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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 – March 2009 Issue



Disabled People hope for an election with a difference

Kolkata, Mar 28: Bidyut Dey, a resident of ward number 17 is 75% disability. He can still recall the harassment and pain he had to suffer when he went to cast his vote the in the 2004 general elections.

Five years later, as the country gears up for another Lok Sabha elections, slated to be friendly for disabled people, Dey, like many others, is still doubtful whether he would he able to exercise his franchise.

"Last time, when I had gone to cast my vote, I had to climb up two floors of a government school building with the help of my crutches. It was difficult and painful. This time they have made the booths at the ground level but it still remains to be seen how they can smoothen the process," said Dey.

In July 2002, the National Sample Survey Organisation had pegged the number of disabled persons across the country at 1.85 crore, with 28.26 lakh visually impaired, 106.84 lakh physically disabled people, 30.62 lakh with speech impairment and 21.55 lakh with hearing impairment.

According to the latest census, there are 18, 47,174 disabled people (rural 13,54,253 and urban 4,92,921) in the state. Of these, the number of eligible voters is yet to be ascertained.

Following the 2004 elections, based on a PIL filed by a Delhi–based NGO, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to ensure that all polling stations be made accessible to persons with disability.

Consequently, it was decided that there should be wooden ramps, wheelchairs, voting machines with Braille and separate queues for disabled people, besides personnel to aid them and enough publicity in advance to spread the word of a "barrier–free" election this time.

"This Lok Sabha election is historic . Though we have heard that polling booths will have facilities benefitting us, most of the disabled people are not aware of them,"said Swampa Sengupta, Director, Sruti Disability Rights Centre.

The Supreme Court order states that there should be sufficient publicity to make people with disability aware of such facilities and encourage them to exercise their rights. However, what awareness campaign have you seen, she added.

That there is a lack of publicity is clear from the statement given by a Central government employee with 80 per cent disability.

"My left leg has been amputed. I use a wheelchair and I know how difficult it is to go and vote. I have not received any information that anything will change this time. I cannot take the risk to go out for casting the vote," he said.

However, the state election commission is promising to abide by the court order as far as possible.

"We will provide wooden ramps, shift booths to the ground floor and ask polling personnel to help the differently–abled people. About publicity, we are doing as far as possible,"said Chief Electoral Officer Debashis Sen.

"But we want NGOs to come forward and help us in spreading awareness," added the chief electoral officer.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com

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Anesthesia to children may increase high risk of developing learning disabilities

March 27: Mayo Clinic researchers have found that children who require multiple surgeries under anesthesia during their first three years of life are at higher risk of developing learning disabilities later.

Several studies have suggested that anesthetic drugs may cause abnormalities in the brains of young animals. This is the first study in humans to suggest that exposure of children to anesthesia may have similar consequences.

Using data from the long–term Rochester Epidemiology Project, researchers studied the medical records of 5,357 children from Olmsted County who were born between 1976 and 1982.

The research team, led by Robert Wilder, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist, found that although one exposure to anesthesia was not harmful, more than one almost doubled the risk that a child would be identified as having a learning disability before age 19. The risk also increased with longer durations of anesthesia.

"It's very important for parents and families to understand that although we see a clear difference in the frequency of learning disabilities in children exposed to anesthesia, we don't know whether these differences are actually caused by anesthesia," says Randall Flick, M.D., a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and co–author of the study.

"The problem is that anyone who underwent an anesthetic also had surgery," says Dr. Wilder. "It's unclear whether it's the anesthetic, the physiological stress of surgery or perhaps the medical problems that made surgery necessary that are responsible for the learning disabilities."

Young children's brains are more vulnerable to a variety of problems because they are undergoing dynamic growth. The brain is rapidly forming connections between cells and trimming excess cells and connections, says Dr. Wilder.

The general anesthesia chemicals in use during the study period were primarily halothane and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Although halothane is no longer used in the U.S., it has been replaced by newer agents that have similar effects on the brain. Nitrous oxide is widely used throughout the U.S. and the world.

Debate exists about the developmental correlation between the animal (rodent) and human studies. Some think that the related exposure period would be perinatal in humans (the last month of pregnancy and first six months after birth), so the researchers repeated their analysis, examining anesthetic exposure before age 2, and found similar results.

"Parents and physicians need to balance this information along with the normal decisions that we all go through when we decide to have surgery for one of our children," says Dr. Flick. "Although alternatives to the use of these medications exist, they are limited. Certainly, performing surgery without appropriate use of anesthesia is unacceptable."

The children in the study were tested as a natural part of the educational process in the Rochester school system. They did not perform as well in reading, writing or math as their IQ tests indicated.

Other studies have linked anesthesia exposure in young children to behavioral problems. Dr. Flick says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of the possible problems with anesthesia. "They've been very proactive in trying to gather information as quickly and thoughtfully as possible," Dr. Flick says, "but much more research is needed before we could conclude that anesthesia itself causes problems." He also encourages families with questions to go to the Web sites of the American Society of Anesthesiology and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia.

The research team is working to obtain funding to extend the database for 10 more years (1982–1992), a period that would include the use of more modern anesthetics. They are also working with the FDA to complete a study that matches children who had an anesthetic with children who have a similar medical problem but did not receive an anesthetic.

Source: Newswise

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McDonald mascot cheers up hearing–impaired children

HYDERABAD: Young Abhilash had a smile on his face as the entertainer magically turned an innocuous scarf into a walking stick. Abhilash, along with some 150 of his classmates, at the Ashray–Akruti School for hearing impaired students, spent a day of fun–filled entertainment with the official mascot of McDonald's India, Ronald McDonald at their school on Friday.

McDonald Mascot with hearing impaired children at Akruti School
The event was organised jointly by the school and McDonald's India, as part of their "Har Chotti Khushi Ka Celebration" campaign, which featured games, activities and magic tricks by 'Chief Happiness Officer' Ronald McDonald, followed by some yummy snacks, courtesy McDonald's.

Reaching out to 140 hearing impaired students as well as 43 students from marginalised areas, the days proceedings were part of the school's sustained efforts to educate and entertain the bright young minds.

The school, informed Principal A Eshwara Prasad, "tries to provide educational and extra–curricular support for the kids to be ultimately integrated into 'normal' schools in due course of time." To this effect, the school curriculum places emphasis on voice training, speech and communication therapy techniques for its students to be able to be integrated into mainstream educational institutions, Prasad added. "Here, we do not encourage sign language use, and stress on vocal therapy programmes to ensure the child's educational development." Functioning mainly on the basis of individual and corporate support, the school has plans to expand to accommodate more students and spread out to other cities, if enough financial support is available. The twelve year–old school now teaches students from the Nursery level till the X Standard, informed Prasad. "We believe in giving individual attention to the kids to cater to their specific needs, and have a teacher for every five students," the Principal adds. School authorities also added that the faculty also includes 10 parents who offer their services to teach the kids at Ashray–Akruti.

With an emphasis on providing all round education for these kids with special needs, the school lays stress on extracurricular activities, alongside the recommended syllabus. At present, hostel facilities are available to 46 children, Prasad added. The day's events, according to Marketing Head at McDonald's India was part of the company's belief "in giving back to the community in which it operates." He added: "It brings us joy to be able to share 'chotti khushi' among the youngsters at Ashray–Akruti Foundation who are struggling against the odds." As the kids dug into their sandwiches and burgers, one could sense from their smiles that this, indeed, was a day well spent. As the brand mascot Ronald Mc– Donald put it, he was "happy to be here, to share the small joys of life."

Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com

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Chandigarh tops in caring for people with disabilities

CHANDIGARH, 27 Mar: Chandigarh has been ranked first among all union territories of the country in the implementation of provision of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act, 1995. This occurred on the basis of the report and the presentation made during the 8th National Meeting of the State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities held on December 16 and 17, 2008.

Under National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, a state resource–cum–district rehabilitation centre has been set up in GMCH–32. A genetic lab for screening of various metabolic disorders has been set up. Funds amounting to Rs 50.80 lakh have been released by UT administration.

Government Institute for Mentally Retarded Children, Sector–32, is undertaking various training programmes regarding activities of daily life.

Vocational training is also imparted to enable these persons to become self–reliant.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Madras High Court restores extra time for blind students

CHENNAI, 26 Mar: Three hundred and sixty six visually impaired students from Tamil Nadu appearing for their class ten board examinations this year can at last breathe easy. On Wednesday, the Madras high court passed an order, restoring the one hour extra time for the blind as granted in a 1993 government order that was annulled by a communique issued by the department of government examinations (GE) on March 3, 2009.

The first bench comprising chief justice Hemant Laxman Gokhale and justice FM Ibrahim Kalifulla passed this order based on a public interest writ petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Handicapped Federation Charitable Trust (TNHFCT) in response to an announcement made by the GE on March 13, 2009.

The bench said, "As per provisions laid out in GO no. 270 issued in 1993, one hour extra time should be granted to all visually impaired students irrespective of whether they availed this exemption in previous years. This is applicable to both those who are writing the exam with the help of a scribe or in the Braille format." The bench then directed the director of GE to communicate the order to all district educational officers with immediate effect.

The high court order has put to rest a controversy that has raged for close to three weeks. On March 9, 2009, The Times Of India had informed its readers about a communiqu? issued by the GE which annulled provisions of a 1993 government order issued by the department of social welfare that granted extra time to all physically handicapped students, including the visually impaired, appearing for board examinations.

Faced with protests from various pressure groups, the GE finally annulled its own communiqu? and announced on March 13 that centres that had been granting extra time hitherto could continue to do so. The department, however, made no new orders for those institutions seeking to implement it, citing any announcement "as inappropriate during election time".

Following this, TNHFCT filed a petition, stating that it was unfair to restore the benefit to select institutions. Counsel RR Prabhakaran and P Gurusamy appearing for TNHFCT argued that it violated article 14 (equality before law) of the constitution.

Reacting to the order issued by the bench, TMN Deepak, vice president, TNHFCT, said, "The judiciary has stood by people with disabilities. People suffering from disorders and disabilities have their own difficulty in writing. Provisions of the 1993 government order should be implemented in its full spirit and holistically. A committee should also be formed to make sure that these guidelines are being followed."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Enabling election for people with disabilities

The 15th Lok Sabha election promises to be, for the first–ever time, a 'disabled–friendly' election. Following a Supreme Court order in October 2007, the Election Commission had promised easy access to booths and Braille stickers on electronic voting machines (EVMs) to enable disabled people to cast their votes with dignity.

Disability rights lobby groups, which were exhilarated with the SC order, are hoping that the promises will be kept.

During the last elections, the Election Commission had directed that all polling booths should have ramps to make sure that no person is left out because of lack of access. The Commission also allows disabled people some concession during the process of voting: individual presiding officers have been repeatedly sensitised about the need to allow disabled people to 'jump the queue' if there is a long line of voters outside a booth. Wheelchairs will also be provided at booths.

While sensitisation at the booth level has been relatively easy to implement, the process of putting up ramps has been both time–consuming and costly. A cheap, temporary, wooden ramp costs a few thousand and election officials are looking at the possibility of using existing ramps in some educational institutions and offices.

The Disability Legislation Unit of Vidya Sagar has been conducting audits in the Chennai region to see if polling booths are accessible. Their findings show that while some schools, which will double as polling booths, are easily accessible, there are others on the first floor, and yet others that have no ramps. Rajeev Rajan and S. Dhanasekhar of the DLU are visiting the polling booths to check the facilities.

"The Supreme Court clearly says that the disabled should have dignity while casting their votes. Unless we have ramps which can be negotiated in a wheelchair, gaining access to polling booths will be a humiliating process," says Meenakshi B. of the DLU. The most unique aspect of this election will be the Braille stickers on the EVMs. Until now, a blind person had to take the aid of a helper to cast a vote.

This year, Braille stickers, denoting the serial number of the candidate will be pasted on the EVM alongside the Blue Button (voting button) at every polling station.

Each State has been asked to make arrangements speedily so that all EVMs have the signage in time. The Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer, Naresh Gupta, said following consultations with the office of the Commissionerate for the Disabled, the services of the press at the National Institute for Visually Handicapped at Poonamallee were utilised for printing ballot papers in Braille. While most of the visually–impaired are happy with the disabled–friendly initiatives, some wonder when voice–prompts will be added to the EVM. Nethrodaya founder C. Govindakrishnan says the number of visually impaired persons who can read Braille is coming down. Voice prompts will be useful to all, he added.

The Election Commission says that teachers and district disabled rehabilitation officers will ensure that the system works smoothly. But this does not mean that the companion facility has been withdrawn. The Commission has made it clear that the 'help' facility for voters who cannot see will also be in operation.

Source: http://www.hindu.com

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People with visual disabilities to play navigators in car rally

CHENNAI, 25 Mar: In a city known for motorsports and famous for producing champion racers, it's no surprise that visually impaired also get a slice of the action.

On Sunday, the 20th edition of the Rally for Blind people, described by organisers as "more of a family and social occasion than a hard–core racing event", will be flagged off from Hotel Savera.

Former champion of the blind race and now an organiser Dipti Bhatia, says, "It's not about winning the race. The rally helps build our confidence. It also helps normal people realise that we are skilled even though we are blind. Dipti used to navigate regularly for her brother Vipin Bhatia. "There have been instances during similar events in Mumbai and Delhi when the friendships that developed during the rally resulted in marriages," adds Dipti.

The Rally for Blind people is based on the TSD (time, speed and distance) format, and this year the event will be run in and around Chennai covering a distance of 60 km in approximately three hours. Anyone with a valid driver's license can enter the competition. They will be teamed up with a visually impaired navigator who will guide the driver by deciphering the route provided in Braille. Teams consist of four people the driver, the blind navigator, a timer and a co–ordinator.

Alagu Muthu, president of the TN branch of National Association of the Blind and one of the organisers, says, "It is a chance for visually impaired to come out and mingle with other people while taking part in a fun activity. It becomes a socialising exercise together; new friendships are formed, something that the participants will cherish," adds Alagu.

Amit Arora of the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), the technical coordinator of the rally, says, "We have charted the route and timing points so that the teams won't find it hard. The speeds will also be slow so that the participants won't have a problem. We are expecting around 60 driver entries this year, but more participants are always welcome as it means one more navigator gets a chance." For details log onto www.madrasmotorsports.in.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Visually impaired get taste of radio broadcasts

PUNE, 22 Mar: With plans of going on–air with their own radio station called the Braille Wani Web Radio in about a year–and–a–half, a group of visually impaired students from in and around Pune aired a live 25–minute programme on the varsity's community radio 107.4 Vidyavani, on Sunday.

These students, from different schools in Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik and Ahmednagar, had come for a demonstrative education programme Easy English', organised by the Advance Technology Learning Centre for blind students, a UoP department. As the radio jockey rolled in at 11 am, these students gathered at the Golay hall, Department of English. After a few basic lessons in English language, a phone–in programme followed and the students fluently answered the callers' queries.

The Vidyavani will air this programmes till the launch of Braille radio. Calling radio a great new platform for the visually impaired in the district, Satish Navale, who conceptualised the Braille radio, said, "Besides education we will also focus on radio research and entertainment."

Anand Deshmukh, director of Vidyavani, said, "Today was just a sneak–peek into what's in store for the future of the visually impaired. It is tremendous effort and we will help them learn the nuances of running a radio station on their own. It will be a great challenge for Vidyavani as well as Braille radio, but it will help the community in a big way."

Vidyavani will train the team for Braille radio in producing a programme, scripting and finally putting the programme on–air. Vidyavani will also teach them various techniques of speaking, writing and selecting music.

Anju Kale, a student from Jagruti School for the Blind, Alandi, who participated in this experiment, said, "Learning through radio will be an all together different experience. The concept is very new and we will be able to break away from classroom learning. This will definitely add more excitement to learning, especially languages." Pandit Vidyasagar, director, Board of College and University Development, UoP, was also present on the occasion.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Blind people can vote without help at the Lok Sabha polls

New Delhi: It is aimed at giving the blind voters dignity and secrecy. For the first time, Braille–facilitated electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being introduced on a large scale for the 15th Lok Sabha polls.

"A total of 1.05 million EVMs are being used, of which 4,50,000 are Braille–enabled. These EVMs are spread across the country in many states," an Election Commission official told IANS.

He said earlier the rule was that one person would accompany the blind voters. "Now, the blind persons can cast their vote without any help."

India is estimated to be home to at least 15 million blind people.

The facilities provided by the poll panel have not come easily. The Election Commission was petitioned by activists and NGOs working in the disability sector to create the necessary infrastructure for disabled people, including the sizeable blind population.

Fighting for this cause was the Delhi–based Disability Rights Group, which approached the Supreme Court and got a favourable ruling in 2004.

So the first time the Election Commission used Braille–facilitated EVMs was in a by–election in Andhra Pradesh in 2004, soon after the apex court ruling.

"After it proved successful, we used it subsequently and expanded it whenever there were elections in different states," the official said.

But this is the very first time that Braille–enabled machines will be used on such a large scale in Parliamentary polls.

According to Satbir Silas Bedi, Delhi's chief electoral officer, the assembly elections held last year in the national capital had the Braille facility on EVMs.

"The idea behind this move was that the blind voter would be guaranteed dignity and secrecy of his vote," Mr. Bedi told IANS.

Before the introduction of these EVMs, which have a strip of paper encoding the options in Braille stuck on it, the blind voter used to be accompanied by an officer who would help him cast his vote, Mr. Bedi said.

Welcoming the step, George Abraham, who runs the NGO Score Foundation that works for the blind, said: "It's a wonderful initiative. It will enable the visually impaired to not only exercise their rights but also educate others."

"I want more and more blind people to come forward and vote and have their say," said 50–year–old Abraham, who will be voting this time after a long gap as he has finally got his voter identity card after a few hiccups.

However, he pointed out, there are a large number of blind people who do not know Braille.

"There are many visually impaired who don't know Braille. So I hope they will be allowed to take their relatives along when they are casting their vote."

The Election Commission official also said they would continue to allow blind people to take along a person to assist them to vote.

Mr. Abraham suggested that the poll panel could have conducted a survey to find out how many blind people are there in a constituency. "They could have assessed the situation easily. The survey would have shown them which constituency needs such Braille–enabled EVMs and which do not."

Mr. Abraham said as compared to the 2007 assembly elections, this time many NGOs are actively working to promote Braille–enabled EVMs among blind people.

"In the US, the voting machine also has a talking device that gives out all the information at the press of a button. Here too such a step can be taken so that everyone can understand. Braille has limited access. But voice could include more people. Maybe, the (Election) Commission can decide on that in future."

Source: http://www.hindu.com

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People with disabilities demand 3% reservation in state assembly and Parliament

Berhampur (Orissa): A section of people with physical disability here has demanded at least three per cent for themselves in the state assembly and Parliament.

" Greater political participation is the surest means towards larger emancipation. When even Anglo–Indians who form less than one per cent of the population in the country have two co–opted members in Lok Sabha (constituting a sizable 10 per cent), why not we,"core committee member of Orissa Bikalanga Manch K Ananda Rao said, adding that a memorandum has been submitted to the Centre and the election commission in this regard.

The Manch is a state level organisation of the physically handicapped people. The number of disable people in Orissa was 10.22 lakh as per 2001 census.

The Manch also appealed to all political parties to nominate at least three per cent of their candidates from among physically disabled people .

" While there is provision for reservation for disabled people in several areas, including government job and educational institutes, why should it not be in the assembly and Parliament,"Rao said.

Source: http://www.indopia.in

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Nagpur station not accessible for people with disabilities

NAGPUR, 15 Mar: A survey conducted by the Human Rights Law Network at the city railway station comes as a shocker. The survey team found porters and coolies charging exorbitant sums from disabled people to carry them to the train on wheelchairs. At times they were extremely rude and even refused to take the disabled on wheelchairs if an argument ensued, the team found.

Lawyer JPS Uppal, city co–ordinator for HRNL, a branch of India Centre for Human Rights and Law (ICHRL), who conducted the survey along with his team at the station, was critical of the way disabled people were treated. He said, "Additional solicitor general Rajendra Raghuvanshi had told the Bombay high court that the Centre would try to make all railway stations disabled–friendly. The assurance had come in response to a public interest litigation filed by ICHRL, seeking implementation of Disability Act, 1995 at the railway stations. But Nagpur station does not have such facilities in place," Uppal said.

"Disabled people are entitled to same rights as all other human beings and must have equal access to all public places, facilities, opportunities and services. As per the 1995 act for disabled people, all public transports and public places like railway stations, airports and building complexes should have special facilities for disabled people. Not providing these facilities amounts to discrimination," said Uppal.

Citing a personal experience, Uppal said he himself had to convince a coolie to charge suitable amount for taking his relative to a particular platform. "Such incidents could be avoided if the railway administration displays porter charges on all the platforms or where the wheelchairs are kept," he said. This would save the disabled from discomfiture, he said.

Central Railway PRO Suhas Lohkare, however, did not accept all the findings to be true. He said that the toilet on platform number 1 was locked for repairs. "We try our best to keep wheelchairs in good condition. But the people use them roughly and dump them at wrong places. The railway gets all these chairs repaired on a day's notice. Besides, two spare chairs have also been made available in case of an emergency," Lohkare said.

He assured to look into the issue and also welcomed the efforts put in by the NGO for helping the railway administration provide better facilities to passengers.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Extra time granted for disabled people at Board exam

CHENNAI, 14 Mar: Disabled students who were appearing for the Board exams have reason to smile as they got the one hour extra time back. The Federation of Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Association's long–drawn battle with the Directorate of Government Examination has succeeded.

The recent move made by Vasanthi Jeevanatham, director of Government Examinations, had left Disabled students in lurch by denying them the grace 'extra one hour' which was given to them under the GO 270 issued by the social welfare department in1993.

Even after K.S Sripathi, Chief Secretary statement on March 11 saying the students should be allowed the entitlement of extra one hour time, Vasanthi remained adamant on retracting her circular. On 3 March she had sent a circular to the CEOs across the state stating that enough facilities had already been given to disabled people, so from henceforth they need not be given the extra one hour.

Going by the circular issued from the director's office, disabled students who were appearing for the plus two examinations were denied the extra time.

There are 3000 students across the state appearing for the exams, in Chennai alone some 200 students.

Simmachandran, General Secretary said, " For the students this extra time is very important, most of them appear in this exams with the help of scribes, and they do the exams by dictation. This extra one hour is a golden time for them."

Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com

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Law exists to protect persons with intellectual disabilities

March 9: The 'Law Watch' published on January 26, 2009 had reported about the exercise of the extra–ordinary jurisdiction of the High Court by Justice V Giri to appoint a guardian to protect the person and properties of intellectually disabled person since the Mental Health Act did not contain a provision for such appointment and to point out the need to correct the lacuna in the Act by a suitable amendment.

Referring to the action, Dr (Mrs) Rajam P R S Pillay from Thiruvananthapuram has written a letter pointing out that the Court had missed the fact that there was an Act providing the appointment of legal guardians for intellectually disabled persons and thus filling the lacuna in the Mental Health Act.

The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 (for short, The National Trust Act), provides for the constitution of the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disability.

The head office of the Trust is in New Delhi and it has offices at other places in India.

The general superintendence, directive and management of the affairs and business of the Trust is vested with a board consisting of a chairman and 20 members. The board should constitute a local–level committee for a specified area. The committee consists of a civil service officer, a representative of a registered organisation and a person with disability. Section 14 of the Act provides for guardianship.

A parent of a person with disability or his relative can make an application to the local–level committee for appointment of any person of his choice to act as a guardian of the persons with disability. Any registered organisation also can make an application to the local– level committee for appointment of a guardian for a person with disability.

While considering the application for appointment of a guardian, the local–level committee should consider whether the person with disability needs a guardian and the purposes for which the guardianship is required and then make recommendation for the appointment of a guardian. It can also provide for the obligations of the guardian.

Section 15 details the duties of Guardian: Every person appointed as a guardian of a person with disability should, wherever required, either have the care of such persons of disability and his property or be responsible for the maintenance of the person with disability.

Every guardian should, within six months of his appointment, deliver to the authority which appointed him an inventory of immovable properties belonging to the person with disability and all assets and other movable property received on his behalf together with a statement of all claims due to and all debts and liabilities due by the person with disability.

Every guardian should also furnish to the appointing authority within three months after the close of every financial year an account of the property and assets in his charge, the sums received and disbursed on account of the person with disability and the balance remaining with him.

There is also a provision for the removal of guardian: Whenever a parent or a relative of a person with disability or a registered organisation finds that the guardian is abusing or neglecting a person with disability; or misappropriating or neglecting the property, they should apply to the committee for the removal of the guardian.

Then the committee should, if it is satisfied that there is a ground for removal, remove the guardian, recording reasons for the same and appoint a new guardian or make other arrangements for the care and protection of person with disability.

The removed guardian is bound to deliver the charge of all properties of the person with disability to the new guardian and to account for all moneys received or disbursed by him.

The P R S Pillay Memorial Trust of which Dr Rajam is the managing trustee, is the state nodal agency centre of the National Trust which has constituted the local–level committees in all districts under the chairmanship of District Collectors.

Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com

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Deaf women in Vadodara not aware of rights

Vadodara, March 6: Her silence not just speaks louder than words but also acts as a voice for deaf women.

Shehnaz Virji, 33, an Indian–origin Kenyan is deaf since childhood and now her only aim is to empower deaf women across the world and make them heard.

Virji lives in the US and is currently in Vadodara for her research work on deaf women. She is working on issues such as gender bias, Aids awareness, lack of education and poverty and other challenges faced by deaf women. Virji had migrated to the US to pursue higher education.

In conversation with DNA, Shehnaz talked about her project on Empowerment of deaf women, challenges and difficulties faced by deaf women in Gujarat as compared to those in western nations.

Virji started her project study from Vadodara and plans to work at a national level later on. She had first visited Gujarat at the age of 2. She holds a graduation degree in liberal studies and child development from the California State University, and uses sign language to communicate.

"My great grand parents hail from India and they migrated to Kenya many years back. Afterwards we shifted to the US but my Indian roots are still alive within. Being deaf myself, I have experienced what a deaf person has to go through. The deaf women here in India are not even aware of the basic human rights. I am here to fight for their rights and work towards their betterment," said Virji.

Virji has worked with deaf women in the US for 10 years educating them about– HIV awareness, and other issues. She also has a sister who is also deaf.

"My parents learned to communicate in sign language with their daughters and provided us education which made us independent and stand on our feet today," said Virji.

Virji began with her project in January 2009 and will be in India till November 2009. During this period, she will meet deaf women living in rural and urban areas of the state and do a detailed study on their life.

Talking about her interest in working with deaf women and bringing about a change in their lives, Virji said, "Interacting with them made me realize that there are lot of challenges a disabled person faces in the society. Deaf women in this country lead a very isolated life and are detached from the mainstream," said Virji.

They lack basic education and knowledge about safe sex and use of contraceptive pills," she adds. According to Virji, India lacks in providing education to deaf people, while in the USA, sign language is considered as one of the language in the constitution.

"The deaf people are not able to express as sign language is the only tool they use to communicate. Normal people thus are not able to understand them and get them involved in the mainstream," Virji said.

"Currently, I am working in collaboration with US organisations for the research. Once the findings of the study are out, I will take initially government's help in funding and move further for the implementation of the steps required for the empowerment," said Virji

She is now also associated with the Women Science Research Centre (WSRC) of MSU who will help her complete her study.Virji got in touch with people in India who work for deaf people through a social networking site.

Virji with her associate Rajesh Ketkar, joint secretary of Muk Badhir Mandal who is also deaf person are planning to use technology and other methods such as blogging for the development of deaf women.

In her message for Women's day Virji said, "The gap between the normal people and deaf people should be narrowed and participation from them should be encouraged."

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com

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Women with disabilities get less higher education, says study

CHENNAI, 9 Mar: A study on the employment status of women with disabilities was presented at the NGO, Vidhyasagar, on Sunday.

The study, jointly conducted by Vidyasagar and Initiatives:Women in Development, focuses on a sample of 200 women with disabilities above 18 years of age from Chennai, Mayavaram, Tenkasi and Kothagiri.

It was found that less than 10 per cent of women with disabilities received higher education.

Stratified random sampling also showed that 47 percent of the disabled women were employed in some marginal work an 28.1 percent of them in NGOs and 33.1 per cent in craft–related jobs.

The study focused on education, disability and support from family as decisive factors in contributing toward the employability of the disabled women. It was found that education had the greatest impact on employment status.

It was also recommended that the scale of the percentage of disability be based on functionality as this shift was essential for bringing inclusiveness in policy making.

The study also observed that there was a need to focus on higher education and skill development for disabled women.

Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com

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Less than 50% women with disabilities hold jobs: Survey

CHENNAI, 8 Mar: While only 60% of women in the state are employed, less than 50% of women with disabilities hold jobs, according to a survey to be released on International Women's Day on Sunday. Of the employed women with disabilities, nearly 40% are in craft–based and sheltered workshops.

The study the Status of Employment of Disabled Women in Tamil Nadu' was done by Tejas, a group of women with disabilities formed by the disability legislation unit of Vidya Sagar, along with Initiatives for Women in Development, an organisation that works for the empowerment of marginalised women.

"Employment is crucial for self–empowerment, a sense of security and independence for women," said Meenakshi B, assistant co–ordinator, disability legislation unit, Vidya Sagar, and one of the researchers. "Even when disabled women are employed, their status of employment is lower. Most of them hold jobs that are lower paid and less challenging," she said. And there was not a single professionally qualified disabled woman in the sample, while less than 10% of disabled women had higher educational qualifications. No severely disabled women in the sample had reached college–level education.

The study was done among 519 women in four districts Chennai, Mayavaram, Tenkasi and Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu. The sample included equal numbers of disabled and non–disabled women, all of whom answered identical questionnaires. It also focused on three potential reasons for poor employment status: education, disability and family support. While education and disability does impact employment, in terms of family support, being disabled or non–disabled seemed to have very little bearing.

"There is an urgent need to improve the status of education and employment of disabled women. Education has a greater impact on employment status of women, whether disabled or not. The higher one's level of education, the better one's employment opportunities," said Meenakshi.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Union of Disabled People Demands Suspension of Karkala Sub–inspector

Udupi, Mar 7: "The sub–inspector of Karkala police station badly beat up and used abusive language against a disabled person at the police station. Hence he must be suspended from services immediately," demanded Shubada Rao, Karkala town municipal councillor, speaking at a press conference held here on Friday March 6.

Xavier Thomas, a physically disabled person, was mercilessly ill–treated by the sub–inspector of Karkala, in front of his mother. Thomas, who was summoned to the police station in connection with the investigation of a complaint filed against him by Jerry Castelino and Kalyani, neighbourers, because of personal enmity, was beaten up by the said official, injuring him seriously to the left hand, he alleged. Xavier was treated at a local hospital earlier in the day, after having been beaten up by the complainants Jerry and Kalyani, he claimed.

Later, a personal complaint was lodged with the Karkala court by Celestine Castelino, mother of the victim, charging the police sub–inspector named above.

Karnataka State Handicap Union president Wilfred Gomes, speaking to the media, said that the above two, in a complaint, had charged Xavier with igniting a fire in their land. The union members will go on hunger strike if no action is taken against the guilty official, he warned.

In this connection, Gopalkrishna, assistant sub–inspector and Benjamin Dias are threatening Thomas. Through a memorandum, the district officials have been requested to suspend the sub–inspector and initiate further action, he said.

Vivek Shenoy, Celestine Castelino and Xavier Thomas were present at the press conference.

Source: http://www.daijiworld.com

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IGNOU to offer BA programmes for deaf people

New Delhi, March 05: At part its efforts to educate and empower deaf persons, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has decided to enter into an understanding with University of Central Lancashire (UCL) to offer a bachelor programme in 'sign language education' and BA in 'applied sign language studies. '

IGNOU Logo
The pass outs will be awarded two degrees, one from IGNOU and the other from UCL, said a release issued by IGNOU.

The release quoted IGNOU vice chancellor Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai as saying that students passing out from these programmes are expected in turn take up the responsibilities of teaching the following generation of students.




Source: http://www.zeenews.com

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Deaf Empowerment Foundation SCHOLARSHIPS 2009

Deaf Empowerment Foundation Logo
International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies, Preston, UK
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
Deaf Empowerment Foundation, The Netherlands

1. THE COURSE

Applied Sign Language Studies brings together the study of sign language and deaf communities with areas of study in applied linguistics, such as first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, language planning and policy, and language pedagogy. Graduates may become sign language teachers, professionals in the field of language supportfor deaf people, teaching assistants in deaf education, and interpreter trainers.
The course is designed specifically to be accessible for deaf students and is taught through sign language. Learning by doing is included in work placements, lab work, and experiential modules. Deaf students without standard secondary school qualifications can take a one-year preparatory course (Foundation Entry) and continue with the BA course afterwards.

The BA in Applied Sign Language Studies is a joint international initiative. The course was developed at the International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies in the UK and will be taught at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India. The beginning of the programme in 2009 is subject to validation.

2. THE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Deaf Empowerment Foundation is providing scholarships for deaf students in the preparatory Foundation Entry course in the 2009/2010 academic year. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FOR TUITION FEES ONLY AND DO NOT COVER TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION OR LIVING EXPENSES.
Scholarships for Indian students These cover one year of tuition fees at Rs. 10,000 and are available to Indian nationals. Students from other developing countries may also be eligible and should confirm their status when applying.

Scholarships for international students These cover one year of tuition fees at GBP 1,500 and are available to non-Indian students. This includes all students from industrialised countries and certain categories of students from developing countries other than India. The latter should confirm their status when applying.

The Foundation Entry course programme focuses on English literacy and other academic skills in these modules (HE means Higher Education, i.e. BA level and beyond):

English for deaf learners in HE
English reading skills for deaf learners
Text composition skills for deaf learners
Study skills and Personal Development Planning
Information Technology and Numeracy in HE

Applicants should check that are likely to meet admissions criteria for the Foundation Entry course, which include (for full details see the application pack):

- Sufficient sign language skills (determined through certified learning or interview)
- Sufficient English literacy skills (determined through certified learning or admission assessment)

3. CONTACT

For further information is available at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/ahss/research/islands/index.php or http://www.def-intl.org/

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 29 MAY 2009.

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Accessible Voting Machine for blind people to vote in 2009 parliamentary polls

PATNA, 5 Mar: There is good news for visually impaired voters. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), to be used in the 2009 parliamentary polls, have candidates' serial numbers inscribed in Braille language as well. This would allow such voters to cast votes without taking help of polling personnel as was done in the past.

"The Braille language serial number is in–built and the visually impaired voter with the knowledge of Braille language would just have to know the serial number of the candidate of his/her choice for casting the vote," said an Election Commission (EC) official.

He said that directives have also been issued to the state government to construct ramps at all the 56,943 polling booths in Bihar so that physically disabled voters did not have to face any inconvenience at these booths. "The chief secretary has already issued directives to the departments for ensuring construction of ramps as this work is to be carried out by the department concerned whose building would be used for setting up booths," added the official.

Special arrangements for physically disabled persons apart, the EC has also taken steps to ensure that all the polling booths buildings are in good condition.

A directive has been issued to all the district returning officers for physical verification of all the booths under their jurisdiction. "The officers have been asked to submit their reports within a week so that the booths located in dilapidated buildings could be re–located in suitable buildings," said an EC official.

He said that the reports have been sought within one week because changes, if any, on booth premises can be effected only after getting approval of the EC of India (ECI). "Early submission of report would allow us to send such proposals to the ECI this month itself and booth re–location work, if required, would be completed by the end of the month," he added.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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State Government must reserve land for disabled people: SC

New Delhi, Mar 4 : The Supreme Court today said all state goverments must provide reservation in their scheme for allotment of lands for disabled persons at concessional rates.

"We are issuing directions that whenever any state government or local (municipal) body works out scheme for allotment of land, they must provide reservation for disabled persons at concessional rates," a Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal said.

The order was passed on a PIL which had said that a provison in the Peersons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 makes it mandatory for the state to provide land to disabled persons on prefrential and consessional basis.

Salil Chaturvedi, a disabled person, through advocate Prashant Bhushan, had filed the PIL in 2004 alleging the government never implemented Section 43 of the Act in this regard.

The court noted that though a notice in the matter was issued long ago, many states have not implemented the law in its true spirit.

It said some states have partially implemented it, which was not sufficient to respond to the purpose for which the law was enacted.

Source: http://www.samaylive.com

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IGNOU to conduct seminar on disability studies

New Delhi, 4 Mar: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will conduct a two day seminar on "Emerging Issues in Disability Studies in India".

The seminar will be conducted from March 5 at Convention Centre of IGNOU.

The seminar will serve as a platform to interact with the eminent experts, scholars and the stakeholders from the disability sector and give an insight for the future.

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JNU holds seminar on new facilities for people with disabilities on campus

New Delhi, Mar 04: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) organised a two–day conference in campus to raise awareness on the latest technologies and facilities available for physically disabled people.

The seminar, titled "Disability and Disenchantment: New Challenges and Evolving" organised by the Equal Opportunities Office of JNU and the JNU–Visually Impaired Forum, had speakers elaborating on some of the hardware and software like JAWS, Magic, Kurzweil 1000 OCR, Prisma, that are available on campus to facilitate ease of learning and studying for the disabled.

The seminar provided a platform to various groups working for physically disabled people to discuss the technologies.

Dr Sam Taraporevala, Director of Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), Mumbai, in his presentation spoke of the efforts their organisation has put in for the amendment of the Copyright Act, 1957. "The Copyright Act of 1957 doesn't allow people to access printed material by converting it into any other format. The XRCVC has put before the government the need to amend this act in order to allow disabled people access available information and resources," he said.

Anna Varam, member of the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) of JNU, said they were looking forward to new policies being implemented for disabled people by the government keeping in mind advice from academicians and the students concerned.

The EOO also highlighted their expectations from the government in terms of introducing transparency in social auditing processes and expenditure of funds allotted for physically disabled people.

The EOO of JNU had collaborated with the XRCVC two years ago and has been working towards making the campus JNU more disabled friendly

Source: http://www.expressindia.com

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Equal Rights for children with disabilities in Kohima

Kohima, March 2: Additional Chief Secretary Banuo Z. Jamir today said the people should be aware of the provisions of Persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation) Act, 1995, which came into force in the country on February 7, 1996.

"This law provides the direction for ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities and their full participation in the nation building," she told a training programme for parents and teachers of special children under the aegis of Enable, Kohima. The programme will be till March 4.

The Act provides for both preventive and promotional aspects of rehabilitation like education, employment and vocational training, job reservation, research and manpower development; it also provides for creation of barrier–free environment, rehabilitation of persons with disability, unemployment allowance for disabled people, special insurance scheme for disabled employees and establishment of homes for persons with severe disability among others.

"Within the provisions of the Act, the state government has also been attempting to bring in programmes focusing on people with disabilities but somehow it has not had sufficient impact," Jamir said. It is now 16 years since the Act came into existence but sadly in the state, very few of the citizens are aware of the provisions, the senior government official said.

Referring to knowledge being power, Banuo said it is time that the people learn more about what protections have been given under the Act and should work towards application of these provisions. Touching on disability in the context of the state, Jamir said an informal census of people with disabilities was conducted by the then State Commissioner for Disability and his reports showed 9778 persons with different disabilities as on June 30, 2000.

On an estimate that 5 per cent of the population is with disability, Banuo assumed that there are 20,000 persons in the state (2001 census of 19,90,036).

According to her, this would have increased with the population growth and "it is sad that not even 50 per cent have been identified."

'Unawareness a barrier' Deputy commissioners have been directed to collect the information and the task in is progress, she said. Every year under SSA, a survey on children with disability is held everywhere, which is followed by an assessment camp to identify ones who can be included with others in a regular class and to provide them with necessary aid to facilitate inclusion.

The additional chief secretary also believed that the support and active participation of the community in conducting the area–wise surveys on children with disability will ensure a collation of an accurate data, which, she said, "is so important for any planning exercise."

"We tend to hide children who have disability believing that it is a curse for actions of parents but with more awareness and with participation in planning and implementation of programmes for those with special needs, age–old superstitions and fears can also be dispelled," the additional chief secretary said.

Jamir also stated that under the capacity–building programme, a specific allocation has been set aside for proposals concerning persons with special needs. The Rural Development department has been requested to specifically ensure that persons with disabilities be included while issuing job–cards under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Emphasis was made on providing opportunities for more people to acquire professional skills in taking care of persons with special needs, as well as get seats in institutions offering special education and training in specific areas of disability. These areas could be blindness, deafness and dumb, autism, locomotor, mental retardation and so on.

Jamir broached the need to vent exposure to different kinds of trainings and workshops, for the fact that interactions with persons with special needs are required. This way, mindsets can be desensitized and awareness is accelerated, she said. "I don't think compassion is lacking among our people," she said adding it was a lack of awareness of the special needs of persons with disability by the majority of us, "which is the problem."

Margareth Waterworth, Rtd. educational consultant form UK and Shaneel Mukherjee, special educator also spoke on the occasion. The function was chaired by Neikule Doulo, Core Member, Enable.

Source: http://www.morungexpress.com

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Accessible EVMs for visually impaired in the upcoming Election

CHANDIGARH, 3 Mar: Visually impaired residents of the city would now be able to cast their votes without anybody's assistance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The election wing of the UT administration is going to introduce special electronic voting machines (EVMs) for blind voters of the city. These machines would be equipped with Braille signage features on them, so that blind voters can cast their votes with the help of Braille. Earlier, these voters used to engage attendants for casting votes.

The development came following directions from the election commission of India to the UT administration a few days back in this regard. Acting on the direction, the election wing of the UT on Monday wrote a letter to the Braille society of the city, asking them about the exact number of such voters. The election wing of the administration will conduct a detailed training programme for blind voters before the election so that they can understand the new voting concept.

A senior UT administration official said, 'The authority will soon engage these special voting machines, which would be equipped with Braille signage features. The Braille signage feature machine is being used for the first time in Lok Sabha election.'

The election wing would make an effort for publicity of these measures through advertisement or other methods. Excited about the development, KR Sood from Institute For the Blind said, 'It is a very noble gesture on the part of election commission of India.

With this, blind voters will now fairly recognize candidates whom they wish to vote for.' Election wing of the UT on Monday started checking of EVMs. A senior UT official said after checking of these EVMs, machines equipped with the Braille signage features on them would be brought to the city.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Political parties 'blinds' to disability rights in their election manifestoes

BHUBANESWAR, 2 Mar : With elections on the horizon, politicians have suddenly become omnipresent, missing no opportunity to make their presence felt. On Saturday when Orissa Association of Blind invited political parties to take part in a meet on disability issues to include them in poll manifesto, none turned up. Such was the insensitivity of political parties and leaders who represent us.

It was a simple yet relevant event considering the objective was to seek a place for disability rights issues in election manifestoes. For the parties and their programmes are silent on such matters. Interestingly, if one tracks the budgetary allocation of the Orissa Government in last five years, just 0.07 per cent is allotted to disability programmes. About 87 per cent of it is spent on pensions and allowances.

''It is a grim situation in Orissa so far as employment and rehabilitation of visually challenged persons are concerned and calls for the attention of political parties,'' OAB general secretary Sanyasi Behera said.

As per the State Government norms, visually impaired unemployed youths would be eligible for an allowance if they do not get any employment within three years of registering with the Special Employment Exchange. Behera said this has been given a goby in Orissa.

''We are seeking that such youths be enlisted as BPL and parties must take it up.'' Besides, what the association wanted to highlight was the voting rights of the visually challenged in Orissa. The Chief Election Commission had filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court stating that electronic voting machines (EVMs) will have Braille signatures besides the list of candidates available with a similar technology to facilitate voting for visually impaired. Some of the states took it up but Orissa has not.

''However, it is unfortunate that no political party had time for such sensitive issues,'' Behera rued.

Source: http://www.expressbuzz.com

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CBSE Board exams get friendly for students with disabilities

New Delhi, 2 Mar: From making seating arrangements on the ground floor to setting up six dedicated centres for blind students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made special provisions this year to help students with disabilities during their Board examinations.

"This year, a total of 2,132 disabled students are appearing for both the Class X and XII Board examinations. After discussing the problems they face, we have made a number of arrangements for them," said CBSE chairperson Ashok Ganguly.

"For the first time, six examination centres have been set up purely for the blind candidates. Besides, we have asked all schools to allow students with disabilities to sit on the ground floor," Ganguly said.

Of the 2,132 students with disabilities, 1,307 are appearing for the Class X Board examinations and 825 students will take the Class XII examinations.

"We had asked all the examination centres to collect their answer sheets and package it separately. It would help us evaluate their papers separately and know the problem areas," MC Sharma, controller of examinations, said.

Sharma said all facilities – use of calculators and computers and amanuensis (writer) – had been taken care of. Blind and spastic candidates would be provided services of an amanuensis free of cost, if they require.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com

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Inclusive education still a distant dream for children with disabilities

New Delhi, 2 March: For years, as Mohd Shahrukh sat at home listening to his mother cry for him and the happy shrieks of his siblings playing outside his jhuggi, the 10–year–old visually impaired child felt lonely and hopeless.

No school would take him and his parents were too poor to pay the extra funds for the few schools in the city that had special educators.

"It was like hitting the wall," Shahrukh said. I couldn't go to school because no school would take me and my parents are poor."

In 2008, he took admission at Salwan Public School where 23 other visually impaired children, mostly from the lower–income groups, were already studying. Learning wasn't easy. He spent hours after school with teachers and Principal Vandana Puri, who helped him and others bridge the gap between them and other students.

Shahrukh is one among very few children who have found a school that provides inclusive education and prepares these children to be self–sufficient in the city. Most of the Capital's disabled children are still routinely edged out of the education system.

While most government schools still lack the basic infrastructure to cater to disabled children, private schools either choose to show them the door or provide educational facilities for only certain kinds of disabilities.

In spite of special emphasis put on inclusive education in India's education policy and the Right to Education draft bill that states that schools must admit disabled children, there is a wide chasm between legislation and implementation.

Certain private schools have taken up the initiative of integrating such children in their classrooms, but most others simply looked the other way.

Children who have been admitted to such schools say they feel isolated and are even ridiculed, often lagging behind and struggling to be at par, say parents.

For private schools, to provide inclusive education is a major challenge. Other students sharing the same classroom need to be sensitised towards these children and their disabilities, The law states that three percent of seats in government–funded educational institutions are reserved for disabled children under the Disability Act. But the lack of infrastructure to support disabled students, from ramps to special educators, has left parents discouraged.

For private schools to cater to all disabilities as mentioned under the Disability Act is almost impossible. An infrastructural overhaul to provide access alone would cost a substantial amount, school principals say.

With the task of implementing a hike in teachers' pay as per the Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations, schools say they are struggling with a paucity of funds. "This will be an additional burden," National Progressive Schools Conference Chairman S L Jain said. In India, laws favouring the mainstreaming of disabled children in educational institutions have existed for years now.

The draft of the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities states, "There is need for mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in the general education system through inclusive education."

A Comprehensive Plan of Action for Children and Youth with Disabilities presented in 2005 advocates inclusive education. The vision is to make all schools "disabled–friendly" by 2020. But despite the legislation and the intent, about 15,000 disabled children are still left out of the education system in the city, says Ashok Aggarwal, an advocate.

While the Delhi High Court has directed the government to constitute two committees, monitory and advisory, to make recommendations on inclusive education in government schools, private schools have been kept out of the ambit. But Education Secretary Rina Ray has hinted that she would try to make it mandatory for private schools to accept disabled children and provide adequate infrastructure.

Source: http://www.expressindia.com

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