World Wide Network on Disability and Human Rights

A: INDIA

New law on anvil for welfare of disabled 

The government will bring a new legislation to harmonise the provisions of the Persons with Disability Act with the spirit and principles of the UN Convention, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Mukul Wasnik said Thursday.

http://sify.com/news/new-law-on-anvil-for-welfare-of-disabled-news-national-ki0rabficfi.html

New Legislation to replace Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995

Meeting Minutes of the Committee

http://socialjustice.nic.in/committee.php

Disabled quota push 

New Delhi, Aug. 13: For the first time, a job quota will be thrust on the private sector if the government accepts a panel’s recommendation for reservations for the disabled and turns it into law.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100814/jsp/nation/story_12810935.jsp

‘New disability law shrouded in secrecy'

BANGALORE: Ironic as it is, the process of drafting the new disability law that seeks to do away with the “regressive and outdated” Persons with Disability Act (1995) is non-inclusive and entirely opaque, disability rights activists decry.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/31/stories/2010083153841000.htm

‘Disability law drafting process non-consultative’

Disability activists from across the State have urged the panel set up by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to draft the new Disability Bill to include the community and make the process transparent. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/93313/disability-law-drafting-process-non.html

Disability and Census of 2011

Counting the “invisible” children of Mother India. 

http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/23/stories/2010062353861300.htm

Boy overcomes cerebral palsy, gets seat in IIT

Noida: Ali Abbas smiled contentedly as friends and family poured in to congratulate him on cracking the IIT-JEE.The son of a former additional district judge,R H Zaidi,Abbas had fought against all odds he suffers from cerebral palsy since birth to realise his dream of studying in the prestigious institution.

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=4&edlabel=CAP&mydateHid=28-05-2010&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar00406&format=&publabel=TOI

Cerebral Palsied person succeded in CA

Ajeetsingh Shekhawat of Gandhinagar Gujarat is a rare case of such jiant success.

http://www.karmayog.org/messages/message.aspx?id=3117

Change your mindset on physically challenged: Bombay high court tells govt

Krutika Purohit, 17, had nursed the dream of being a physiotherapist since she was nine. However, with her visual disability, clearing the MHCET for pursuing a degree course in physiotherapy with a good score and obtaining

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_change-your-mindset-on-physically-challenged-bombay-high-court-tells-govt_1418062

Visually challenged girl can attend class

A 17-year-old visually challenged girl, who was denied admission to a physiotherapy course because of her disability, can attend lectures until her petition is decided, the Bombay High Court ruled on Tuesday.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Visually-challenged-girl-can-attend-class/Article1-578712.aspx

Speech impaired girl cracks BE

Shweta Kulkarni is first such girl from Karnataka to accomplish this task

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2010080320100803041536454607794b9/Speech-impaired-girl-cracks-BE.html

Bombay high court opens MBBS door for disabled student

Just days after it told the state government that the latter needed to change its mindset in accommodating the disabled, the Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the state to grant a 19-year-old physically challenged student provisional admission to an MBBS course.

http://www.dnaindia.com/academy/report_bombay-high-court-opens-mbbs-door-for-disabled-student_1419001

A girl of grit and determination

Losing her right arm in a train mishap, Shreya Sen learns to use her left

http://education.in.msn.com/news/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4226124

'Include dyslexia as a disability while amending RTE Act'

Taking forward the agenda set by actor Aamir Khan in the Bollywood film Taare Zameen Par, a Parliamentary Committee has suggested that dyslexia and any other type of disability, if existing, need to be included in the definition of “child with disability” while amending the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill 2010.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article542461.ece

'Governmet schools more disabled-friendly'

CHENNAI: Members of the Spastic Society along with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan conducted an awareness rally here on Monday, demanding that more number of  physically-challenged children should be inducted into the government schools. They felt that government schools were more disabled-friendly than private schools.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/governmet-schools-more-disabled-friendly/196887.html

No admission in hostel for visually impaired

LUCKNOW: The hall of residence for visually impaired students in the Lucknow University, the Acharya Narendra Deo (AND) hostel, is yet to see an entry.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/No-admission-in-hostel-for-visually-impaired/articleshow/6289945.cms#ixzz0wGkOwMMK

Disabled kids not getting proper care at Shishu Grih

LUCKNOW: The change of guard at the Rajkiya Shishu Grih on

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Disabled-kids-not-getting-proper-care-at-Shishu-Grih-/articleshow/6289929.cms#ixzz0wGj7maxF

Disabled lecturer accuses professor of harassment

CHENNAI: A young physically challenged doctorate degree holder, who was appointed as a lecturer in the History department in the Presidency College (Evening College), a government-run institution, has filed a police complaint alleging that a professor in the department had prevented him from assuming charge.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Disabled-lecturer-accuses-professor-of-harassment-/articleshow/6224853.cms

Handicapped due to lack of disabled-friendly vehicles

Organising Committee now shopping for special mini buses to ferry physically challenged VIPs during CWG

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/aug/100810-Handicapped-CWG-disabled-friendly-vehicles.htm

For disabled on capital roads hurdles remain

With thousands of disabled visitors and athletes expected in Delhi during the Commonwealth Games, the government is hard at work to make the city "disabled-friendly".

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/For-disabled-on-capital-roads-hurdles-remain/articleshow/6239766.cms

PCI asks disabled swimmers to arrange funds for World C''ship

New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI) Highlighting the discrimination faced by disabled athletes, an NGO has alleged that country's top handicapped swimmers have been asked by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to find individual sponsors to participate in this month's World Championship in Holland.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pci-asks-disabled-swimmers-to-arrange-funds-for-world-cship/215036.html

Paralympic swimmers run for sanction

NEW DELHI: For the first time, Indian swimmers - four of them with varying levels of disability - have qualified for the biggest event in paralympic swimming, the International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championship in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/Paralympic-swimmers-run-for-sanction/articleshow/6267858.cms

Specially-abled athletes cry foul

Even as the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games and other civic agencies are being sharply criticised for failing to complete the work on time in connection with the Commonwealth Games-2010, the disabled athletes seems to have been completely left behind.

http://www.asianage.com/delhi/specially-abled-athletes-cry-foul-237

Disabled athletes protest discrimination, mismanagement

Braving the heavy rain, hundreds of disabled athletes Tuesday protested outside Sports Minister M.S. Gill's residence here, condemning the rampant mismanagement in disability sports in India.

http://sify.com/news/disabled-athletes-protest-discrimination-mismanagement-news-national-kikrkdieiff.html

Disabled athletes to gherao Sports Minister's home

Angry at the continued apathy of the union sports minister towards sports for the disabled, hundreds of disabled athletes and activists from all over the country will protest outside the minister's residence in Delhi on Tuesday. "Under the banner of Disabled Rights Group (DRG), the disabled athletes and disability activists will gherao the residence of M.S. Gill at

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Disabled-athletes-to-gherao-Sports-Minister-s-home/Article1-584474.aspx

Anand lends monetary support to visually impaired players

NEW DELHI: In a kind gesture, Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand is giving financial support to Indian team in their preparation for the World Blind Chess Championship to be held in Belgrade, Serbia from August 26 to September 4.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/chess/Anand-lends-monetary-support-to-visually-impaired-players/articleshow/6388458.cms#ixzz0xJtjT9hx

Drive to check fake disability certificates

To check the issuance of disability certificates to ineligible people, the state’s Department for Disabled Welfare will be issuing certificates to beneficiaries through open camps.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Drive-to-check-fake-disability-certificates/654714

1 booked for ''fake'' disability certificate

CHANDIGARH: UT police has booked a Sector-21 woman resident for producing a fake disability certificate before Panjab University for getting admission in its department of law under the physically-handicapped quota in 1986.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/1-booked-for-fake-disability-certificate/articleshow/6389440.cms#ixzz0xJsvcQK5

31 disabled protestors held

Thirty one physically challenged men were arrested for protesting outside the muniicpal commissioner’s office by taking off their shirts on Tuesday. The protestors said 20 of them had paid deposits to the corporation for allocation of stalls but only six were allotted stalls. The rest were waiting to get their stalls for the last 10 months, they claimed.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/31-disabled-protestors-held/Article1-578750.aspx

'Cops lack sensitivity for disabled'

CHENNAI: Yet another effort by the differently-abled to reach out to the State government failed in the city when police lathi-charged a group of visually challenged people proceeding to meet Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who also holds the portfolio of their welfare.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/cops-lack-sensitivity-for-disabled/196888.html

Haryana gives free travel facility to people with 100 percent disability

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has given another facility to the hundred per cent physically challenged persons as now they would be able to travel free in State Roadways buses also to Delhi and Chandigarh for treatment at hospitals. The person accompanying such physically challenged persons would also be entitled to travel free in the State Roadways buses.

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/haryana-gives-free-travel-facility-people-100-percent-disability/22622

It's Bus Day out for the disable

BANGALORE: "Where am I sitting? Is it a car or a bus?" That's what 6-year-old Ameena asked while travelling with transport minister R Ashoka in a Volvo bus on Wednesday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Its-Bus-Day-out-for-the-disable/articleshow/6258554.cms#ixzz0vhS6s0g6 

No entry for disabled in parks?

CHANDIGARH: Known for having spacious environs and pedestrian-friendly roads…The revolving gates installed at most city parks as well as other spaces in the green belt keep the disabled at bay. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/No-entry-for-disabled-in-parks/articleshow/6278291.cms

A ray of hope for the disabled

CHENNAI: A job fair for the disabled saw 53 private companies interviewing 2,070 candidates and shortlisting 479 of them on Sunday, lending them a ray of hope after having knocked in vain at the doors of the government for long.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/a-ray-of-hope-for-the-disabled/196594.html

An exclusive market for the disabled

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This Onam season is bringing to an end the desperate wait of disabled persons in front of markets. The Cooperative Department-supported Onam market for disabled will be inaugurated at Mudavanmugal on Tuesday. It will be a market for the disabled by the disabled.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/an-exclusive-market-for-the-disabled/196792.html

Attempts to find shelter for disabled abandoned boy fail

Read more: Attempts to find shelter for disabled abandoned boy fail 

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Attempts-to-find-shelter-for-disabled-abandoned-boy-fail/articleshow/6284423.cms

Tenant, friend held for killing blind couple

The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested two persons for the murder of a visually impaired couple in Vivek Vihar.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Tenant--friend-held-for-killing-blind-couple/659223

Breaking the sounds of silence

It requires ample of patience and a patient perseverance to teach the hearing impaired. That is the first and the only qualification for a person to take up a course in teaching the hearing impaired.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Breaking-the-sounds-of-silence/articleshow/6295164.cms#ixzz0wNCDl6lE

Jaipur: Hearing impaired bike lifter arrested

Jaipur:  A hearing impaired youth has been arrested in Jaipur for allegedly stealing motorcycles, police said on Friday.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/jaipur-hearing-impaired-bike-lifter-arrested-47580?cp

Bengal job score: less than 1%

New Delhi, Aug. 18: Not even 1 per cent households in Bengal got the promised 100 days’ work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in 2009, the latest report of the rural development ministry has revealed.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100819/jsp/nation/story_12827972.jsp

Metro paves path for blind

The heart of the city’s public transport system has finally opened its eyes to the needs of the visually challenged.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100821/jsp/calcutta/story_12794944.jsp

Making freedom work

When Javed Abidi, who suffers from a spinal malady, went to the US for studies in the 1980s, he was pleasantly surprised to find that he could access every nook and corner of the campus on his wheel chair. But back home in Delhi, most public places were not disabled-friendly, remembers Abidi. Not that it was surprising. There was no law governing the rights of people with disabilities.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_making-freedom-work_1423482

New media programmes for differently-abled

The department of communication and journalism at the Mumbai University, and the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped have come together for the first time to take on the issues of differently-abled persons and accessible media, websites and universal design. While the university and the institute have had many collaborative programs in the past, this course is a completely new addition.

http://www.dnaindia.com/speakup/report_new-media-programmes-for-differently-abled_1416788

NTPC to open new facilities at Korba hospital

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) will open a Directly Observed Treatment Centre (DOT) and a District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) at its Korba hospital to take care of tuberculosis patients and disabled persons

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ntpc-to-open-new-facilities-at-korba-hospital/405519

Indian disabled dancers perform with hope

Physically disabled boys as well as deaf and mute girls perform "Bharatanatyam on wheels" during their practice session in New Delhi August 22, 2010

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2010-08/23/c_13458413.htm

Theatrical sight

Around 55 visually impaired girls attended a theatre workshop to combat stage fear and develop communication skills

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Theatrical-sight/655584

Shoot without sight

The local students of Blind With Camera Project were merited in reverse when at an exhibition of their photographs at the NCPA in 2007, an ageing individual declared indignantly that those pictures could not have been taken by the visually impaired: they must have been shot by people with sight, and were being palmed off as blind art. In his defence, at his age it’s probably easier to believe a technological miracle than a social one

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shoot-without-sight/articleshow/6401227.cms

Call the blind, blind and not disabled: Gulzar

“One needs to call the blind, blind instead of different names such as challenged, disabled or impaired,” said lyricist Gulzar as he inaugurated a three day ‘Disability Awareness Program’ at the American Center, Churchgate, on Monday.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Call-the-blind-blind-and-not-disabled-Gulzar/Article1-578244.aspx

My picnic to Bannerghatta National Park

https://sites.google.com/site/exploreability/bannerghatta-national-park

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Third session of the Conference of States Parties (UNHQ New York)

1-3 September 2010, UNHQ New York

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1532

Int’l Quran Contest for the Hearing-impaired Planned in Kuwait

According to Al-Ray daily, the contest will be organized by the Al-Islah cultural-social institute with the cooperation of Kuwait-based Al-Raya Company.

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&id=197740

Mass. court sets rules on testimony by disabled

BOSTON - The highest court in Massachusetts has issued new guidelines to ensure witnesses with disabilities that affect how they communicate get a fair chance to testify in court.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20100811mass_court_sets_rules_on_testimony_by_disabled/

London 2012 Paralympics: Channel 4 makes disability sport its main event

Channel 4 announces 150 hours of live event coverage, proving its commitment showcasing London 2012 Paralympics.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/7934650/London-2012-Paralympics-Channel-4-makes-disability-sport-its-main-event.html

Disability rights activist calls for shutdown of Presto

Disability rights activist David Lepofsky is calling on the Ontario government to shut down Presto until what he says are barriers to visually impaired and dyslexic people are removed.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/846891--disability-rights-activist-calls-for-shutdown-of-presto

Qld wants disabled to vote from home

Voters with a disability may be able to cast their ballot from home under a proposal by Queensland's state electoral commission.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/qld-wants-disabled-to-vote-from-home-20100805-11ilg.html

Visually Impaired Runnerto Run in European Meet

The visually impaired sprinter Jason Smyth, 23, will be the first Paralympic champion to compete at the European Championships.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/sports/28sportsbriefs-paralympian.html

Equal opportunities emphasized for disabled persons

ISLAMABAD: Effort should be made for empowerment and economic rehabilitation of disabled persons and they should be provided equal opportunities in every segment of the society, believed participants in three-day Regional leadership conference for persons with Disabilities in South Asia inaugurated on Saturday.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010%5C08%5C01%5Cstory_1-8-2010_pg11_5

Disabled woman 'may have starved to death after her carer mother died suddenly'

A disabled woman may have been left to starve to death after her mother, who cared for her full time, died suddenly in her bed.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1299665/Disabled-woman-starved-death-carer-mother-died-suddenly.html#ixzz0vWzU1xr1

Cardiff arts venue tours for visually impaired

Blind and visually impaired people will be able to explore an iconic Cardiff venue with a series of special tours.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-10897188

Paraplegic blazes trail riding motocross

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — On a chilly Mother's Day in 2002, Bob Mrozek, a high school junior and motocross racer, took his off-road motorcycle out on a familiar trail. His journey ended abruptly when he lost control and was hurled over the handlebars. He lay three hours in a ditch before help arrived

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-08-08-6Aracing_N.htm

50% of Brazilian buses for persons with disabilities-Veep

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday announced that 50 per cent of buses expected from Brazil would be friendly to persons with disabilities.

http://www.ghananewsagency.org/s_politics/r_19205/

Young people with disabilities take to the skies

A group of young people with disabilities will find the sky is the limit this week when they have a free flying lesson at a Bedfordshire airfield.

http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=7013873

Disabled man films Northern Rail refusal in Manchester

Qamar Khaliq said he tried in vain to persuade the guard to get him a ramp so he could board the train

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-11065515

Disasters especially tough on people with disabilities, mental disorders

Disaster response teams should adjust for needs of victims in each disaster

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-08/apa-det082310.php

Holiday centre for disabled adults opens

A new centre offering short breaks for adults with learning difficulties and complex needs has officially opened in the capital.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-11060047

C: RESOURCES – Newsletter, Publication,Journal, Guideline,Website

Ministry of Urban Development has prepared Model Building Bye-Laws

Ministry of Urban Development is the nodal Ministry for implementation of barrier-free built environment for the disabled and elderly persons as envisaged in Section 46 of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

http://urbanindia.nic.in/programme/ud/promotionofnon.htm

A guide to the UN disability convention

By The Equality and Human Rights Commission

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/a-guide-to-the-un-disability-convention/

MIW is about making the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) WORK!

http://www.makingitwork-crpd.org/

Empowered LCD South Asia's News Letter, January 2010 - June 2010, Volume 6, No. 1

http://lcdsouthasia.org/empowered-vol6-issue1

Young Voices - Series of films on Disability

http://www.youtube.com/user/YoungVoicesLCD

http://www.youtube.com/user/YoungVoicesLCD#p/u/35/gerEmj43drw

GPDD has a new website

http://www.gpdd-online.org/.

Source E-Bulletin: Disability, Inclusion and Development

This email bulletin is a selection of 25 resources recently added to the Source collection on Disability, Inclusion & Development.  

http://ctt-news.org/B8A-7M0M-5919XVMKFC/cr.aspx

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

Third session of the Conference of States Parties (UNHQ New York)

1-3 September 2010, UNHQ New York

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1532

First Announcement of 1st CBR National Seminar

10th & 11th Dec, New Delhi,

Theme - “CBR - Strategy for Inclusive development”

Hosted by Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) India Network

http://sites.google.com/site/cbrindianetwork/1st-national-seminar

OHCHR study on the role of international cooperation in support of the CRPD

As many of you will know already, the Human Rights Council has requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to develop a study on the Role of international cooperation in support of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/disability/thematic_study.htm

For previous editions of e-news visit www.cbrforum.in/news.htm 

Kindly email advocacy.cbrforum@gmail.com for

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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.

July 2010 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin

A: INDIA

Visually impaired wins right: IAS job 

SAMANWAYA RAUTRAY

New Delhi, July 7: A visually impaired man who cleared the IAS exam in 2006 but was denied a post on the ground that no such position had been identified for reservation, will be appointed within eight weeks.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100708/jsp/nation/story_12659220.jsp

Visually impaired Ravi will join the public services

New Delhi:  The Supreme Court has ordered the Union government to find Ravi Prakash Gupta, who is visually impaired, a job within eight weeks in the Civil Services.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/visually-impaired-ravi-will-join-the-public-services-36174?cp

Have sympathetic approach towards disabled: HC to UPSC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court has asked the UPSC to adopt a sympathetic approach towards disabled persons and told it not to reject the application of a civil service aspirant who could not fill up the form properly because of blindness.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Delhi/Have-sympathetic-approach-towards-disabled-HC-to-UPSC-/articleshow/6128933.cms

HC seeks details of disabled candidates joining IIMs

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Monday sought details of the seats reserved for disabled candidates in Indian Institutes of Management across India and the number of such candidates admitted during the current academic year.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Mumbai/HC-seeks-details-of-disabled-candidates-joining-IIMs/articleshow/6103905.cms

71 seats reserved at IIMs for disabled candidates: HC told

A total of 71 seats were reserved for the disabled candidates in seven Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the Bombay High Court was told on Tuesday.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/71-seats-reserved-at-IIMs-for-disabled-candidates-HC-told/Article1-568452.aspx

‘New disability law should include social security scheme’

After months of flip-flop, the ministry of social justice and empowerment (MSJE) has finally acceded to the demands of the disability movement in India to replace the current Persons with Disability Act (Equal Opportunity, Full Participation, Protection of Rights) with a “21st century legislation to reflect the 21st century challenges”. It has set up a panel consisting of NGO representatives and some important government departments to draft the new law. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/81360/disability-law-should-include-social.html

HC stays eviction of five blind students from govt hostel

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court has come to the rescue of five visually-impaired students who were asked to vacate a government-run hostel in the capital.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6128931.cms

How families and coteries are ruining disabled sports in India

The disability sports sector in India seems to be in gross disarray with the administration of the sector in the stranglehold of a coterie of people who seem to have no interest in either the disabled or in sports. National disabled sporting federations seem to be run like mom-and-pop outfits with hardly any national character.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/How-families-and-coteries-are-ruining-disabled-sports-in-India/articleshow/6169636.cms

NGOs want courts to respond to firms that wink at responsibility

CHENNAI: The Madras high court recently ruled that the government must reserve 3% of all jobs in government institutions for the disabled, but day-to-day issues like accessibility to public places, getting around in a public building, lack of ramps, restrooms and elevators continue to trouble the physically handicapped.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/NGOs-want-courts-to-respond-to-firms-that-wink-at-responsibility/articleshow/6188933.cms

'Universal Design' AccessAbility

Universal Design a concept that is so new and still emerging in India is the key to inclusion of people with disabilities. In the pursuit to increase awareness about 'Universal Design' AccessAbility was a part of a awareness programme for teachers of Architecture held at the National Institute for Advance Studies in Architecture, Pune in collaboration with Ekansh and others.Please find below news links of the same for further information.

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?edorsup=Sup&queryed=40&querypage=5&boxid=30688078&parentid=120973&eddate=07/20/2010

Disabled not at par with SC/ST in DU's MBBS course: Delhi HC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by a physically handicapped candidate seeking relaxation in the eligibility criteria for admission to Delhi University's medical course.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Delhi/Disabled-not-at-par-with-SC/ST-in-DUs-MBBS-course-Delhi-HC/articleshow/6135681.cms

Supreme Court denies disability pension to army Major

New Delhi: The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the constitutional validity of a regulation in military service rules that ensures disability pension only to those personnel of fighting forces who are invalided due to physical ailments caused by inhospitable service conditions.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_supreme-court-denies-disability-pension-to-army-major_1407234

Disabled continue protest for jobs

CHENNAI: Technically qualified disabled people on Monday staged a protest demanding  jobs in front of the office of Commissioner of the disabled.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/disabled-continue-protest-for-jobs/189248.html

Is there barrier-free access for persons with disabilities to access this temple or to get ISO Certification???

Kapaleeswarar temple gets ISO certificate

Chennai: The Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore was on Monday awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Kapaleeswarar-temple-gets-ISO-certificate/articleshow/6132901.cms

Bhopal tragedy: Disabled stage demonstration in Kolkata

About 10,000 physically challenged people on Monday staged a demonstration near the American Consulate here to express solidarity with those who were rendered disabled after the Bhopal gas leak. http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bhopal-tragedy-Disabled-stage-demonstration-in-Kolkata/Article1-571371.aspx

Govt proposes urban employment scheme similar to NREGA

Government has proposed to launch an urban employment guarantee scheme on the lines of NREGA and give statutory sanctions to minimum wages. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/79178/govt-proposes-urban-employment-scheme.html

Bengal spoiler in polio fight

Calcutta, July 18: Just as India was making progress in checking polio, Bengal threatens to spoil the effort because of what state officials themselves admit to be “complacency”.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100719/jsp/frontpage/story_12700203.jsp

Embossed books for visually challenged children

Despite the strong emphasis on inclusive education, there are virtually no ‘pre-literacy’ story books available for visually challenged/impaired children in the Indian market. Practically, this would include all textbooks.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/83876/embossed-books-visually-challenged-children.html

Novel devices empower disabled

For Avniash Sonnad (23) joining Christ College to study Bachelors in Computer Application (BCA) is a big achievement because he gets to study in a mainstream classroom despite the fact that he suffers from cerebral palsy-dyskinetic. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/83877/novel-devices-empower-disabled.html

RTE to be tweaked to help pvt schools

NEW DELHI: Elite schools and those who have their wards studying there can rest assured. The Right to Education Act will not dilute their elite character. The government is considering a crucial amendment in the Act whereby the provision guaranteeing admission to all the applicants will be done away with.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/RTE-to-be-tweaked-to-help-pvt-schools/articleshow/6168876.cms

Disabled youth mistaken for thief, brutally killed in Mumbai

Mumbai: In a shocking case of barbaric conduct, a group of seven youths, including two minors, tortured a 25-year-old physically challenged youth for over an hour-and-a-half in Kamraj Nagar in Ghatkopar (east), suspecting him to be a thief. After finding him dead, the group threw the body in a nullah to destroy evidence.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_disabled-youth-mistaken-for-thief-brutally-killed-in-mumbai_1406850

Now, the disabled can join BPO sector

BANGALORE: This BPO training centre in Peenya Industrial Area is not the normal glitzy establishment in any tech park, which generally brims with young graduates getting accent training. It's different. This call centre training unit is for disabled people.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Now-the-disabled-can-join-BPO-sector/articleshow/6153294.cms

Tech support for the disabled

BANGALORE: The Spastic Society of Karnataka's Centre for Assistive Technology on Wednesday discussed how to make technology-based devices more easily accessible and affordable in India.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Tech-support-for-the-disabled/articleshow/6198253.cms

MphasisF1 lends an ear to the impaired

Karan’s life has undergone a sea change in the last couple of years. Coming from a poor family in Uttar Pradesh, he had shifted to Delhi in search of better opportunities in 2000.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/the-sunday-et/business/MphasisF1-lends-an-ear-to-the-impaired/articleshow/6153384.cms

Letting actions speak

Yum! Restaurants as part of its CSR initiative has six KFC stores across the country that hire people with hearing -and-speech impairment.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/letting-actions-speak/400018/

Of sound mind, but forced to live in mental hospital

Over 100 people have been leading lives as condemned prisoners since relatives are not willing to accept them. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/79064/of-sound-mind-forced-live.html

His journey from pauper to burger king

LUDHIANA: Overcoming obstacles has been a part of Ram's life ever since he realized that polio had marred his ability to walk freely. But, the young boy knew that dreams never need any crutches as long as one's will power remains strong.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Ludhiana/His-journey-from-pauper-to-burger-king/articleshow/6128355.cms

Radicals lose Round One on food bill

RADHIKA RAMASESHAN

The food rights campaigners in the council wanted a targeted public distribution system (PDS) to cover all except the affluent, providing not just cheap cereals but also other requirements of nursing mothers, children, the aged and the physically challenged

 http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100702/jsp/nation/story_12637128.jsp

NAPAD organizes parents awareness workshop 

Nagaland Parents Association for the disabled (NAPAD), Kohima unit organized a parents awareness workshop at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall at Wokha on Friday.

http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMjc5OTM%3D-1nJlZP7cD8E%3D

Rocket man Kalam cherishes his role in making disabled children walk

CHENNAI: He and his team used rocket science for designing an artificial limb weighing just 400 grams. And he cherishes it more than launching rockets. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam said it was "bliss" to see children smile after wearing the light-weight prosthesis on their legs designed by him and his team.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chennai/Rocket-man-Kalam-cherishes-his-role-in-making-disabled-children-walk/articleshow/6152879.cms

India launches new programme to fight cancer, diabetes, stroke

India Thursday launched a new programme to detect, prevent and control the spread of cancer, diabetes, heart ailments and strokes with an outlay of Rs.1,230.90 crore ($275 million) for the next two years.

http://sify.com/news/india-launches-new-programme-to-fight-cancer-diabetes-stroke-news-health-khioEdfibhe.html

The challenge of caring for a disabled child

It’s one of the hardest jobs in the world. For those looking after a disabled child, care is a gruelling 24/7 reality. Yet they don’t want sainthood, just a secure future for their child.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/The-challenge-of-caring-for-a-disabled-child/articleshow/6209094.cms

Visually impaired women craft traditional wristbands for 'Rakshabandhan'

The visually impaired women here are crafting 'Rakhi', or traditional wristbands, for the upcoming Hindu sibling festival of 'Rakshabandhan' under the banner of the National Association for the Blind (NAB).

http://sify.com/news/visually-impaired-women-craft-traditional-wristbands-for-rakshabandhan-news-national-khxqOkecihe.html

Workshop on RTI act for visually impaired  

Mysore, Mar. 2 (DM)- A one-day workshop on 'Right To Information Act for the visually handicapped' was recently organised at JSS Polytechnic for the Handicapped Persons in city.

http://www.inmysore.com/newsflash/workshop-on-rti-act-for-visually-impaired

FIAPF supports copyright access to visually impaired

NEW DELHI: Film Federation of India Secretary General Supran Sen recently said that there was need to support the important role of securing access by the visually impaired and other differently enabled persons to copyright work through practically achievable methods.

http://www.indiantelevision.com/aac/y2k10/aac373.php

'Visually impaired teachersas capable as sighted ones'

PUNE: An audio-visual presentation on Chhatrapati Shivaji by a visually impaired teacher and his team had students from two schools hooked onto the unique session at the Modern English Medium School on Monday afternoon.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Visually-impaired-teachersas-capable-as-sighted-ones/articleshow/6103724.cms

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Institutions for disabled should be closed down, says report

ALL INSTITUTIONS for people with intellectual disabilities should be closed down within the next seven years because they are in breach of residents’ basic rights.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2010/0712/1224274518367.html

Paralympian Has Impaired Sight but Strong Focus on Success

CARY, N.C. (AP) — Tucker Dupree swims straight into darkness every time he leaps into the pool. And yet, despite the disease that has robbed him of much of his sight, he could not feel any more at home than he does when he is in the water training to be a Paralympic champion.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/sports/25swim.html

Amputee loses benefit after walking

A soldier who lost a leg in Afghanistan had his disability benefit taken away despite only being able to walk a few hundred metres with the help of a prosthetic limb, it has been reported.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gT-7LKkCg_wjPjjimA3lArRFcXvQ

Author explores pregnancy, disability

Heather Kuttai had always loved music, although as a wheelchair user, she never expected to be able to dance with her son. But when Kuttai’s son Patrick was just a toddler, she got her wish.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Books/1190392.html

Britain's first MP with Cerebral Palsy encourages persons with disability to enter politics

June 28: The first elected representative to the British Parliament with

Cerebral Palsy, possibly the first in the world with that disability, has urged more persons with disability to enter politics.

http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/msg38389.html

Man groped mentally disabled women

Caregiver gets six months house arrest, name goes into national registry

http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/807249

AP Exclusive: Priests who abuse impaired targeted

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is cracking down on priests who sexually abuse mentally impaired adults, sanctioning them with the same set of punishments meted out for clerics who rape and molest children, The Associated Press has learned.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5huy30ja9Y-DzKy5mndofefJM179AD9GQTVNG0

Vatican mulls how to protect impaired adults

VATICAN CITY — As the Vatican grapples with how to sanction priests who rape children, it has also mulled how to punish priests who sexually abuse mentally impaired adults, The Associated Press has learned.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5huy30ja9Y-DzKy5mndofefJM179AD9GQE5L81

Families with disabled children 'struggle to pay bills'

Families with disabled children are struggling to pay household bills as the downturn hits their already stretched finances, a survey suggests.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8805957.stm

Blind person to drive at Daytona

A blind person will soon be driving at Daytona. No, I didn't begin my Independence Day celebrations a week ago. Please, bear with me a little. We'll get to Daytona shortly.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20009647-71.html

World's first talking TV now a reality

TVs that can talk to their owners are now a reality thanks to British high-tech company, Ocean Blue Software. Expected in UK stores by the end of the summer, the company's low cost text-to-speech technology, dubbed "Talk@TV", is being built into set top boxes from Korean company, Arion Technology, which will be branded and distributed by major retailers in the UK from August.

http://www.ethiopianreview.com/news/138337

Driving Home the Point on Accessibility

The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice on Tuesday released an open letter to colleges expressing concern that some institutions might be “using electronic book readers that are not accessible to students who are blind or have low vision” and warning them that the government will crack down on any institutions that are “requiring” disabled students to use emerging technology that does not comply with federal accessibility laws.

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/06/30/kindle

Gaza young man uses his voice to defy physical disabilities

Leaning on crutches, the physically disabled Osama Abu Safar, resident of Gaza City, went everyday to work at Fursan al-Iradah (Knights of Will) radio station.

http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7046439.html

TV comic Norman Pace reveals fears for future of disabled daughter

FUNNYMAN Norman Pace yesterday told of his fears for his disabled daughter.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/2010/07/05/tv-comic-norman-pace-reveals-fears-for-future-of-disabled-daughter-86908-22383141/

Disabled in UAE get 50 percent discount in taxis

DHABI: Disabled and elderly people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will now get an up to 50 percent discount on taxi fares

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Disabled-in-UAE-get-50-percent-discount-in-taxis/articleshow/6143492.cms

C: RESOURCES – Newsletter, Publication,Journal, Guideline,Website

Monitoring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Please find below links to download Monitoring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Guidance for human rights monitors, UN OHCHR "Professional training series".

http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Disabilities_training_17EN.pdf

http://www2.ohchr.org/SPdocs/Publications/Disabilities_training_17EN.doc

Make development inclusive

An IDDC project financed by the European Commission

make-development-inclusive.org

Global Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

The Global Network for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities is a newly formed organization which recognizes that it is within our capabilities to initiate a call to action-to challenge and change international policy, practice, and participation of disabled people in developing and building their own successful businesses.

http://entrepreneurswithdisabilities.org/

APCD Newsletter (latest)

The PDF version of APCD newsletter

http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=system/files/Newsletter_Volume_32.pdf

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

The third session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP3)

The third session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP3) to the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) will be held from 1-3 September 2010. Prior to the Conference, a Civil Society Forum will be held on 31 August 2010 from 3 to 6 p.m. The COSP3 information note currently available on the United Nations Enable website (http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1532) provides the official documentation of the meeting, including information on the provisional agenda and the elections of the members Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

1st Regional Senior Disability Equality Training (DET) Trainers’ Training - 1 – 12 November 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Deadline for application: 25 August 2010

Course Fee: Free of Charge

For application forms contact:

Ms. Terumi Shikata (shikata.terumi@gmail.com)

Tel: +60-3-2616 6025

Fax: +60-3-2691 7473 

For previous editions of e-news visit www.cbrforum.in/news.htm 

Jun 2010 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin

A: INDIA

Panel on disability law seeks time

The committee constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to draft a new Persons With Disability Act has sought more time from the ministry. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/75595/panel-disability-law-seeks-time.html

Disabled people plan hunger strike in Delhi for rights law

A group of disabled people will begin an indefinite hunger strike from Wednesday outside the Shastri Bhawan, which houses many central government ministries, to protest their poor representation on a committee drafting a new law protecting their rights. 

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Disabled-people-plan-hunger-strike-in-Delhi-for-rights-law/Article1-554911.aspx

Disability activists demand more say in drafting new Act

NEW DELHI: Disability activists held a candlelight vigil outside the residence of Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Mukul Wasnik on Saturday demanding that more disabled people be made part of the committee for drafting the new disability Act.

http://www.thehindu.com/2010/05/30/stories/2010053063360300.htm

Deaf get representation in panel on disability act 

The government has decided to include a hearing impaired person in the newly-formed committee which will draft the new disability act, activists of groups working for the disabled said Wednesday.

http://sify.com/news/deaf-get-representation-in-panel-on-disability-act-news-national-kgjvuedhcff.html

Disability and Census of 2011

While the current focus of political debate is on ‘caste and census,' there is another important aspect that deserves attention. This concerns disability

http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/23/stories/2010062353861300.htm

No temple entry for a wheelchair

New Delhi:  A trip to a temple in Karnataka is going to remain etched in the minds of this Delhi-based family but for all the wrong reasons.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/no-temple-entry-for-a-wheelchair-34112?cp

Rejected disabled CAT-taker moves court against IIMs

Mumbai: Do the IIMs adequately fill up the disability quota for students? No, thinks Rahul Girreddy, who took CAT this year and has filed a petition against the IIMs in the Bombay high court.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_rejected-disabled-cat-taker-moves-court-against-iims_1399120

Mom wins battle for disabled daughter

BANGALORE: Trained in classical and Western dance, and an aspiring model, this Oxford Dental College graduate's dreams of higher studies were almost dashed after she met with an accident that left her completely immobile. But her grit, and more so her mother's spirit, changed her life and that of many others for the better.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Bangalore/Mom-wins-battle-for-disabled-daughter/articleshow/6099880.cms

Sops for differently-abled

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Rosaiah announced benefits for the differently-abled persons in the State during a review of various activities taken up by the government for their welfare here on Friday.

http://www.thehindu.com/2010/06/05/stories/2010060564890600.htm

Topper knocks on government door for help

HYDERABAD, June 1 -- Through he has challenged his handicap and stood as 11th ranker in the IIT

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Topper+knocks+on+government+door+for+help.-a0227833322

SADAREM (Software for Assessment of Disabled for Access, Rehabilitation & Empowerment)

Andhra Pradesh Govt. use SADARAM to identify the extent of disability. Andhra Pradesh CM DR K Rosaiah agreed to provide more benefits to the disabled.

http://indiaeducationdiary.in/Shownews.asp?newsid=3065

Disabled athletes left high & dry, India may lose out on medals

NEW DELHI: Disability sports comprising 15 events in the upcoming Commonwealth Games (CWG) in New Delhi will account for 45 medals - a gold, silver and a bronze medal for each event.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/commonwealth-games/Disabled-athletes-left-high-dry-India-may-lose-out-on-medals/articleshow/6021538.cms

Govt. decried for inappropriate assistive devices

Leading a life on the wheelchair is agonising but what is more painful is the government's apathy in supplying these assistive devices without understanding the individual's need, lamented Director of Welfare of Disabled and Senior Citizens, Savithri.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/76791/govt-decried-inappropriate-assistive-devices.html

Art support

After finishing school, Ritu, a hearing-impaired student, didn’t want to go in for any theory-intensive subjects. More focused on getting a job and becoming self-reliant, she applied for a diploma programme in fine arts at the College of Art, Delhi. It’s a course that’s tailor-made for hearing-impaired students, who are taught only practical subjects along with other students.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Art-support/Article1-557934.aspx

India's disabled dance troupe

New Delhi-based Guru Salaudddin Pasha, 39, is a disabled rights activist who runs the world's first and only dance troupe, Ability Unlimited, exclusively for disabled artists with conditions ranging from polio, dyslexia, cerebral palsy and autism, as well as other mental, visual and hearing difficulties. Theatre therapy classes are taught by physically disabled teachers with the aim of nourishing student artists' minds and bodies so they can learn to participate actively in Indian society

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/aug/01/india-disability

2 schools for the disabled secure 100% pass record

Like most other students, Shrikant Mali (15) is apprehensive about leaving his school and starting junior college.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/2-schools-for-the-disabled-secure-100-pass-record/Article1-559357.aspx

'Visually impaired teachers as capable as sighted ones'

PUNE: An audio-visual presentation on Chhatrapati Shivaji by a visually impaired teacher and his team had students from two schools hooked onto the unique session at the Modern English Medium School on Monday afternoon. The session was conducted to disprove the popular notion that visually impaired teachers cannot teach effectively.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Visually-impaired-teachersas-capable-as-sighted-ones/articleshow/6103724.cms

Dispur move for disabled

Guwahati, June 15: The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority has set a June 30 deadline for hospitals, malls and commercial buildings in the city to introduce disabled-friendly facilities.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100616/jsp/northeast/story_12568516.jsp

Number of disabled, SC/ST applicants nears 19,000

The number of applicants who have applied to the Delhi University (DU) this year, in the physically challenged and SC/ST categories, has risen in the last few years.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Number-of-disabled-SC-ST-applicants-nears-19-000/Article1-558811.aspx

Disabled candidates write to DU for change of college

Expressing unhappiness with their designated colleges, many students who applied to Delhi University through the quota for the Physically Handicapped (PH), turned to the Dean of Students’ Welfare Office on Monday demanding a different college.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Disabled-candidates-write-to-DU-for-change-of-college/639704/

Prominent Schools at Kolkata contribute towards disabled kids

Kolkata, West Bengal, June 8, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- How willing are city schools to admit children with disabilities? Are the schools equipped to provide children with disabilities the atmosphere to learn and grow? Do they encourage inter-mingling between children with disabilities and other students?

http://www.webnewswire.com/node/542177

No money for fee: DU to help blind students

NEW DELHI: The 21 visually impaired students who couldn't get admission on June 24 to different colleges of Delhi University since they failed to pay the fees have found a saviour in the Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) of the university.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Delhi/No-money-for-fee-DU-to-help-blind-students/articleshow/6096020.cms

Visually impaired get 10 years RI for raping blind girl

New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI) A Delhi court has sentenced a visually-impaired man to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for raping a blind student at a hostel run by him here two years ago.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/715308_Visually-impaired-get-10-years-RI-for-raping-blind-girl

Cops parade deranged man as Maoist

The "dreaded" Maoist captured by joint forces on Wednesday only one apparently caught alive at the encounter site where eight rebels lay dead is a 20-yr-old mute and mentally challenged youth.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Cops-parade-deranged-man-as-Maoist/articleshow/6060704.cms

Indian laws need to be amended: former judge

PUNE: Terming the UN enabled Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as 'ultimate protector' of human rights of mentally-challenged population, former chief justice of Delhi and Madras High Court A P Shah Monday exhorted the need for amendments in concerned existing Indian laws to make them fall in line with the international human rights charter.

http://www.sakaaltimes.com/SakaalTimesBeta/20100525/5050112594427526775.htm

Bhopal gas disaster: Centre to file new petition

NEW DELHI: The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Bhopal gas disaster on Monday decided that Centre would file a new petition in the case.

The GoM recommended enhanced compensation to the families of those dead in the gas leak and to those debilitated permanently or partially.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Bhopal-gas-disaster-Centre-to-file-new-petition/articleshow/6074491.cms

Scots provide life skills to children with disabilities in Bangalore

A walk into APD centre would see bustling activity of Scottish children and Teachers bubbling with enthusiasm. Their visit is part of the ongoing Global Citizenship Partnership programme between the APD and Scottish schools.

http://www.mybangalore.com/article/0610/scots-provide-life-skills-to-children-with-disabilities-in-bangalore.html

Disabled youth booked for setting girl on fire

An youth allegedly set a girl afire after he was assaulted by her relatives in Jethwara area of Pratapgarh on Monday. The girl succumbed to the burns later in the evening at the district hospital.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Disabled-youth-booked-for-setting-girl-on-fire/639743/

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UN: Include Disabilities in Development Agenda

Address Disability in Plans for Women’s Equality, Empowerment

(New York, June 28, 2010) – This week’s high-level ministerial meeting about gender equality in international development assistance should promote the rights and needs of women with disabilities, Human Rights Watch said today.  Specifically, governments should address the marginalization of women with disabilities in the declaration to be adopted on July 1, 2010.

http://www.hrw.org/en/disability-rights  

Spain first country to submit its initial report to the CRPD Committee

In May 2010 Spain submitted its initial report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the CRPD Committee). To read in Spanish only follow links at http://www.feafes.com/FEAFES/DocumentosElectronicos/Capitulo2/Informe+cumplimiento+Convenci%C3%B3n+Internacional.htm

He has cerebral palsy, and could be the next Oprah

Internet superstar leads voting to host Oprah’s new talk show

A laugh-out-loud funny guy in a wheelchair just might be the next Oprah, if he and his legions of supporters get their way. He also hopes to change a few minds about people with disabilities along the way.

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/824537--hehas-cerebral-palsy-and-could-be-the-next-oprah

No easy pickings - UK

George Osborne, the chancellor of the exchequer, is on the hunt for fat to trim. As the Institute for Fiscal Studies said, last week’s tough Budget implies that some departments might have their budgets cut by one third. As he noted this weekend, the £14bn disability benefit bill is a tempting target.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b62b6e5e-82e8-11df-8b15-00144feabdc0.html

Berlusconi Targets ‘Blind’ Who See as Budget Cuts Tackle Fraud

June 30 (Bloomberg) -- Maria, a 55 year-old unemployed woman from Naples, crosses herself when asked about former Councilman Salvatore Alaio. “The man is a saint,” she said. Alaio helped her get a disability pension for blindness, even though she can see

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-29/berlusconi-targets-blind-who-see-as-budget-cuts-tackle-fraud.html

Apple accused of 'discrimination' over iPhone 4

Apple has been accused of ''discrimination'' over the design of their iPhone 4 – amid claims that left handers find it more difficult to use.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7855205/Apple-accused-of-discrimination-over-iPhone-4.html

God helps woman turn around a life of drugs, disability and abuse

MASSILLON, Ohio — Dovie Smith was 14 when she smoked her first marijuana joint. It was the first in a series of choices that sent her life spiraling out of control.

http://www.galesburg.com/lifestyles/religion/x1609338924/God-helps-woman-turn-around-a-life-of-drugs-disability-and-abuse

Canada’s First Virtual Ability Expo

Ability Expo 2010 focuses on breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities by offering innovative ways to reach vendors and providers of products and services.  Canada’s Virtual Ability Expo will be held 21-22 October 2010 and is of interest to persons with disabilities, employers, or product suppliers. For more information go to http://www.abilityexpo.ca/

Largest festival of disabled artists opens in DC

WASHINGTON — Jesse Higman's paintbrush isn't a brush at all. With limited mobility in his hands because of a car crash 27 years ago, this Seattle-based artist created a method all his own.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gcxYqTYr0-yS9LgLsTtqNTovozhgD9G7ASUG4

New online comic treats disabilities realistically

When Jeff Preston and his spouse and creative partner Clara Madrenas decided to launch an online comic about disabled teenagers in London, they didn’t realize the wide reach of their work.

http://www.lfpress.com/entertainment/stage/2010/06/16/14415076.html

Boy without arms puts his best foot forward

Ever imagined what life would be like with a missing body part? And imagine not having both your hands. Here is a little boy who manages to do a whole lot of things even without hands.

http://news.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=3997952

C: RESOURCES – Newsletter, Publication,Journal, Guideline,Website

CBR India Network

The purpose of this network is to promote CBR as a strategy for inclusive development fostering equality, well-being and dignity of people with disabilities and their families.

http://sites.google.com/site/cbrindianetwork/

Human Rights Watch reporting on women with disabilities

Please visit: http://www.hrw.org/en/disability-rights

Mental Health Abuses in Indonesia

In Indonesia, persons with mental illness are trapped in restraints or locked in isolation rooms. Many lie in their own feces because they are unable to walk due to muscular atrophy.  

To read more go to http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=89333

Family of Disabled -Newsletter

(FOD) has completed 17 years of its services to the disabled fraternity, a strong need was being felt by our well-wishers as well as at FOD to keep in touch with each other and also inform the latest at FOD. Hence, the newsletter of FOD- FODder was introduced earlier this year for the purpose. Please go to the following link to see the latest edition of the FODder (Jan-April 2010)

http://familyofdisabled.org/newsletters/jan-april.pdf

Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Submission from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA), to the Australian Government Consultation Paper: Family Violence – Improving Legal Frameworks

http://www.alrc.gov.au/inquiries/current/family-violence/publications.html

Tenth issue of the Disability and Rehabilitation Newsletter

The tenth issue of the WHO newsletter dedicated to disability and rehabilitation which is also available through the DAR Website http://www.who.int/disabilities/en/

Network of Persons with disAblities Organizations (NPdO), Andhra Pradesh

NPDo has informally launched its website www.npdo.org

Project CHILD Releases Findings*

The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD) would like to announce the completion of “Project CHILD Voices from around the World Special Report.” Report available at http://fsd.org.qa/doha/home/projectchild.asp

Forced Migration Review on Disability and Displacement

Forced Migration Review on Disability and Displacement is available free to view or download on line. http://www.fmreview.org/disability/

June 2010 Vol-5, No-6 Newsletter of Design For All Institute of India

http://www.designforall.in/newsletter_june2010.pdf

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

Schemes for scholarships for minority students

Web site: www.minority.gov.in

Schemes: http://minorityaffairs.gov.in/newsite/schemes/schemes.asp

'The NCPEDP-MphasiS Universal Design Awards'

NCPEDP in association with AccessAbility and BarrierBreak Technologies and supported by MphasiS has instituted the first ever 'The NCPEDP-MphasiS Universal Design Awards' to encourage those doing exemplary work towards the cause of accessibility and thus ensuring a life of equality and dignity for disabled people. The last date for nominations is July 15th, 2010. For further details contact Ms. Dorodi Sharma, dorodi_sharma@ncpedp.org

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) global database

The CBR global database will facilitate greater exchange of knowledge and information among the CBR community.

http://www.who.int/disabilities/cbr/global_database/en/index.html

Stakeholder Consultation on UNGASS Prevention Indicators - Have your say!

The first of the broad consultations on the Global UNGASS prevention indicators, which are monitoring the HIV response at country level. This is a great opportunity to try to get some disability indicators included. 

For more write to - UNGASS Prevention Indicator Consultation Team,

thaytayan@aidsalliance.org  

Actuate launches software for visually impaired

Business software maker Actuate Corp. said Monday that it has launched a product to enable visually impaired people to access online documents.

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9GKAMIO0.htm

Call for Nominations

Nominations are now being sought for the Jodi Awards 2010. The Jodi Awards are presented to the best use of digital technology to widen access to information, collections, learning and creativity for persons with disabilities. Museums, galleries, libraries, archives, heritage sites and disability organizations from around the world are eligible to apply. Deadline for submissions is 9 August 2010. For information go to http://www.jodiawards.org.uk/

Survey about news and entertainment media

A partner of Disability Rights Promotion International has created a survey about news and entertainment media. They would like disability advocates to give their opinions about this important issue. It is hoped that people with disabilities in general and those from disability organizations will take the survey.

Here is the survey link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CQ8BLFG

For previous editions of e-news visit www.cbrforum.in/news.htm 

May 2010 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin

A: INDIA

Constitution of a Committee to draft a new legislation to replace the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. ("PwD Act").

For details click on http://socialjustice.nic.in/ccdraftpwd.php

Panel set up to draft new disability law

CHENNAI: Paying heed to the demands of disability rights’ groups, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Wednesday decided to scrap the idea of amending the Persons With Disabilities Act of 1995 and create a new law altogether. The first draft of the new law is expected to be out by August 31.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/panel-set-up-to-draft-new-disability-law/171089.html

A new law that hears only select voices

The mentally ill are one of the country’s most disadvantaged groups. There’s little support for them, institutional or otherwise, and things look like going further downhill if the process of amending the Mental Health Act of 1987 is any indication.

http://expressbuzz.com/magazine/a-new-law-that-hears-only-select-voices/171356.html

Consider him disabled: HC to Centre

In a crucial judgment that may have a serious impact on the society, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the Ministry of Human Resources and Development to consider a dyslexic student, Pranay Jain, in the category of physically disabled during the counselling of AIEEE and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), 2010, examination.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Consider-him-disabled--HC-to-Centre/623799

Near-blind girl scores 91.5 pc in Class XII exam

Mumbai, May 27, Agencies

With a mere two per cent vision in both her eyes, Aditi Shah did not let her impairment come in her way. She has come out with flying colours in Maharashtra’s Class XII (Commerce) exams by scoring 91.5 per cent. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/71972/near-blind-girl-scores-915.html

State must be sensitive to rights of disabled

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday asked the state government to be sensitive to the rights of the disabled. Hearing a public interest litigation on the issue of reservation for disabled persons for government jobs,a division bench of Justices J N Patel and S C Dharmadhikari said they were not satisfied with an affidavit filed by the state.

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/getpage.aspx?articles=yes&pageid=12&max=true&articleid=Ar01201&sectid=6edid=&edlabel=TOIM&mydateHid=30-04-2010&pubname=Times+of+India+-+Mumbai+-+Times+City&title=%E2%80%98State+must+be+sensitive+to+rights+of+disabled%E2%80%99&edname=&publabel=TOI

C.B.S.E. to offer mathematics and science exams in Braille

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: This time around blind and visually impaired students of the tenth standard need not worry about a scribe to write their board examinations, at least for mathematics and science! They can now take these two examinations independently in Braille format.

http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=6&volume_id=7&news_id=1067&i=8

Visually impaired students can aspire to become doctors – Supreme Court

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: Nitin Mantri, a visually impaired student from Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh is now in a position to fulfill his parents’ dream of becoming a doctor. But up until a while ago, the dream had hit a roadblock. An order issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court had debarred him from studying medicine on account of his disability. However, a two judge bench of the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court order.

http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=6&volume_id=7&news_id=1069&i=4

Specially-abled protest Railways' decision, observe hunger strike in Chennai

Chennai, May 5 (ANI): Specially-abled persons in Tamil Nadu staged a demonstration on Wednesday to protest the decision of Indian Railways making the disabled-friendly coaches open for general public.

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/05/05/speciallyabled-protest-railways-decision-observehu.html

Jobs for Persons with Disabilities in rural areas under NREGA

As per Govt. order in Andhra Pradesh – In 22 districts persons with disabilities have been organized into Fixed Labour Groups – through which persons with disabilities will get Job cards under NREGA, 150 days of employment that would amount to not less then 15000/- per annum; 30% less work with Equal pay, with barrier free work; the work will be selected by the disabled people’s groups within the village. For details email Mr. Srinivasulu, President, NPdO, npdoap@gmail.com

Enabling the disabled

All eyes are on the 2011 Census which will provide crutical statistics on the number of disabled in India.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/enabling-the-disabled/612279/0

Disabled sportspersons protest outside Sports Ministry

New Delhi, May 12 (PTI) Disabled sportspersons today staged a protest outside the Sports Ministry here alleging corruption in the management of disability sport.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/650135_Disabled-sportspersons-protest-outside-Sports-Ministry

Hard times for disabled Indian athletes

It's not just the national sports federations who've had the same bosses for decades. The Paralympics Committee of India, which is the federation for differently-abled athletes is no different. And the allegation against the federation is mismanagement of funds, ahead of preparations for the Commonwealth Games.

http://www.ndtv.com/news/sports/hard-times-for-disabled-indian-athletes-25285.php

‘Disabled athletes won’t participate in some CWG events’

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Owing to lack of facilities, disabled Indian sportspersons will not be able to take part in a few of the 15 disability sporting events in the Commonwealth Games, an NGO said Tuesday.

Among the 15 disability sporting events are athletics, swimming and table tennis.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/disabled-athletes-wont-participate-in-some-cwg-events_100361926.html

Govt buildings set to go green and disabled-friendly

The public works department (PWD) has prescribed a new set of building construction norms for its engineers to follow in the entire state. The directions, which were issued a few days back have made it mandatory for the buildings to be environment and disabled friendly.

http://www.todaynews.in/city/jaipur/govt-buildings-set-to-go-green-and-disabled-friendly-72551.html

New teaching methods for special students

HYDERABAD: The school education department has finally woken up to the learning disability woes of students. With the Right to Education (RTE) Act opening up gates of private schools to students from poor economic and social backgrounds, the department has decided to offer 'special education' to children with learning disabilities.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/New-teaching-methods-for-special-students/articleshow/5908648.cms

Visually challenged perform better

The pass percentage among the visually impaired and candidates with learning disability in the SSLC examinations of April 2010 turned out to be higher than the overall pass percentage. 

While 75.31 percent of the total visually impaired candidates passed, 67.33 percent of candidates with learning disability passed.

Out of a total of 243 visually impaired candidates, 183 passed and out of 251 candidates with learning disabilities, a 169 passed. The pass percentages in categories such as the deaf and dumb, hearing impaired and physically challenged were 40.70 percent, 38.40 percent and 51.01 percent respectively.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/67778/visually-challenged-perform-better.html

Belgaum school for blind scores 100 per cent for the 23rd year running

It’s performance personified for students of the Maheshwari School for the Blind School of the City. The school has been registering cent percent result in SSLC examinations for the past 23 years, consecutively. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/67988/this-school-leads-kindly-light.html

Parents to insure themselves to ensure lifelong care for their children

lenge of examinations this summer, Basayya Math had to face a second challenge to surmount - poverty. He managed with distinction. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/68182/he-overcame-twin-challenges.html

Handicap no barrier

http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=6&volume_id=7&news_id=1065&i=6herald.com/content/68189/handicap-no-barrier.html" http://www.deccanherald.com/content/68189/handicap-no-barrier.html

Parents to insure themselves to ensure lifelong care for their children

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: Parents of children with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or multiple disabilities can now get themselves insured under a special insurance scheme. The scheme will ensure that when they are no longer there, the state will use the insurance money to give lifelong care to their child.

http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=6&volume_id=7&news_id=1065&i=6

What Women Want: The ability debates

Change in attitude

National Trust's programmes work on building capacity, changing patronising attitudes, building trust in the abilities of people with developmental disability and creating an equal playing field. Unfortunately, deeply entrenched attitudes continue to exclude people with disabilities. Even if an opportunity is given, it is given only once; if a person with disability fails, incapacity is assumed.

http://beta.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article420517.ece

Open your eyes

People with disabilities need different kinds of books such as audio books, reading material with large font sizes, or electronic text. Even among the blind, not everyone can read Braille. In any case, only around 0.5 per cent of all published books in India get converted into Braille.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100505/jsp/opinion/story_12413472.jsp

Aspiring model gets over Rs 23 lakh for disability

New Delhi: A Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) has awarded a compensation of over Rs 23 lakh to an aspiring model who became permanently disabled after sustaining injuries in a road accident five years ago.

http://www.zeenews.com/news624762.html

Ragging caused loss of vision, alleges student

A student studying in second year of Electronics and Communication in a Tamil Nadu-based Engineering College has alleged he was ragged and assaulted by senior students, resulting in injury to his right eye and loss of vision.

http://www.ndtv.com/news/cities/ragging-caused-loss-of-vision-alleges-student-23731.php

National Chess Championship organized for visually impaired in Gujarat

Surat (Gujarat), May 11 (ANI): The Forum for Development of Visually Impaired and Rotary Club organised a national chess championship for the visually challenged in Gujarat's Surat city.

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/05/11/nationalchess-championship-organized-for-visuallyimpaired.html

'Swayambar' for hearing impaired

New Delhi, May 3 (IBNS) Leading matrimonial service Shaadi.com has partnered with the Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women (DFDW) to extend support for the ‘XVIII Pranay Milan Sammelan 2010’, a matrimonial alliance common ground for hearing impaired women.

http://www.indiablooms.com/LifestyleDetailsPage/lifestyleDetails030510a.php

CANE AND ABLE

You are being SERVED

A deaf waiter,a blind PR exec... from eateries to offices,the private sector is employing the differently abled

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=8&edlabel=TOIM&mydateHid=23-05-2010&pubname=&edname=&articleid=Ar00800&format=&publabel=TOI

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Songwriter wins fight to regain control of life

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Nashville songwriter won a 2 1/2 year legal battle Monday to regain control of his life and make all medical, legal and financial decisions for himself, in a case that drew wide attention to problems that can arise when a disabled person is put in the care of a guardian.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gBgqb1KS9G3z6wIL_MIDLS9ojipQD9FTG1Q82

Disabled child can't stay in Canada: court

A French family denied permanent residence in Canada because their child is disabled could apply to stay in the country on humanitarian grounds, but that's still no guarantee they'll be accepted, says a spokesman for Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/05/18/mtl-disabled-child-court-ruling.html#socialcomments#ixzz0ounqaW7s

iPhone lets disabled girl 'talk' at last

A dad was overjoyed when his iPhone helped him talk with his severely disabled daughter for the first time.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/05/11/iphone-lets-disabled-girl-talk-at-last-115875-22249793/

No jail for woman who abandoned disabled girl

A woman who admitted leaving a disabled six-year-old girl outside overnight in freezing temperatures has been told she will not face a prison sentence.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8678294.stm

Freedom Pass taken off woman with learning disabilities

A woman with learning disabilities has been stripped of her free travel pass after a west London council said that her IQ was too high for her to qualify.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8683647.stm

Patients in '15-year move' wait

Some learning disability patients in long-stay disability hospitals have been waiting up to 15 years to be resettled, a new report has said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8678246.stm

Census worker charged with rape of disabled woman

Daniel Miller started working for the U.S. Census two weeks ago. The 39-year-old married man with two daughters has been charged with the rape of a 21-year-old physically handicapped woman.

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/291904

Disability photo exhibition

Disabled Peoples' International-Asia Pacific, under the sponsorship of the Institute of Health for People with Disability, will stage a photo exhibition by activist Aphiluck Puangkaew who has captured the lives of 25 women with physical and mental disabilities.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/entertainment/music/37190/disability-photo-exhibition

Amputee beats disability to fight

A DETERMINED amputee is celebrating after kicking ass in a martial arts competition — despite having only ONE LEG.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2968441/Amputee-beats-disability-to-fight.html#ixzz0niDR0L29

Inspite of Disability, Teen Becomes Professional Photographer

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla -- A 17-year-old is proving you don't need great eyesight to have vision. Joshua Phillips has always been captivated by cameras and the moments they capture.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=156590&catid=3

Girl with No Hands gets Pilot License

http://photopeach.com/album/97yxk2?ref=more

Poet with disability finds voice through prose

When the words came, they revealed the voice of a poet.

It's been that way for 20-year-old Terrence Ealoms since he was 15, looking for a way to slip free from years of adversity.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/poet_with_disability_describes_highs_and_lows_94888644.html

C: RESOURCES – Newsletter, Publication,Journal, Guideline,Website

Ability Matrimony

Ability Matrimony is an exclusive matrimony site for singles with special needs or those wanting to marry someone with special needs

http://www.abilitymatrimony.com/

Copyright Act, 1957, Amendments for the Print Disabled - Concerns and Solutions

For any further information please feel free to write into - Nationalaccessalliance@gmail.com

Status of access to knowledge and cultural materials in accessible formats for persons with disabilities in India

http://www.cis-india.org/advocacy/accessibility/right-to-read-europe-parliament

Accessibility Blog

http://www.cis-india.org/advocacy/accessibility/blog

Banking Sector and Disability

Disability Rights Alliance Tamil Nadu is pleased to present to India's PwD it's second focus blog...after railways,,,it's now banking resources. It has user experiences, RBI circulars, CCOD notification, Court orders, Pincha's citizen journalist video on his experience, guidelines etc.

It can be accessed at http://draindiamoney.blogspot.com/

Blog dedicated to discuss and give a new meaning and directions to the new law

A very warm welcome to this blog which is solely dedicated to discuss and give a new meaning and directions to the new law which shall replace the Act which is called the Persons With Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.

http://www.sahaayit.com/blog/blog.htm

Facts Sheets on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Source: DPI e-update -  5 May 2010

The European Network on Independent Living, with whom DPI Europe has a very close relationship, has released a number of fact-sheets on different Articles within the CRPD. They can be found by following links at http://www.enil.eu/enil/index.php?option=com_mamblog&Itemid=113&task=show&action=view&id=450&Itemid=113

Report on Torture of Children with Disabilities

Source: DPI e-update - 13 May 2010

Mental Disability Rights International (MDRI) released this past week a report on the torture of children with disabilities at the Judge Rotenberg Center in the United States. To read Report in PDF only, go to http://www.mdri.org/PDFs/USReportandUrgentAppeal.pdf

Emancipatory research

Greetings from AIFO/Bologna. a report on a research project dealing with impact of community-based rehabilitation in a district in India. More information is available at the following link:

http://www.aifo.it/english/proj/research/sparkcbr/index.htm

Update on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Source:  DPI e-update - 21 May 2010

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recently published on its website on disability a document titled "Monitoring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Guidance for Human Rights Monitors”. To read document in English, go to http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Disabilities_training_17EN.pdf

Manifesto on Inclusive Education

Source:  DPI e-update - 21 May 2010

Allfie (Alliance for Inclusive Education), based in the UK, has developed a Manifesto on Inclusive Education which is available to stimulate discussion and debate. To read in full in English, go to http://www.allfie.org.uk/docs/ALLFIE%20Manifesto.pdf

AIFO Bangalore

Click here for Amici news April 2010

http://www.aifoindia.org/news/2010/april.pdf

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

AusAID Human Rights Grants

The Australian Government’s 2010-11 Human Rights Grants Scheme (HRGS) is now open to receive Expressions of Interest for funding to conduct human rights activities in developing countries. 

The HRGS targets non-government organizations and human rights institutions in Asia, the Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information, go to http://www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/humanrights_scheme.cfm

THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT INVITES SUGGESTIONS ON THE COPYRIGHT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2010.

http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/press_release/press/Committee%20on%20HRD/Press_release_of_copyright_amendment_bill__10.pdf

Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Training for Deaf and Hard of Hearing   Individuals

Venue and Dates: Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue NE,                       Washington, DC 20002, USA, June 27 – July 3, 2010

Participation Cost: $890.00 for program fee, room and board

For registration, please visit www.regonline.com/grassroots_advocacy

For inquiries, please contact Leah Maxson at leah.maxson@gallaudet.edu

Adaptive Driving Training for SCIs

Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi has started adaptive driving training for SCIs. We have a fully automatic vehicle especially designed for training purpose only. Anyone who is interested to be a part of this training program please enrolled yourself at Assistive Technology Department, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi.

Phone: 91-11-4225 5377 (Direct), Ext. 377 or 8278 (mobile code) or email to Mr. Nekram Upadhyay: assistivetech@isiconline.org 

Upcoming Activities in the Asia Pacific Region

To celebrate the new decade of persons with disabilities, Disabled Peoples' International Asia-Pacific (DPI/AP) is organizing regional events 18-22 June 2010. Participants welcome. For information, go to http://www.dpiap.org/

1st Regional Senior Disability Equality Training (DET) Trainers’ Training - 25 October - 6 November 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Organized by: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Department of Social Welfare, Ministry of Women Family and Community Development, Malaysia

Deadline for application: 15 August 2010

Course Fee: Free of Charge

For details contacr: Ms. Terumi Shikata (shikata.terumi@gmail.com)

Tel: +60-3-2616 6025     Fax: +60-3-2691 7473 

Mainstreaming Disability Equality: An ITC-ILO On-line Course

We are very pleased to inform you that the International Training Centre of the ILO is launching for the second year an on-line learning course on "Mainstreaming Disability Equality".

The course is hosted by the virtual "Gender and non-Discrimination Campus" at: http://gender.itcilo.org

Training course to Voluntary Organizations on “Development documentation” at Bala Vikasa People Development Training Centre, Warangal, A.P from 10th - 12th June, 2010.

For details contact balavikasapdtc@gmail.com

Management Courses for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

The list of courses available are as below -

Entrepreneurship Development Training Programme (EDTP),                

Hospitality Management Training Programme (HMTP),

Art and Craft Skills Development Training Programme (ACTP) and

Office Attendant Training Programme (OATP)

For details contact - alok_bhuwan@hotmail.com  

Manovikas, A-267, Surajmal Vihar, Delhi- 110092, Tel: 22377771, 22376486, 65422367, Fax: 22376486

For previous editions of e-news visit www.cbrforum.in/news.htm 

Networking, Advocacy and Lobbying – in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and enhance the potential to exercise these rights.

Compiled by:

C. Mahesh, Advocacy Coordinator

advocacy.cbrforum@gmail.com

A: INDIA

New law coming

The delegation also met the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik, who said the government was finalising a new law for the disabled that would replace the existing one.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/21/stories/2010042161811300.htm

Disabled people to march to parliament Tuesday

Led by communist leader Brinda Karat, disabled people from across the country would march to Parliament House…

http://www.littleabout.com/news/93295,disabled-people-march-parliament-tuesday.html

Mamata blamed for disabled persons missing appointment with PM

Kolkata: A delegation of disabled persons from West Bengal missed an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi because the special train sought from Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee reached 10 hours late.

http://www.zeenews.com/news621035.html

People with disabilities demand separate ministry in India 

New Delhi, April 20: Braving the scorching heat Tuesday, thousands of disabled people protested the government’s failure to provide them with social security and free healthcare and demanded a separate ministry to look after their needs.

http://www.disabilitynewsasia.com/home-mainmenu-1/262-people-with-disabilities-demand-separate-ministry-in-india.html

Schemes for Persons with Disabilities under 11^th Five Year Plan

The details of important Schemes for the persons with disabilities (PWDs) announced in the Eleventh Five Year Plan are given below:

(i) A Scheme of INCENTIVE TO EMPLOYERS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT TO THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(ii) A new Scheme of Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) has been introduced from the year 2009-10, in place of the IEDC Scheme, which will cover disabled children from 14-18 years of age group.

(iii) Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) has been launched under National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) from February 2009 during 11th Plan. 

(iv) Setting up of Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, two new Composite Regional Centres (CRCs), and fifty new District Disability Rehabilitation Centres in 2010-11 has also been announced

For details click on - http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=60734

Misuse of scholarship for disabled people: study

The majority of disabled persons who receive scholarships do not get to enjoy the same, a study has found.

http://banagloredeaf.blogspot.com/2010/04/misuse-of-scholarship-for-disabled.html

SC says Disability Act not binding on private firms

The Supreme Court on Wednesday held that a law enacted in 1995, to prevent exploitation of the disabled by their employers, could not be enforced on the private sector.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/90748/India/SC+says+Disability+Act+not+binding+on+private+firms.html

'Make monuments disabled-friendly'

NEW DELHI: In an effort to tap the estimated 46.58 million people with reduced mobility who are economically well-placed to travel, the tourism ministry plans to push the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to ensure that all monuments are disabled friendly.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Make-monuments-disabled-friendly/articleshow/5866035.cms

An exclusive wing, finally

March 21: Setting a precedent for the rest of the country, chief minister M. Karunanidhi has taken a proactive step to bring into the mainstream the 22 lakh differently-abled in the state by setting up a separate department for their welfare.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/exclusive-wing-finally-007

More disabled-friendly footpaths coming up

Chennai: When the footpath near the Ripon Building was refurbished, yellow tiles with grooves to aid visually challenged were affixed. As part of the Chennai Corporation initiative to make pavements disabled friendly, similar tiles are being fixed on footpaths outside the new Secretariat complex.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article408140.ece

Mukul Wasnik to Inaugurate ‘Sambhav’ The National Resource Center on Disability

The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Mukul Wasnik will inaugurate ‘Sambhav’ the National Resource Centre on Disability here tomorrow. This Center will demonstrate assistive devices and technology for the persons with disabilities (PWDs). The Center is being set up by the National Trust (a statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) in partnership with its State Nodal Agency - Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI) and Sarthak.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=60700

Enabling the disabled

With sensitised education for the disabled high on Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal’s agenda, all eyes are on the 2011 Census which will provide crucial statistics on the number of disabled Indians and what disability they suffer from. But a raging dispute has broken out within the disability sector about the exact question in the Census questionnaire and Census Commissioner Dr C Chandramouli is being lobbied by different groups.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/enabling-the-disabled/612279/1

The Indian census and disability

The upcoming Census of India 2011, the largest administrative exercise in the whole world, will be the fifteenth since 1872 and the seventh after Independence.

http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMjM5ODU%3D-YWllwhXC00M%3D

Disability rights activists oppose copyright regime

The proposed amendments to the Copyright Act (1957), slated to be tabled in the second phase of the budget session of Parliament that begins on Thursday, has disability rights activists up in arms.

The copyright exception, which aims at allowing persons with disability easy access to copyrighted material, is “restrictive and discriminatory,” disability rights organisations believe.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article397573.ece

Amendment of Copyright Act may affect print-disabled 

Times of India - Shalini Umachandran - ‎7 hours ago‎

The term print-disabled covers the blind, people with low vision, autism, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, who cannot read with ease

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Amendment-of-Copyright-Act-may-affect-print-disabled/articleshow/5842064.cms

The Supreme Court refuses to intervene and allow a dyslexic boy to use a calculator in his Class XII CBSE examination.

The Bench, which was disposing of a special leave petition (SLP) on March 21, referred to a Constitution Bench the question of determining guidelines for admitting SLPs.

http://www.flonnet.com/stories/20100423270809400.htm

Dyslexic student gets extra hour but under a camera’s stern gaze

On Saturday, the High Court had directed the CBSE to give the boy an extra hour to write AIEEE. Defeating the purpose of de-stressing a disabled child in the examination hall, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) ended up making the situation more stressful for a dyslexic student on Sunday.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dyslexic-student-gets-extra-hour-but-under-a-cameras-stern-gaze/611338/

The Indian government will soon unveil a policy that would make electronic products available for the differently abled.

http://www.efytimes.com/e1/43162/fullnews.htm

Disabled persons to be at par in education with ables - Ex Chief Justice

http://www.indiaedunews.net/Delhi/Disabled_persons_to_be_at_par_in_education_with_ables_-_Ex_Chief_Justice_11078/

Inhuman act

Dad, stepmom confine girl to shack for 5 yrs, Sriranagpatna, April 2, DH News Service:

In a heart rending incident of utter cruelty by her father and step-mother, a young woman has been condemned to live like an animal in a shack for the last five years in Alagud village. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/61791/dad-stepmom-confine-girl-shack.html

NGO to rehabilitate Bhagya

Srirangapatna,Apr 3,dhns:

Following a report that appeared in Deccan Herald about the plight of Bhagya, a mentally challenged girl who was confined to an had been living like animal for the past few years, a Bangalore-based NGO has come forward to provide her with shelter as well as give her free treatment. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/61964/ngo-rehabilitate-bhagya.html

Old, disabled to get pension from April 1

The Punjab government has decided, in principle, to disburse pension to the old, widow, destitute women and disabled persons regularly from April 1.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Old--disabled-to-get-pension-from-April-1/597358

Silent graduation from a 'special' to 'normal' life

Mumbai: As Yoshita Umrigar walked to the stage dressed in a purple convocation robe and cap, her mother silently rejoiced. So did the parents of six other children who participated in a unique graduation ceremony at the Centre for Child Development, Haji Ali, on Friday evening.

Seven children, all below the age of six, suffering from hearing disability graduated on Friday from I Hear Foundation’s Naad project. As part of the project, the children were taught listening and learning skills and they will finally join regular schools.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_silent-graduation-from-a-special-to-normal-life_1374953   

Self-help group for people with mental disabilities to be set up

Chennai, Lauding the works of SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation), Mr. Subramanian suggested that a camp be conducted for people with mental disabilities who were not included in the State government's disability list. Responding to an appeal from the SCARF director R. Thara, he assured that a self-help group for people with mental disabilities will be set up in the city.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article395669.ece

Giving direction to the future of deafblind

“Identifying people who are deafblind and those with multi-sensory impairment is a big challenge in India. They are a minority within a minority and parents practically do not know how to identify, while most NGOs work with one disability,” says Brahada Shanker, Regional Coordinator (South), who was in the city to participate in a workshop organised by the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article402280.ece?homepage=true

An able worker on a quest

Despite a disability, he opted for a profession that requires intricate working with hands

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article414255.ece

Children With Hemophilia Need Special Care and Support

Hemophilia is an inherited, incurable bleeding disorder that can deal a crippling blow to the person with hemophilia (PWH) if repeated spontaneous bleeds are not treated promptly. The condition caused by the absence or deficiency of clotting factors in the blood can be temporarily treated by infusing Anti Hemophilic Factor (AHF) injections.

http://www.medindia.net/news/interviews/children-with-hemophilia-need-special-care-and-support-ngo-speaks-67792-1.htm

Politicians come under fire

MANGALORE APRIL 27: A.C. Rai, president of the All India Banks' Physically Handicapped Employees' Welfare Federation, took exception to what he termed failure of Ministers to attend the inauguration of the south India conference of the people with disabilities here on Sunday.

http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=178134

Film fest on disability showcased in Delhi

NEW DELHI - A range of inspiring films on various forms of disability and how people battled them to lead a fulfilling life were showcased at a two-day festival that ended in the capital Friday.

http://blog.taragana.com/law/2010/03/26/film-fest-on-disability-showcased-in-delhi-21034/

Veer DVD to have audio description in Hindi for the blind

MUMBAI: The DVD of Eros International’s Veer will have audio description in Hindi for the blind, making it the first movie in India to have an audio-description (AD) track in Hindi on its DVD.

http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=16013

Australian Audiology Company Launches Operations in India

NHC is launching their operations in India through their subsidiary NHC Hearing Care (India). NHC will be opening its first three clinics in Delhi/NCR this month with a target of opening eight clinics in New Delhi by June 2010.

http://www.expresshealthcare.in/201004/market16.shtml

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Third Conference of States Parties to the Convention

The third Conference of States Parties to the Convention (CoSP) will be held 1-3 September 2010 at the United Nations, New York, USA. This session under the theme “Implementing the Convention through Advancing Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities” will focus on the election of members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and include substantive roundtable discussions and an interactive informal session with civil society. More updates will be available soon at http://www.un.org/disabilities/

Education initiative failing blind students

THE federal government's so-called education revolution has failed to cater for the special needs of children with disabilities, a NSW legal centre claims.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/education-initiative-failing-blind-students/story-e6frgczf-1225852472078

Transit makes world larger for people with disabilities

When I was 16 years old and all my friends were learning how to drive, I learned that driving was not an option for me due to a visual impairment. I lived in a small town with no public transportation. So, as my friends got their keys and gained their freedom, I watched my small world get smaller.

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post.cgi?id=5344

Gaming with the blink of an eye

University students have developed a computer game that is operated by eye movements, which could allow people with severe physical disabilities to become gamers for the first time...

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/7/20100329201003290204475561e9ac5cb/Gaming-with-the-blink-of-an-eye.html

iPad Apps for Disabled: Development Platform

There is no denying how hard it can be to see any sort of development when it comes to disabled people, but would you believe that the Apple iPad and its range of certain apps is considered a great development platform? This is the conclusion from university professor, Gregg Vanderheiden.

http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/04/19/ipad-apps-for-disabled-development-platform/

Getting a laugh out of disability

Reading the account of a tussle between Sharon Smith, whose five-year-old daughter who has Down's syndrome, and comedian Frankie Boyle, I felt a familiar sadness. I've had my own battle over harmful and offensive language recently.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/apr/28/disability-c4-ofcom-complaint

An Elkhart woman uses tae kwon do to fight a painful disability

ELKHART -- Linda Koeppel might not kick as high as others in her tae kwon do class. She might not move as quickly.

http://www.etruth.com/Know/News/Story.aspx?ID=509421

Disabled man gets 90 days for inviting sexual touching

Judge believes more time would be too hard on 28-year-old’s health

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Disabled+gets+days+inviting+sexual+touching/2745622/story.html

22-year-old with growth disability and hypertension can’t get aid

SEREMBAN: Twenty-two-year-old S. Avinesh Singh’s looks belie his age.

Suffering from growth disorder, the youth with Russell-Silver Syndrome barely weighs 25kg and is less than a metre tall.

In addition to being both speech and hearing impaired, Avinesh, who is born with only one kidney, has hypertension and had undergone several surgeries since birth.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/12/nation/6033738&sec=nation

Disabled people deserve the same quality of life as everyone else

The tendency in Malta is to regard people who work with disabled people as somehow saintly, or that they do this work out of some form of pity, but this is far from the truth, KNPD Executive Director Anne Marie Callus tells Chiara Bonello in this interview.The truth, she says, is that persons with a disability have the same rights and deserve the same quality of life as everyone else.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=104456

Understanding autism: Fast-growing disability remains a challenge for parents, researchers

Autism is a disorder characterized by extensive delays in the development of social interaction and communication. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States: More than 1.5 million people been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in one in 110 births, according to the Autism Society of America.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/health/ci_14910733

C: RESOURCES – Newsletter, Publication,Journal, Guideline,Website

Empowering Spinal Cord Injured Persons

Jonathan Sigworth - the youngest of three brothers - received a spinal cord injury at age 19 while studying in northern India in February 2006.  Though the injury left him paralyzed in his hands and below his arms, Jonathan and his family continue to coordinate with staff at India’s Spinal Injuries Center in Delhi - where Jonathan received treatment - in order to initiate efforts that support SCI persons who are in the process of rehabilitation and seeking independence.  ESCIP is the unofficial name for these efforts.

http://www.escip.org/escip.org/Home.html

Tulir

Tulir - Centre for the Prevention and Healing of Child Sexual Abuse (CPHCSA) is a registered, nongovernmental, non-profit organization committed to working against child sexual abuse in India.

http://www.tulir.org/

Disability News and Information Service

www.dnis.org

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

CBR India Network Zonal Consultations

Objective: To agree upon the charter of CBR India Network and to come up with a common understanding and strategy for developing and strengthening the CBR India Network.

North and Central Zone Consultation on 4^th May 2010 at Bhopal at Hotel Palash Residency, New Market– for details and to confirm your participation contact Mr. Somesh Dwivedi - sdwivedi@sightsavers.org or Call +91 9302090190

South Zone Consultation 1 - covering the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on 14^th May 2010 at Bangalore at Mobility India, JP Nagar 2^nd Phase – for details and to confirm your participation contact Mr. Nagaraj - e-mail@mobility-india.org or Call: +91-080-26492222

South Zone Consultation 2 - covering the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry on 21^st May 2010 at Chennai - The Clarke School for the Deaf, Dr. Radhakrishna Salai, Mylapore  – for details and to confirm your participation contact Mr. Nagaraj – e-mail@mobility-india.org or Call: +91-080-26492222

For more details on CBR India Network click on the following link

http://sites.google.com/site/cbrindianetwork/

Training of Trainers for Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) through an Inclusive Development Approach

Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is organizing this training in Bangkok from 7-18 June 2010. For more details contact Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Networking & Collaboration Manager, E-mail: somchai@apcdfoundation.org  or training@apcdfoundation.org

Bill on Sexual Offenses against Children coming soon

In  a meeting held on Jan. 19, 2010 in New Delhi  by the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights to discuss the Prevention of Offenses against Children Bill- 2009,  it was decided that sexual offenses against children needs to be addressed separately and urgently rather than clubbed together with other offenses against children. Subsequently a Committee was constituted by NCPCR to draft a Bill on Sexual Offenses against Children, with Tulir as Member Convenor.

For more details contact: Ms. Vidya/ Ms. Nancy at tulircphcsa@yahoo.co.in

Policy on Electronic Accessibility

NCPEDP in association with BarrierBreak Technologies had come out with a draft National Policy on Electronic Accessibility a few months back. The Ministry of Information Technology had formed a Drafting Committee to finalise the draft. This task was completed a month or so back and the draft has now been put in the public domain for comments.

Below is the link.

http://mit.gov.in/sites/upload_files/dit/files/Draftpolicy_310310_0.pdf

Right to Education – Draft rules