From: Mahesh Chandrasekar [mailto:advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 1:49 PM Subject: March 2012 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin
CBR Forum E-News Bulletin - A Compilation of News, Information and Updates March 2012 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin First issue: Oct 2007, Current Issue No. #55 Networking, Advocacy and Lobbying - in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and enhance the potential to exercise these rights. Compiled by: Mary Battihun and C. Mahesh advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com<mailto:advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com> A: INDIA A1: ACTS/ POLICY/ PROGRAMMES A separate Department of Disability Affairs is proposed - Address by the Hon'ble President of India, Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil, to parliament Refer Point No. 25. A separate Department of Disability Affairs is proposed to be set up for greater focus on addressing issues confronting persons with disabilities. The Government is considering a new legislation for persons with disabilities to replace the existing Act. http://presidentofindia.nic.in/sp120312.html New department to look after differently abled NAGPUR: Three crore Indians suffer from various disabilities. To address their needs, the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment has decided to set up a separate department. Union minister for social justice and Ramtek MP Mukul Wasnik took the initiative to chart out this new course. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-13/nagpur/31159217_1_new-department-social-justice-separate-department THE GAP BETWEEN INTENTION AND REALITY That Jeeja Ghosh was forced off a plane in spite of always having travelled on her own shows India's attitude to people with disability, writes Mithu Alur http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120308/jsp/opinion/story_15203718.jsp Blind man's poll nomination rejected, EC's help sought NEW DELHI: In a case of discrimination against the differently abled, a visually impaired man's nomination for Odisha Panchayat polls was rejected as he had put his thumb impression instead of signature on the papers, prompting the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities to seek the intervention of the Election Commission. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-26/news/31101623_1_nomination-papers-persons-with-visual-impairment-contest-polls Poverty rises in Northeast Decline in Tripura, Arunachal; increase in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120320/jsp/frontpage/story_15270991.jsp#.T3WMTsWP_tA Smoother ride ensured for differently-abled In order to facilitate journey by differently-abled passengers, as many as 2100 specially-designed coaches have been manufactured to meet the demands of such people, Railways Minister Dinesh Trivedi said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday http://www.deccanherald.com/content/234343/fare-hike-needed-provide-amenities.html Rail Budget: Activists say disabled get raw deal in budget Scoffing at the announcements, many feel these measures, if implemented, would pay lip service to alleviating the problems of the differently-abled. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-15/rail-budget/31196495_1_differently-abled-budget-2012-special-coaches Rail Budget: Women, disabled feel left out of scheme Not all in the state cheered the railway budget on Wednesday. While there was gloom that the demand for more women's specials on the Chennai suburban route was not met, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-15/rail-budget/31196746_1_chennai-beach-tambaram-long-distance-trains-new-trains HC raps transport dept. for not certifying disabled man's car CHENNAI: It is the state's responsibility to make available 'invalid carriages' for the benefit of the disabled, the Madras high court has said, adding that curtailing the mobility of a disabled would amount to perpetuating inequality. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-02/chennai/30581109_1_invalid-carriages-rto-regional-transport-officer Centre pat for disability battle Ranchi, March 20: The Centre has lauded the efforts of the disability commissioner for his efforts to redress grievances of the disabled in Jharkhand, which has outshone other states in providing justice to a section of society that is often ignored. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120321/jsp/frontpage/story_15275677.jsp#.T2rGDMWP_tB Caring for the disabled: Jharkhand leads by example, states to follow suit RANCHI: The mobile grievance redress system, adopted by the Jharkhand disability commissioner, will be implemented by all the states and Union Territories so that cases concerning disability are disposed of without delay. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-21/ranchi/31219731_1_mobile-courts-disability-commissioner-jharkhand Govt. puts a cap on number of pensioners The State government has issued an order fixing the taluk and district-wise numbers of beneficiaries of various pensions provided under the social security scheme. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/236966/govt-puts-cap-number-pensioners.html Meghalaya launches online interface for grievances redressal Shillong, Mar 1 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today launched an online interface of the government - Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System - aimed at redressing public grievances for effective governance. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/meghalaya-launches-online-interface-for-grievances-redressal/969850.html Come April, there won't be delay in govt. services MYSORE: Come April, about 151 listed services by 11 departments, including revenue, urban development and health and family welfare and home department, won't be delayed. But if it happens, the petitioner is eligible to claim a compensation of Rs. 20 per day. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-27/mysore/31244553_1_death-certificate-delay-claim-compensation Odisha Administrative Service officials get practical training in tackling disability BHUBANESWAR: With a white cane in hand and blind-folded, Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer Balamukund Bhuyan moved around a hotel for an hour here on Wednesday to experience what it means to be a visually-challenged. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Odisha-Administrative-Service-officials-get-practical-training-in-tackling-disability/articleshow/12274714.cms Nothing specific for persons with disabilities in Union Budget - I was extra careful because of political issues: FM on budget Admitting political compulsions had led to a cautious budget devoid of big bang announcements, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Sunday he had to keep the ground reality in mind while framing the proposals. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120319/biz.htm#1 Government turns a deaf ear to colleges' plea BHUBANESWAR: Education in Satyabhama Devi College for the Hearing Impaired, the only such college in the State, has been severely affected due to funds crunch. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/government-turns-a-deaf-ear-to-colleges-plea/243804-60-117.html A2: EDUCATION Three disabled doctors get high court's reprieve MUMBAI: Three disabled doctors who were denied the chance for admissions to PG medical courses have got a reprieve from the Bombay High Court. A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Ranjit More, in an interim order, directed authorities to consider their case for admission to a PG course in (medicine) or in a non-surgical branch. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-15/mumbai/31196298_1_medical-courses-admissions-lower-limbs DU sets up panel for disabled students Delhi University has set up a committee to look into problems being faced by its 1,000-odd disabled students while writing exams. "The committee has had a couple of meetings so far. It has become clear that each case must evaluate individually. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/DU-sets-up-panel-for-disabled-students/Article1-826082.aspx How to succeed with disability How do you explain concepts to a student, who struggles to read, write, spell or learn Math, although he/she does not have mental retardation, emotional problems or educational disadvantages and has normal vision, hearing and language capabilities? http://www.deccanherald.com/content/234374/how-succeed-disability.html Lack of experts hits scheme for disabled kids KOCHI: The state has miserably failed in utilizing the funds allotted for availing the services of physiotherapists in the Inclusive Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) scheme, alleged the Kerala Association for Physiotherapists' Coordination (KAPC). http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/lack-of-experts-hits-scheme-for-disabled-kids/371633.html IGNOU launches disability course for teachers New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is planning to launch a short-term course to train teachers across the country in disability issues, an official said on Thursday. http://indiaedunews.net/Today/IGNOU_launches_disability_course_for_teachers_13716/ Despite 80% disability, these girls is Surat aim for 80% in board SURAT: Priya Dubey and Daya Vagdoriya can put all those students to shame who want to escape exams due to pressure and even want to end their lives. They have fought worst pressures of life - poor financial condition and 80% disabilities. Yet, both these girls of the Disabled Welfare Trust School are aiming for a bright future by passing the class XII exams with flying colours. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/board-exams/Despite-80-disability-these-girls-is-Surat-aim-for-80-in-board/articleshow/12152046.cms He dared his disabilities to stop him... Harsh Morjaria cannot speak nor can he walk without help. Yet this brave, 18-year-old boy is appearing in the ongoing SSC examination. Harsh has cerebral palsy but he has never failed in any examination. He is determined to achieve his dream of becoming a computer engineer. And his parents are fully supportive of his wish. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_he-dared-his-disabilities-to-stop-him_1664387 A P J Abdul Kalam interacts with children in Jaipur JAIPUR: Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today interacted with students afflicted with dyslexia- a learning disability- and answered their queries. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-26/jaipur/31100916_1_missile-man-p-j-abdul-kalam-jaipur A3: HEALTH Pune - Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to help kids with disabilities PUNE: The PCMC will bear the cost of surgeries required by at least 431 children who have some or other form of disabilities. These children were identified during a two-day health check-up camp, which concluded on Saturday. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Pimpri-Chinchwad-Municipal-Corporation-to-help-kids-with-disabilities/articleshow/12321217.cms Comprehensive Management of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Spinal Cord Society (Indian Chapter) is organizing an International workshop on "Comprehensive Management of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)" at New Delhi from 27th April to 29th April, 2012. Details available on the website www.cmsci.in<http://www.cmsci.in/> Genetic Testing for Intellectual Disability Genetic mutations are often responsible for intellectual disability, that is, an IQ level of less than 70. An IQ test can be done in late childhood at the earliest, but intellectual disability can be diagnosed before this time based on delay in milestone achievement by the child... http://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/genetic-testing-for-intellectual-disability-98384-1.htm##ixzz1p5QjTRSx Memory training can overcome forgetfulness Memory training can even re-engage the hippocampus, part of the brain critical for memory formation, according to the findings by the Emory University School of Medicine, which is conducting studies into mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/memory-training-mild-cognitive-impairment-memory-building-strategies/1/176108.html Rehabilitation session for differently-abled kids "Children with single or multiple disabilities need early rehabilitation and training to bring out the best in them. To make them socially useful and acceptable, their parents had a play the most important role of motivator," said Meera Naronha, principal, Spastic Centre. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/Rehabilitation-session-for-differently-abled-kids/articleshow/12280221.cms A4: LIVELIHOOD/ EMPLOYMENT Delhi court pulls up Railway Ministry Imposing a litigation cost of Rs.25,000 on the Union Railway Ministry for delaying recruitment of physically challenged persons under the 3 per cent reserved category, the Delhi High Court has directed it to launch a special recruitment drive to clear the backlog of vacancies for them. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article2989599.ece HC stays Nagpur University hiring over blind man's plea NAGPUR: A blind man has moved the high court here alleging flouting of rules by Nagpur University in appointment of lecturers. A division bench of chief justice Mohit Shah and Justice Prasanna Varale... http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-15/nagpur/31196755_1_nu-advertisements-nagpur-university Universities told to fill backlog vacancies soon The Centre has asked vice-chancellors of universities to fill backlog vacancies reserved for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes and persons with disabilities by the end of this month. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/231695/universities-told-fill-backlog-vacancies.html Fill up posts reserved for disabled, HC tells Railways Opening up employment opportunities denied to them for years, the Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Indian Railways, the country's largest employer, to fill up nearly 4,100 vacancies reserved for physically challenged persons within six months. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fill-up-posts-reserved-for-disabled-hc-tells-railways/921972/0 Recruitment guidelines for physically challenged demanded BHUBANESWAR - March 2, 2012 - Members of the Joint Action Committee of the Disability Rights Movement of Odisha demanded that the State government should strictly implement existing recruitment guidelines for absorbing people with disabilities in different jobs. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/article2952953.ece Panel moots minimum social security package for unorganized sector The Government should define and notify a minimum social security package for 430 million unorganized sector workers. The package should have a life and disability cover, financial protection against ill-health, maternity benefit and a pension plan. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article3223493.ece Disabled seek pay hike Members of state physically disabled association and district rural rehabilitation federation staged a protest in front of the deputy commissioner's office here recently. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/235232/disabled-seek-pay-hike.html Deaf society lends them an ear to lead normal lives NOIDA: To be blessed with a child having a hearing disability in a small town might seem to be the end of the world for many parents. But this does not apply to the parents of Abhijeet, a native of faraway Orai in Uttar Pradesh, or for those of Prabhat, whose parents live in Ranchi. With sheer willpower and help and guidance from their mentor at the Noida Deaf Society, these boys, though born deaf, have managed to find employment with the Standard Chartered Bank. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-23/noida/31229586_1_deaf-students-deaf-people-deaf-child A5: ACCESS Now, a Hindi newspaper in Braille With a view to reaching over 20,000 visually impaired persons across the country, Reliance Foundation on Monday launched the first registered Braille Hindi newspaper in India - Reliance Drishti. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/now-a-hindi-newspaper-in-braille/925781/-- Online Braille library for visually impaired persons launched NEW DELHI: Using technology to empower the physically challenged, government has set up an Online Braille library to make books and reading material in digital format accessible to visually impaired persons. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Online-Braille-library-for-visually-impaired-persons-launched/articleshow/12277584.cms A road map for inclusive culture Ten-point charter adopted for designing disabled-friendly roads A four-day national symposium on "Designing Roads for Disabled Pedestrians in India" concluded here on Sunday, with the participants unanimously adopting a ten-point charter of demands on road designing for disabled pedestrians. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article2961989.ece What makes an inclusive society? We Indians pride ourselves on being evolved, spiritual and cultured. And yet, when the rights and dignity of Jeeja Ghosh and Anjalee Sharma are violated, we remain mute spectators. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/editorial/op-ed/what-makes-inclusive-society-315 Disabled unfriendly How are the disabled and elderly on wheelchairs to negotiate ramps that are wrongly constructed? A few years ago when preparations for hosting the Commonwealth games began, there was a flurry of activity to refurbish existing sports facilities, to widen roads, to build flyovers and subways, construct new and very modern bus shelters and to generally spruce-up Delhi city. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article3005921.ece Call to make Metro Rail disabled-friendly Over the next few weeks, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has a rather important task on hand. It will have to respond to a set of suggestions presented by the Disability Rights Alliance-Tamil Nadu (DRA), indicating which of their recommendations will be incorporated into the facility. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3251906.ece?homepage=true UNESCO pat for disabled-friendly parks in Bangalore DNA India, 2 March, 2012 - The initiative in question is Kilikili, a Bangalore-based trust that was set up to create inclusive neighborhood play spaces for all children, regardless of their abilities, and to involve children in the design process. The Kilikili case study finds place in UNESCO's 'The State of the World's Children 2012' report that was published on Wednesday... Full text: http://bit.ly/xf5EKm All-Encompassing Inclusion is possible: an example My last piece in this column said some not very flattering things about a sister math institute of mine, also in Chennai. Let me attempt at least partial atonement this time around by singing the praises of a mathematician there, who is a truly inclusive soul, acutely aware of all the unfair inequalities that our society dumps on its less privileged, and devotes generously of his time, energy and resources (not only money) in trying to improve their lot. http://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2012_03_01_archive.html Disabled-friendly van on MITHRAs fleet CHENNAI: Madras Institute to Habilitate Retarded Afflicted (MITHRA) added a disabled-friendly van to its fleet besides launching its own website, when it turned 35 on Monday. The van, which was donated to the institute by Federation EMMAUS-Switzerland (FES) through ECOMWEL, can accommodate up to three wheel chairs. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/disabledfriendly-van-on-mithras-fleet/241134-60-120.html A5.1: ACCESS TO AIRTRAVEL All are not welcome Last month Jeeja Ghosh, the head of an advocacy group (Ankur) of Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, was not permitted to travel unescorted on a SpiceJet flight. The airline authorities had cited her "handicap" as the reason for offloading her from a Goa-bound plane. Ironically, she was... http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120304/jsp/calcutta/story_15207888.jsp Disabled a security threat, airports told The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has asked the airports to regard the disabled and sick passengers carrying prosthetics, such as artificial legs, a bigger security risk. Wheelchair-bound passengers should be asked to stand up for thorough checking, as they may be used as carriers of weapons and explosives. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Disabled-a-security-threat-airports-told/Article1-822515.aspx Differently-abled people seen as threat by aviation security The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) regulations say that there is high probability of differently-abled people carrying weapons, explosives and other dangerous materials with them, and therefore, there is ample reason to be more alert and wary http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2964443.ece?homepage=true IndiGo suspends staff for refusing ticket to disabled Following DNA's report on Sunday of how a visually-impaired Tata Institute of Social Sciences student Tony Kurian, 22, was repeatedly denied a flight ticket unless he agreed to be accompanied by an escort or a guide dog, http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_indigo-suspends-staff-for-refusing-ticket-to-disabled_1655966 Aviation ministry sets up panel to help differently abled The Civil Aviation Ministry today said it had constituted a committee to study the problems faced by passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in undertaking air travel and suggest ways to make facilities more convenient for them. http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_aviation-ministry-sets-up-panel-to-help-differently-abled_1666083 Committee to examine facilities for disabled air passengers New Delhi, Mar 22 (ANI): The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday constituted a Committee on the 'Rights of Passengers with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility' under the Chairmanship of G. Asok Kumar, Joint Secretary and Ministry of Civil Aviation. http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/03/22/277277-Committee-to-examine-facilities-for-disabled-air-passengers.html We the PwD of India ... ON AIR TRAVEL Post Jeeja Ghosh incident there have been many developments. To open discussions to all stakeholders we have attempted to collate all updates on a website so anyone can share, comment and collaborate in an open, fair and neutral space that is 'owned' by all. http://tinyurl.com/WeThePwd Hope floats for disabled flyers: Airlines promise to be sensitive NEW DELHI: In another 10 days, domestic airlines will have to display a list of dos and don'ts on their websites for handling passengers with reduced mobility. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-21/delhi/31219844_1_kingfisher-airlines-domestic-airlines-airlines-promise A6: DISCRIMINATION/ APATHY Women demand dignity and equality on International Women's day Holding a placard that read: "You Don't See What We Can Do, Who's Disabled - We or You," over a hundred women on wheelchairs celebrated International Women's Day by demanding the right to be treated with dignity and equality. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2971814.ece 48% differently-abled women victims of sexual abuse: Study Nearly half the differently-abled women in the city interviewed for a study reported they had been sexually abused. The study, conducted by lecturers Apoorva Panshikar and Shaistha Pattiarimal at the Centre of Special Education, SNDT Women's University, analysed the effect of gender and disability on life in the city. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/48-differently-abled-women-victims-of-sexual-abuse-Study/Article1-814022.aspx West Bengal: Accused doctor arrested in Bankura rape case Bankura: The doctor accused of raping a hearing impaired girl in Bankura Medical College on Wednesday has been arrested. The accused, Dr Ramkrishna Sarkar, will be produced before a district court on Thursday http://ibnlive.in.com/news/accused-doctor-arrested-in-bankura-rape-case/235164-3.html West Bengal: Nine year-old blind girl raped Once again the vulnerability of the West Bengal government comes to light... a nine year old girl raped by neighbor in birbhumi district. http://in.video.yahoo.com/news-26036098/national-26073656/west-bengal-nine-year-old-blind-girl-raped-28667352.html Meghalaya: Rape victims to get Rs 50,000 relief Rape victims in Meghalaya will now be entitled to claim a "compensation" of Rs 50,000 from the government, the state Cabinet decided in Shillong on Tuesday night. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/meghalaya-rape-victims-to-get-rs-50-000-relief/918510/ Blind athlete falls into drainage, suffers injuries In a glaring case of negligence on the part of the organisers of the National Para athletics championship at the Sree Kanteerava stadium here, a visually impaired athlete suffered head injuries after falling into a drainage at the venue on Wednesday. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/237900/blind-athlete-falls-drainage-suffers.html Man gets disability pension after 44 years CHENNAI: A septuagenarian has argued his case in person and won his disability pension 44 years after being discharged from service as a radio mechanic. E Sivaiah from Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh got a favourable order from the regional bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Man-gets-disability-pension-after-44-years/articleshow/12433746.cms Man kills stepmother for harassing disabled sister The Delhi Police have arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly killing his stepmother. The accused, Shalu Usman, allegedly killed his step-mother, Sahista, with a butcher knife for ill-treating his sister, who is suffering from polio. The incident took place in the Sabzi Mandi area of north Delhi. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Man-kills-stepmother-for-harassing-disabled-sister/Article1-821896.aspx Jaipur court denies bail to disabled girl A court here Friday rejected the bail application of a 21-year-old disabled woman who was arrested by police on charges of kidnapping and forcing her friend to have physical relation with some youths, a lawyer said. http://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a284380.html A7: EXCELLENCE Disabled boy gets patent for 6 players' chess Jaipur: A nine-year-old wheelchair-ridden boy suffering from a rare genetic disease has set an exemplary example by getting a patent for his invention of six-player circular chess. http://zeenews.india.com/news/rajasthan/disabled-boy-gets-patent-for-6-players-chess_766957.html Blind Indore girl cleared UPSC, gets railways job at PM's behest INDORE: A visually challenged woman who cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) with distinction in 2008 but was denied posting got justice after a four-year battle and the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Purnima Jain, with about 75% visual disability, has been offered an Indian Railway Personnel Services (IRPS) posting under Group B of Class I. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-12/indore/31152157_1_upsc-dopt-union-public-service-commission Ex-Army Major first disabled Indian at UNICEF Mumbai: Major Gopal Mitra (41) may desire to borrow vision for few moments to salute the Indian tricolour flying high at the UNICEF headquarters in New York on his first day of a new job tomorrow. A former Indian Army officer, Mitra is the first disabled person from India to be appointed at the headquarters of a major UN agency. http://m.ibnlive.com/news/exarmy-major-first-disabled-indian-at-unicef/242860-3.html 'I don't need your pity' I am different. I am paraplegic - I have always been, but that is no reason for people to be condescending towards me. I have come to believe that everyone has some form of impairment. It's just that in my case, it was more prominent. Most people have a social disability because of their attitudes. I just have a physical disability... http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/sunday-chronicle/heartitude/%E2%80%98i-don%E2%80%99t-need-your-pity%E2%80%99-996 When Salman Khan greeted bigger heroes The Taj Land's End in Bandra, Mumbai, saw an amazing display of grit and talent on March 20, when the television channel IBN 7 held its Super Idols of the Nation Awards 2012, recognising the achievements of 11 people who had overcome their disability and helped others as well. http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/when-salman-khan-greeted-bigger-heroes/20120322.htm Visually impaired woman from Mulund is 'super idol' When she was one-year-old, a congenital cataract defect robbed her of vision in her left eye. At 33, she lost vision in her right eye as well after facing domestic violence. But Sachu Ramalingam, a resident of Mulund, did not lose hope or give up. Ramalingam, now 37, works as a programme officer with Sightsavers, a development organisation working with the visually impaired in the country. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Visually-impaired-woman-from-Mulund-is-super-idol/Article1-827483.aspx Meghalaya: Real Hero Bertha helps the visually impaired Bertha Dkhar was born with impaired eye sight. At the age of 32, she was afflicted by retinus pigmentosa and went completely blind. Bertha, however, did not lose her vision of developing a language for visually impaired children in her hometown in Meghalaya. http://ibnlive.in.com/shows/Real+Heroes/235056.html http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Honour-for-24--real-heroes--tonight/927673/ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/real-hero-bertha-helps-the-visually-impaired/235056-3.html On Top of the World On wheelchair since last 12 years, Deepa has added another feather in her cap. She has been featured in the Limca Book of Records for the third time by becoming the first paraplegic woman to reach the highest motorable road in the world. She was first featured in the Limca Books of Records for swimming in river Yamuna against the current for one km in 2008 and in 2009 for riding a special bike. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/232240/on-top-world.html Seeing is believing C. Govindakrishnan, better known as Gopi, has many virtues, but mealy-mouthed diplomacy is not one of them. Nethrodaya - the trail-blazing organisation he founded, primarily for the visually-impaired, offering free food, accommodation, study material and a wealth of other life-enhancing resources - can accommodate 75 differently-abled students, but there are only 53 right now. http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/article2998723.ece 'Every day is a celebration for Down's Syndrome patients CHENNAI: After several thousands of letters and years of campaigning, this year, the United Nations declared March 21 World Down's Syndrome Day. But, at Mathuru Mandir in Chennai, an institution for those with Down's Syndrome, celebrations are on every day to cheer each student's achievements. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-21/chennai/31219724_1_celebration-world-down-s-syndrome-day-gold-medals Differently-abled not disabled! Rekha Goyal, 23, lost her sight due to chickenpox when she was just three. But the fighter that she is, she educated herself at one of the best institutions and found employment in a bank. http://health.india.com/diseases-conditions/differently-abled-not-disabled/ Film fest to dispel disability myth CHENNAI: In an effort to promote the rights of people with disabilities, Amrita School of Communication and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore, are co-hosting the ninth International 'We Care Film Fest' on March 16 and 17. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/film-fest-to-dispel-disability-myth/236494-60-120.html 'Disability is not an inability' With a hearing impairment, Abinaya made her mark as a talented actress with her remarkable performance in Nadodigal. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/%E2%80%98disability-not-inability%E2%80%99-095 Doctors speak up for hearing-impaired persons NAGPUR: Most disabilities evoke sympathy and kindness. Not so with those suffering from hearing loss, especially the elderly. These people are the butt of many jokes in popular fiction as well as in real life. Ironically, despite some 8% of the population having this impairment, not much has been done to extend help to those suffering from it, say city doctors. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-20/nagpur/31214208_1_hearing-loss-hearing-aid-hearing-impairment Mumbai-based speech therapist wins International humanitarian award When the entire world was celebrating the International Women's day on Thursday, a Santacruz based speech therapist was working among the 'special children' in government special schools to uplift them and bring them into the mainstream from the 'sign languages' of special schools. http://www.allvoices.com/news/11672654-mumbaibased-speech-therapist-wins-international-humanitarian-award B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS B1: ACTS/ POLICY/ PROGRAMMES UN rights chief calls for boosting political participation of persons with disabilities 1 March 2012 - The United Nations human rights chief today called for the removal of barriers that prevent the participation of persons with disabilities in political life and public affairs. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41436&Cr=disabilities&Cr1 Women Enabled Women Enabled is an education and advocacy project developed by Stephanie Ortoleva to bring attention to the urgent need to advocate for the human rights of all women and girls and to include women and girls with disabilities in international resolutions, policies and programs addressing women's human rights and development. http://sites.google.com/site/womenenabled/ Compilation of national plans of action and strategies on disability is available. The recently launched World Report on Disability includes among its final recommendations the elaboration and adoption of a national disability strategy and plan of action, to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of Social and economic development. http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSOCIALPROTECTION/EXTDISABILITY/0,,contentMDK:23112236~menuPK:6963139~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:282699,00.html Disability and Development Database This new database created by the World Bank and Leonard Cheshire Disability provides information on government projects that aim to include people with disabilities in mainstream education, health and rehabilitation, and livelihoods Programmes. With funding from the Japanese government through the World Bank, this database is the first of its kind. http://www.disabilitydatabase.org/ Launch of Universal Human Rights Index database On 6 March 2012, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights launched the updated Universal Human Rights Index. The database allows you to find by "country" and "theme" various documents from United Nations human rights treaty bodies, special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This is a valuable tool on United Nations (UN) human rights mechanisms. To read database, go to http://uhri.ohchr.org/ Court go-ahead for right-to-die hearing March 12: Legal action brought by locked-in syndrome sufferer Tony Nicklinson, who wants a doctor to be able to end his "intolerable" life lawfully, can go ahead following a judge's ruling today. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120313/jsp/foreign/story_15243471.jsp HC opens Bangladesh Civil Service doors for people with disabilities The High Court has directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to allow candidates with disabilities to sit for the 33rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations. http://tinyurl.com/6wbv68c Annual cost of autism has more than tripled - $126 billion US and £34 billion in the UK New York, N.Y. - Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced preliminary results of new research that estimates autism costs society a staggering $126 billion per year (U.S.) http://www.sciencecodex.com/annual_cost_of_autism_has_more_than_tripled_126_billion_us_and_34_billion_in_the_uk-88830 B2: EDUCATION B3: HEALTH Mother's legal plea to sterilize her daughter remains unresolved Judge rules court has not enough evidence to decide on operation for 21-year-old who is about to give birth http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/15/forced-sterilisation-mother-court-plea India's Success Fighting Polio Motivates Rival Pakistan Last month, India recorded a milestone in its effort to eradicate polio when it marked one year without any new infections. During the same year, Pakistan recorded 180 new polio cases, the most of any country. Pakistani authorities say national pride is now at stake for polio eradication and they are hoping to overcome years of setbacks from natural disasters, misinformation and war. http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Indias-Success-Fighting-Polio-Motives-Rival-Pakistan--143461176.html 'Ashley treatment' on the rise amid concerns from disability rights groups Controversial medical procedure to limit growth of severely disabled children is being increasingly used, Guardian learns http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/15/ashley-treatment-rise-amid-concerns?newsfeed=true B4: LIVELIHOOD/ EMPLOYMENT Tech cos cash in on autistic people's talent Part of the reason autism has captivated Hollywood moviemakers more than other developmental disabilities is that, for all the difficulties it brings those who have it, it also gives some of them the ability to perform uncanny feats of brainpower: effortlessly memorising train schedules or song lyrics, identifying the day of the week of any date in the past. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/careers/education/Tech-cos-cash-in-on-autistic-peoples-talent/articleshow/12456459.cms B5: ACCESS 'I feel free': The next generation wheelchair that lets users stand up whenever they want A robotic device that allows people to stand up is being hailed as a potential breakthrough for the disabled. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2118091/Tek-Robotic-Mobilisation-Device-The-generation-wheelchair-lets-users-stand-want.html#ixzz1qUvSYZeG B6: DISCRIMINATION/ APATHY 'I had to crawl off a train because no one would help me' Paralympic champion Tanni Grey Thompson reveals her treatment as a 'second-class citizen' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2120394/Tanni-Grey-Thompson-Paralympic-champion-reveals-treatment-second-class-citizen.html#ixzz1qKUqcLe2 Police ignorance about autism must end During a school trip to a swimming pool four years ago, a 16-year-old boy was physically restrained by police, placed in handcuffs and leg irons, and taken to the cage of a police van. The teenager wasn't looting trainers, wasn't hurting anyone or damaging any property. He just didn't want the swimming trip to... http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/mar/15/autism-met-police-restrained-teenager?newsfeed=true People with disabilities are people first I'm writing because I've noticed that many newspapers consistently use very negative language when writing about people with disabilities. This pattern influences how our society talks about disability, and in turn, shapes and impacts the lives of countless individuals in our communities. http://www.nilesstar.com/2012/03/28/people-with-disabilities-are-people-first/ Wheelchair Guys Are All Alike ACCORDING to recent media reports, the esteemed British physicist and author Stephen Hawking has been frequenting a Southern California sex club. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/wheelchair-guys-are-all-alike.html?_r=1 'When will I be normal?': Heartbreaking question of Diana's Downs Syndrome goddaughter and her mother's fears of how she will cope alone Having been away for a few days, I walked into the house to be met by my 16-year-old daughter, Domenica, usually so happy and bouncy. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2113209/Princess-Dianas-Downs-Syndrome-goddaughter-heartbreaking-question-mothers-fears.html#ixzz1pAgBrCEB 'News Flash: People with Disabilities Have Sex' Kaleigh Trace Listen. This may shock you. But you should know: People in wheelchairs - they have sex. People with different motor abilities - they have sex too. People who are blind - they're doing it as well. Everybody's doing it. http://andrewazzopardi.org/2012/03/20/news-flash-people-with-disabilities-have-sex-kaleigh-trace/ B7: EXCELLENCE Esther Vergeer unveiled - the world's most dominant athlete She is naked, blonde, looking straight down the lens, and sitting in her wheelchair. Only when she posed nude in her chair, an image which appears on the cover of an American magazine's "Body Issue" this month, did the wider sporting world take notice of Esther Vergeer. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/8071321/Esther-Vergeer-unveiled-the-worlds-most-dominant-athlete.html http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/07/01/esther-vergeer-hits-wimbledon-meet-the-worlds-most-dominant-athlete/#ixzz1p3vI3hIo Life's a beach for newlywed Nick Vujicic INSPIRATIONAL Melbourne man Nick Vujicic - who was born without arms or legs - has married his sweetheart in California. http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifes-a-beach-for-newlywed-nick-vujicic/story-e6frea6u-1226281605636 C: RESOURCES - Newsletter, Publication, Journal, Study, Website >From Paternalism to Dignity Good intentions do not always make for good policy. That is particularly true for people with disabilities, who are often stripped of the most fundamental of human rights-the right to make choices about their own lives-under the guise of "protecting" them from the challenges of decision-making and living independently http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/paternalism-dignity CBM Inclusive Development Newsletter - Advocacy http://www.cbm.org/article/downloads/81221/CBM_Inclusive_Development_Newsletter_-_Edition_7.pdf CBM position paper on the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) global framework http://www.cbm.org/CBM-MDG-position-paper-338656.php Emancipatory research in Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programmes promoting empowerment http://www.aifo.it/english/proj/research/sparkcbr/attachments/ER_in_CBR_manual_draft02.pdf Imply vs. Infer The fact that I go around in a wheel-chair implies that there is some reason why I need to use this form of motion. It does not imply that I fell down and broke a leg; if you concluded that, you would be guilty of making an incorrect and unjustified inference from the facts presented to you. http://differentstrokes-vss.blogspot.in/2012/02/imply-vs-infer.html Spinalis Foundation This is the Spinalis Foundation's website. Spinalis is a charitable foundation whose mission is to promote research and treatment development in the field of spinal cord injuries. http://www.spinalis.se/eng/ Spinal Cord Injury Zone The Spinal Cord Injury Zone website is a not-for-profit Spinal Cord Injury educational Knowledge Base. The mission of The Spinal Cord Injury Zone is to archive important Spinal Cord Injury News and Spinal Cord Injury Information for education and awareness. http://www.spinalcordinjuryzone.com/ Pushrim - Life After Injury A social network and support resource for friends, family, and survivors of spinal cord injury. http://www.pushrim.com/ A Guide to Universal Design in Built Environment Authored this manual for the projects division of the ITC. Welcome group with design details of various areas in the Hotel. This manual has been developed to ensure accessibility of all upcoming hotel properties. http://www.itchotels.in/custom/Hotel_Manual-web-08-Nov-2011.pdf IDA Newsletter The International Disability Alliance (IDA) Newsletter of global updates for January and February 2012 is available by following links at http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/en/ida-disability-rights-bulletin Update from the UNESCAP/ Leonard Cheshire Disability's 'International Conference on Disability-Inclusive MDGs and Aid Effectiveness' 14-16 March Real time conference updates, speeches, life stories, photos, and exclusive interviews with some of the world's leading players in disability and development here: http://unlcdcon.tumblr.com<http://unlcdcon.tumblr.com/> For more info and interviews ruthsomervi...@lcdisbility.org<mailto:ruthsomervi...@lcdisbility.org> 0203 242 0313 (UK) or libpow...@gmail.com<mailto:libpow...@gmail.com> (Bangkok) D: ANNOUNCEMENTS 1st CBR World Congress "CBR: The Key to Realising CRPD", 26 - 28 November 2012, Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra, India. Register Now!!! Registration Fee: (Does not include Accommodation & Travel) Early Bird Registration: INR 10600/- Closes on 30 April 2012 Regular Registration: INR 13250/-. Click to Registration: http://cbrglobal.org/Register-now.php Call for Abstract!!! Click to submit Abstract: http://cbrglobal.org/abstract.php Last date to submit Abstract is 30 June, 2012 For more information write to: secretar...@cbrglobal.org<mailto:secretar...@cbrglobal.org> Instructions for participants: ILO video contest on Decent Work for Youth The ILO has launched a video contest for young people (from 18-29 years) on how the global jobs crisis is affecting them and their communities. Three winners will be offered an all expenses paid trip to Geneva, Switzerland to present their videos at the 'Youth Employment Forum' which takes place at the International Labour Organization (ILO) on 23-25 May 2012 http://www.ilo.org/employment/areas/youth-employment/WCMS_175238/lang--en/index.htm 22nd RI World Congress - Call for Papers As you know, the 22nd RI (Rehabilitation International) World Congress will be held this year in Incheon, Korea from Oct. 29th to Nov. 2nd. For more information about the call for papers visit www.riincheon2012.org<http://www.riincheon2012.org/> Kindly email advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com<mailto:advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com> for - Contributing news/ events to this E-news bulletin - To unsubscribe this E-news Bulletin Disclaimer: This e-news is a collation of articles/ news from national and international sources. The contents of the same do not necessarily represent the views of CBR Forum. -- C. Mahesh Advocacy Coordinator CBR Forum 14, CK Garden, St. Thomas Town Post Wheeler Road Extension Bangalore - 560 084 Tel - 080- 2549 7387 or 2549 7388 advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com<mailto:advocacy.cbrfo...@gmail.com> ad...@cbrforum.in<mailto:ad...@cbrforum.in> www.cbrforum.in<http://www.cbrforum.in> "The issue is not the absence of equal rights but the inability to exercise them" "When Policies weaken, Rights must be strengthened" ________________________________ Notice: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, use, review, distribution, printing or copying of the information contained in this e-mail message and/or attachments to it are strictly prohibited. If you have received this email by error, please notify us by return e-mail or telephone and immediately and permanently delete the message and any attachments. 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