supporting several Indian languages, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada and Telugu."

The official added: "Once all government websites become disabled–friendly, it will be the turn of bank ATMs and railway kiosks."

Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com

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Disabled people seek financial support from govt

CHENNAI, 10 Jan: The city corporation's grievance redress meet on Saturday organised especially for people with disabilities at Ripon Buildings saw many seeking financial assistance under the state government's welfare schemes. 240 petitioners sought financial help. Mayor M Subramanian also accepted petitions from the elderly and widows. "Aids and grants will be distributed by the district revenue and social welfare departments; wheelchairs and tricycles will also be given," he said.

One of them was R Raja from Vysarpadi. Short in stature since birth, Raja had married R Karpagam 17 years ago. The couple's only son Anand is also short–statured. "We cannot lead a normal life like others. We need government financial support," Raja said.

"We sell toys, eatables and stationery on trains with the help from railway staff. Government can support us financially for our business," said N Marichamy, V Muthusamy and B Kathavarayan, all visually impaired.

S Sankar, a commerce graduate from Ayanavaram, wanted a government job on compassionate grounds.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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SBI to launch ATMs for visually impaired

Mumbai: India's largest lender, the State Bank of India Ltd (SBI) on Thursday announced it would launch in a month's time voice–enabled website as well as special automated teller machines (ATMs) for the visually challenged.

"The website will be launched along with about 7,000 ATMs in a month's time," said Amitabh Kumar, general manager (alternate channels and payments systems). Amitabh Kumar, general manager, alternate channels at SBI said the bank has completed a pilot project for ATM while the software to internet banking for visually–challenged is in place. Both the projects will be implemented in a month's time, he said while speaking at a seminar on banking access for visually–impaired, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

The move to do so follows a dictate from RBI to banks early this year that all its branches and ATMs should be made accessible to persons with disabilities.

RBI had also said banks should make at least one third of new ATMs installed as talking ATMs with braille keypads and place them strategically in consultation with other banks to ensure that at least one talking ATM with Braille keypad is generally available in each locality for catering to needs of visually–impaired persons. Banks may also bring the locations of such talking ATMs to the notice of their visually–impaired customers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the seminar, Mr Kumar said of its 18,000 ATM, its 7,000 ATMs would be accessible to visually–impaired. However, it has not yet activated since the bank has issued special debit card to the visually–impaired to access these ATMs. However, he could not indicate the number of cards that the bank is likely to issue since the bank does not have the data on the number of visually–impaired banking with them. He indicated that the bank has been in talks with both NCR and Diebold, the two ATM providers to procure the such ATMs.

With regards to internet banking, Mr Kumar said they have also acquired a software called Jaws to enable internet banking for visually–impaired. The key features under internet banking include checking the balance, funds transfer and download account statement.

It will also have a 'deadman's switch ? wherein the user can enter this key if he fears intrusion to his privacy while he is doing online transactions, following which the page will collapse and the account will not be accessible for three days, or till such a time the account–holder approaches the bank to activate it. Mr Kumar also said banks are looking at putting ramps at some of their ATMs to help the physically challenged access ATMs.

Speaking at the same seminar, ICICI Bank managing director and CEO Chanda Kochhar said banks should be sensitive to the special needs of these people and that it was the responsibility of the banking industry to see to it that they are able to conduct banking activity independently.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

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BSA Motors launches electric scooter designed for disabled people

Electric scooter Roamer Able on display at Auto Expo 2010.
New Delhi, 8 Jan: While luxury sedans, small cars and hybrid vehicles have hogged the limelight at the Auto Expo, it was also the platform for the launch of an electric scooter designed in India especially for disabled people.

BSA Motors, a recently formed division of the Chennai–based Tube Investments of India Ltd, promoted by the Murugappa Group, unveiled its four–wheel scooter, Roamer Able, on Thursday.

"After extensive market research, we saw that there is a burning need to come out with a scooter which would help the mobility of the physically challenged," said K.B. Srinivasan, vice–president, BSA Motors, which only makes electric scooters. "So long, people have been buying scooters from the market and modifying them, but those vehicles are not very safe."

The Roamer Able has thoughtful touches such as a holder for crutches and a rear break lock so that the scooter does not roll back on a slope. The rider can also engage reverse with a flick of a switch.

"We have been developing the technology for this vehicle since the last eight months along with a Japanese design consultancy firm, which has advised us on the design of the scooter," said Srinivasan.

The scooter is priced at Rs35,300 before taxes and other charges in Delhi, but the state government has extended BSA Motors a subsidy so it can sell the scooters at a 30% discount. The company is talking with other states as well for similar subsidies.

BSA Motors, formed in July 2008, is targeting a 20% share of the electric scooters market, currently pegged at Rs1.1 lakh, by the end of fiscal 2011. The company sells around 1,500 scooters a month and expects to end 2010–11 at around 15,000 units.

Hero Electric Ltd, a subsidiary of the Hero Group, is the largest firm in India's highly disorganized electric scooters market, which has around 80 firms importing containers of Chinese electric scooters and selling them locally. BSA Motors also faces competition from Electrotherm India Ltd, which sells its electric two–wheelers under the Yobykes brand.

There were the good old bicycles on display as well, although some had a Rs3 lakh price tag.

A range of cross–country, mountaineering and racing bicycles were introduced in India around six months back by BSA Motors, which has secured exclusive rights for marketing bicycle brands such as Ducati, Cannondale, Bianchi and Schwinn in the country.

Abhishek P. Sareen, manager, performance bikes division, BSA Motors, says the company sells around 100 of these imported bicycles every month. "Ninety per cent of the sales have come from bikes ranging between Rs20,000 and Rs50,000 and we are expecting to sell around 7,000 bicycles this fiscal," said Sareen.

Source: http://www.livemint.com

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DD Channel Bangalore celebrates Braille bi–centennial with news reading by visually impaired

BANGALORE, 6 Jan: To mark the bi–centenary (201) celebration of Louis Braille's birthday, Doordarshan's Chandana channel had four visually impaired persons from the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled (Samarthanam) presenting four Kannada news bulletins in association with the regular news readers on January 4.

The news presenters read out the news to the visually impaired persons a couple of hours before each bulletin, which was taken down in Braille.

After reading out two or three of the stories on air, the news presenter introduced the visually impaired person to the viewers who then took it forward.

Manjunath read the 7.00 am, Kavya the 1.00 pm, Samarthanam founder and managing trustee Mahantesh Kivadasannavar, the 7.00 pm and Samarthanam teacher Narasimumurthy, the 9.00 pm news bulletins respectively.

Says DD Bangalore Sr. Director Mahesh Joshi during a telecom withindiantelevision.com, "We thought that the best way to help the visually impaired is to empower them."

Joshi revealed that visually impaired news readers had to be prompted before and after the visuals to stop and start reading news.

"We'd like to make the impossible possible. Henceforth, I would like them to read the complete news bulletin rather than the pieces that they have done," Joshi added. Last year also, DD Chandana had one visually impaired person read out the news bulletin to celebrate Braille's birthday.

Source: http://www.indiantelevision.com

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Government launches first disabled–friendly ministry website

New Delhi: India's Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has become the first government Website to be disabled friendly. "Accessible Website" is expected to be a significant contribution in addressing the social disadvantages faced by disabled people in the country.

There are around 40 to 90 million disabled people in India. The Website provides many accessibility features such as a 'Screen Reader Software' for blind people. The software speaks the text that appears on the monitor. People who have difficulty using a mouse can use 'Voice Recognition Software' and work on the computer through verbal commands.

The Website also boasts features such as Iconic learning for the mentally challenged and autistic people, keyboard support for those with visual or upper limb impairment, navigation facilities people with visual and learning disabilities and transcripts for audio– video content for the hearing impaired.

The accessibility features are also useful for senior citizens. "I am sure other Central Ministries and government departments will soon make their websites Accessible as well," said Mukul Wasnik, the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment during the launch of the Website on Tuesday.

He also announced a separate category of awards i.e., best Website for the disabled on International Day of Disabled Persons in December 2010.

The minister called it a "landmark step to ensure protection of right to information and full participation of Persons with Disabilities in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural spheres with equal opportunities."

A World Bank report in 2007 found people with disabilities in India were plagued by low literacy and employment rates and widespread social stigma.

The report had said, "as the country makes economic progress, the incidence of communicable disease–induced disabilities such as polio are likely to fall, whereas age and lifestyle–related disabilities and those due to traffic accidents are expected to rise sharply."

Source: http://www.allheadlinenews.com

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'Disabled employees to get equal insurance benefits'

New Delhi January 6: The Centre today informed the Delhi High Court that disabled people government employees will be eligible for equal benefits for the postal life insurance policy with maximum limit of Rs five lakh.

Ministry of Communication and Information Technology counsel told the court that a decision has already been taken by the department to give equal treatment to the disabled people government employees.

A division bench of Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw was hearing a public interest litigation filed by visually impaired Vikas Gupta, a professor, seeking parity with the general employees in terms of benefits.

Gupta alleged discrimination by the government with the disabled employees in terms of conferred benefits. His counsel Pankaj Sinha said the disabled employees were asked to pay extra–premium in terms of the policy.

He submitted that according to the insurance policy, employees can avail a maximum of Rs five lakh and minimum of Rs 10,000 sum insured, whereas the disabled people employees were getting merely Rs one lakh.

The government's counsel said the department would take a decision shortly with regard to the extra premium paid by the disabled employees.

The Bench fixed the matter for further hearing on January 20 and directed the government to file a detailed affidavit on the issue.

Source: http://www.business–standard.com

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Proposed amendments to Disability Act upsets NGOs

Bangalore, Jan 5: NGOs and activists have expressed their disappointment over the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's announcement that it would introduce amendments to the Persons With Disability Act in the forthcoming budget session.

While the government is preparing to put forth 101 amendments, advocate Kanchan Pamnani, who has been working closely with the Disability Rights Group that demands the total replacement of the Act, has said that the current law requires not less than 300 amendments.

"The minister has gone back on his promise to replace the law, which he had made to the members of the group some months ago," Kanchan, said Mumbai–based solicitor.

Many allege that the Act passed by the Indian Parliament in 1995 does not align with the United Nations Convention for Rights of Persons With Disability (UNCRPD) that calls for a rights–based approach.

"Having signed and ratified the Convention, India has an obligation to orient its laws towards it," Kanchan said. C Mahesh, Advocacy Coordinator for Bangalore–based CBR Forum said that the amended law should be placed in the public domain before being tabled in the Parliament. "The amendment must be placed before the public domain and debates need to be held before making any decision.

Apart from the 100 odd articles that have been proposed to be amended there are nearly 18 articles that have been left out," he said.

Victor John Cordeiro, Manager Advocacy and Campaign, Leonard Cheshire Disability, South–Asia Region office said that the proposed draft amendment is not in line with the UN Convention. "There are many loopholes in the proposed amendment and many articles are excluded. A new legislation must be passed instead of amending the existing law," he said. Earlier, Javed Abidi, Convenor of Disability Rights Group and Chairman of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled Persons (NCPEDP) had asked the government to replace the Act with a new legislation which his movement calls "The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Respect for Dignity, Effective Participation and Inclusive Opportunities) Act." After meeting with MSJE Minister Mukul Wasnik, Abidi had said he has shared the concerns of the activists.

It was then that we brought to his attention the flaws, substantial ones, that still existed in the so called 'Amendments' document being floated around by the Ministry," said Abidi.

"We then proposed that what India needs now, rather what the 70 million disabled people of India need now is a brand new, modern, forward looking, 21st century law. We even proposed a name. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Respect for Dignity, Effective Participation and Inclusive Opportunities) Act,."

However, the minister participating in the Louis Braille day celebrations on Monday has said that the government would introduce the amendments in what appears to be a u–turn on his earlier attempts to hold consultations and act according to the community's wishes.

"This is just a lollypop he is offering to the community. The government doesn't appear serious on offering the community what it needs," Kanchan said.

Source: http://www.deccanherald.com

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Govt to bring amendments in legislation for disabled people

New Delhi, Jan 5: Keeping in view the needs of disabled people in the changing times, the government is planning to introduce amendments in the legislation related to protection of their rights in budget session of Parliament.

Government will introduce amendments in the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik said today.

"We are harmonising the legislation and there will be comprehensive amendment in it keeping in mind the needs of the disabled persons with changing times. Currently dialogue is going on with concerned stakeholders on these changes, which we will bring in the next session of Parliament," he said.

Wasnik was speaking on the occasion of the unveiling of the ministry's "fully accessible" website, which was launched by Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Prithviraj Chavan.

Source: http://www.ptinews.com

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Haryana's Paralympic Sports for Disabled Persons from January 14

CHANDIGARH, 1 Jan: Sport and Youth Affairs Department, Haryana will organize three–day Haryana State Paralympic Sports Competition for Disabled persons at Gurgaon from January 14 to 16, 2010.

While giving this information here today, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs department, Gopal Kanda said that sports events in various disciplines, such as 100 meter, 200 meter and 300 meter athletic track event and long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, discus and javelin under athletic field event would be organized during the competition. He said that two sportsperson from each district in the age group under 19 years and above in each discipline would participate in the competition.

The Minister said that those secured first, second and third position in the competition would be awarded cash prize. Besides this, 1134 track suits costing above Rs.4.50 lakh would also be given to the participants, he added.

Source: http://www.punjabnewsline.com

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Upcoming terminal at Indira Gandhi International Airport to be disabled friendly

Delhi airport's upcoming integrated Terminal 3 will offer barrier–free movement to all passengers, including those with special needs and reduced mobility.

The new terminal, which will cater to both international and domestic flights, is expected to open by July 2010.

The private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) said while many measures were taken at the existing terminals to make them disabled friendly, the upcoming terminal would be much better.

"The design of the terminal has been made keeping in mind these requirements that are reflected in the way the flow of passengers is laid out," said a DIAL spokesman. "The terminal itself is barrier–free and in fact there are no level changes at all for passengers flying out of Delhi."

"Most Indian airports have provisions for disabled people but not of the right standards. At some airports such as Port Blair, special toilets meant for disabled people are kept locked," said Anjali Agarwal of Samarthya, an NGO that promotes a barrier–free environment for disabled people "Delhi Airport is much better, compared to some other airports but some issues like slippery floors and lack of signages could be looked into." DIAL said that the upcoming terminal would not leave any room for complaints.

"Specially marked drop–off points along with tactile strips will guide passengers from the drop off area to the terminal," the spokesman said. "There will be help phones for passengers to contact the DIAL help desk. At this help desk, passengers can contact their respective airline for a reserved wheelchair service." "There will up to 50 toilets throughout the Terminal building for passengers with special needs," he said. "The departure drop–off area, the check–in area, security clearance and immigration zones along with the gate hold areas are laid on a single level and there will be no obstruction to the flow of passengers," he said. "From the gate hold area to the passenger boarding bridges to the aircraft, access is via gently sloped ramps designed to keep the comfort of passengers, including those with reduced mobility in mind."

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com

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Govt urged for relaxation of pension rule for disabled people

MANGALORE: Dakshina Kannada district administration has requested the state government for relaxation in rules pertaining to grant of monthly pension to disabled persons residing in the areas affected by spraying of endosulfan by Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation.

In a release, deputy commissioner, V Ponnuraj stated that there are 103 persons with more than 60 percent disability in the area and the monthly pension had been sanctioned to six persons as per the rules. It has not been possible to sanction pension to others as their income level was higher than the norm to sanction pension in such cases, he stated.

This issue has been brought to the attention of the government. The district administration requires Rs 25.75 lakh to distribute compensation of Rs 25,000 per head, the release stated while urging the government to release the money as special grants.

Providing details about the disabled persons in the area he said that of 137 disabled persons 64 persons have 75–100 per cent diability, 39 people have 60–70 per cent disability and six persons have 40–50 per cent disability. The number of persons with disability percentage of 35 and below was 11 and others 17, he said.

The government has been informed that it would help the family members of these disabled persons if it gave approval for a special self employment scheme for them with provision for 50 per cent subsidy.

About the disability factor and other health problems in the areas affected by the spraying of endosulfan, the DC stated a door to door survey had been conducted through health workers in Kokkada, Nidle and Patrame villages of Belthangady taluk. Blindness, infertility, miscarriage, deafness, cancer, and lung related ailments were identified during the survey.

Beside, medical check–ups had been conducted by expert doctors twice on September 24, 2004. The report had been submitted to the department of health and family welfare. But there is no information about all these health problems emanating due to spray of endosulfan, he said.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday announced in the legislative assembly that the affected people would get Rs 50,000 compensation and those who have been rendered physically disabled persons a pension of Rs 1,000 per month.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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