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CBR Forum E-News Bulletin
A Compilation of News, Information and Updates in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities
March 2010 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin
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
CBR Forum E-News Bulletin
– A Compilation of News, Information and Updates
March 2010 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin
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
A: INDIA
'We need a national advisor to PM on disability'
In order to ensure the rights of people with disabilities, there is a need for a national advisor on the subject to the prime minister, former chief justice of the Delhi High Court Ajit Prakash Shah said Thursday.
http://sify.com/news/we-need-a-national-advisor-to-pm-on-disability-news-national-kdsqObfhaah.html
2011 census to probe how many are disabled
If all goes well, the 2011 census will refine its questionnaire in a bid to determine how many to Indians really suffer from disability.
http://sify.com/news/2011-census-to-probe-how-many-are-disabled-news-national-kdptubgchac.html
Census questionnaire draws cautious optimism
GUWAHATI, March 21 – Cautious optimism has been expressed by those working in the disability sector over the new questionnaire to be used by enumerators in the 2011 census.
http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=mar2210/city07
Creating awareness among specially abled persons is a difficult task, says Abidi
New Delhi, Mar 15: Activist Javed Abidi, fighting for the cause of specially abled people, believes that awareness and sensitization among disabled people is the biggest challenge for their enumeration in 2011 census.
India needs new legislation on Disability Rights
The government has proposed 108 amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Act, the overarching disability legislation in India. Disabled rights groups are demanding a new law instead that would guarantee civil and political rights to disabled people and expand the definition of disability
Brigadier on wheelchair to be major general
NEW DELHI: In a stirring achievement, a paraplegic Army officer confined to a wheelchair, Brigadier S K Razdan, is all set to become a two-star officer or a major-general.
President’s medal for disabled girl scout
GULBARGA: Where there is a will, there is a way. This has been proved by a physically challenged girl from Sedam taluk. Rashmi, who has been using a wheelchair for many years, has been selected for the President’s medal for her outstanding achievements in the Scouts and Guides organisation.
Passengers with disabilities treated like rice bags by the railways
Recounting the nightmarish experience of my friend…
https://sites.google.com/site/exploreability/railways---treated-like-rice-bags
Disability groups find Pranab's budget heartening
Disability groups cheered up when a hike in investment in disabled-friendly schemes and the setting up of the country's first sign language training institute was announced by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the general budget Friday.
First Elected Blind Sarpanch - This visually disabled ensures board students get a helping hand
VADODARA/ANAND: Visually disabled and physically challenged students, who are appearing in the ongoing annual SSC and HSC exams conducted by Gujarat Secondary and Higher Education Board (GSHSEB), are getting a helping hand in Anand district. This, thanks to 34-year-old Sudha Patel, who despite being visually disabled, had set a record of sorts by becoming first elected blind sarpanch of Changa village in Anand.
Disabled teacher gets justice from SC,J&K gets rap
New Delhi: Here is an inspiring story for those suffering from cerebral palsy.Moved by Syed Bashirud-din Qadris determination to succeed, the Supreme Court stood by him and ordered his reinstatement in service.
Another multi-disabled child found abandoned in city
LUCKNOW: Yet another multi-disabled boy, aged around 10 years, was found in the city on Saturday. The boy was in bad state when he was found abandoned by some locals in Chhitwapur locality on Station Road. The people took him to city magistrate RS Prem's office from where he was handed over to Nirvan, a non-government-organisation running a shelter home for mentally disabled destitute.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan fails blind students
NEW DELHI: A national study shows that young visually impaired students fare extremely poorly in government schools under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Reason: Inexperienced teachers and shortage of appropriate equipment. Over 35% students did not even have Braille slates, a basic instrument for elementary education for the blind
Denied calculator in boards, dyslexic student moves SC
NEW DELHI: Just three days before his class XII mathematics paper, a dyslexic student will on Friday await the result of a crucial test -- whether or not he is allowed to use a calculator like he did in the class X examinations.
Notices to colleges for not adhering to disability quota
The Delhi High Court Friday issued notices to eight colleges run by the central government for not implementing the disability quota for teachers despite directions.
Carriage Works to send its disabled-friendly toilet design for approval
CHENNAI: A disabled-friendly toilet designed for sleeper coaches by Carriage and Wagon Works Perambur would be adopted by railways after it was was approved by Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), said Praveen Kumar, member, mechanical of Railway Board
Disabled queue up for unemployment benefit
CHENNAI: For the past few days, the employment office on Santhome High Road has been overwhelmed with disabled people queuing up to collect forms for the unemployment assistance scheme.
Health insurance for mentally challenged kids
LUDHIANA: Spelling a ray of hope for children suffering from various developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, mentally challenged and those with multiple disabilities, the district administration will soon launch a health insurance scheme for such kids.
Admn fails to provide ramps, lifts for disabled
LUDHIANA: Despite several notifications by the local bodies department, the administration and municipal authorities have proved to be a failure in providing ramps and lifts in the government buildings for the convenience of senior citizens and disabled.
It's a painful wait for disabled certificates
DHENKANAL: It’s a ‘painful’ wait for the physically-challenged persons who queue up outside the District Resource Centre for medical certificates on 10th of every month.
Enunciating a rights-based viewpoint
With an aim to empower differently-abled persons, the Kerala government is planning to set up a Centre for Disability Studies in the State capital. G. MAHADEVAN spoke to Dr. G.N. Karna, Chairman of the Working Group on Disability for the 11th Five Year Plan on the scope of this proposal
Inspirational maestro conquers disability
Sujeet has Down Syndrome but that has not deterred him from mastering over six musical instruments.
'Govt should build shelter homes for disabled kids'
LUCKNOW: JP Singh, member secretary, Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), believes that the state government should take initiative in building special shelter homes and training centres for disabled and multi-disabled destitute children.
'India needs 152,000 professional trainers for disabled'
The country faces a major dearth of trained professionals who can provide basic educational and vocational skills to the disabled population, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) said Thursday.
A centum to make it to dream B-school
Vishal Jain, a BCom student from Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College, is elated. Falling under Persons With Disability (PWD) category, he has been shortlisted for IIM-Shillong. "This is my second attempt and I've made it to IIM-S. I worked hard for more than a year.
Blind hit by GPS shutdown
While the emergence of free GPS-based navigational tools from Google and Nokia have made life easy for many who use vehicular navigation, it has nearly brought to a close an accessible solution used by visually challenged persons worldwide.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/60980/blind-hit-gps-shutdown.html
Recognising alternate ability
Does alternate ability preclude people from rights and abilities? Are they incapable of achievements in the multitude avenues of life? Despite being immensely talented, why is that people with alternate ability do not find employment in the film industry? Can differently abled people produce a slick commercial film? Well, for answers to these questions, all you need to do is to watch Maa.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/57899/recognising-alternate-ability.html
‘Disabled women face double discrimination’
CHENNAI: Members of the Vidya Sagar and Aid et Action took out a rally in the city to underline the plight of disabled women and demanded equal status for ...
Disability is not inability’
Coordinator of DLU–NE, Anju Talukdar, speaks during the workshop on ‘Empowerment of Persons With Disability’ held at Tourist Lodge, Dimapur, on Tuesday, March 2. (Morung Photo)
http://www.morungexpress.com/local/44437.html
Resource Persons Meet, Bhubaneswar for Rights of Deaf Children and their families in India at VRCH
SANCHAR, a West Bengal based NGO along with its Odisha partners, AAINA, ADHAR, CARD, EKTA, ISERD, LIPICA, SNDAYP and SADHANA organized a Resource Persons Meet at VRCH on February 26, 2010 for their project on Rights of Deaf Children and their families in India.
http://www.orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=16998
Desert Storm opens avenues for disabled participants in car rallies
D.N.I.S. News Network, India: Here’s some good news for all disabled adventure enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline rush. Deepa Malik became the first disabled participant to take part in the rigorous Desert Storm Car Rally. http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=5&volume_id=7&news_id=1042&i=9
Women at increased risk of becoming disabled: ILO
Kolkata, Mar 5 (PTI) Women were at increased risk of becoming disabled due to neglect in healthcare, poor workplace conditions and gender-based violence, according to an ILO report.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/548746_Women-at-increased-risk-of-becoming-disabled--ILO
Fighting the Odds—Disability No Barrier for Classical Dancer Vandana
The star attraction of the event was Vandana V R, whose dancing was so excellent that it was hard for the audience to believe that she was born handicapped with only her left leg.
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=73364
Specially-abled women walk the ramp in Bhubaneswar
Specially-abled women walked the ramp at a fashion show organised here on Wednesday.
Ability to forge ahead
The students of Anbagam School turned in a superb performance at the Special Olympics.
“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you're needed by someone,” said ace tennis player Martina Navaratilova. This was not just an afterthought from the tennis player but born out of a deep reflection on the question of disability.
http://beta.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article209310.ece
Handicapped Ladakh man seeks new challenges
CNN-IBN, Leh: A man from the cold desert of Ladakh has found inspiration in every challenge and in spite of his own disability he is reaching out to the physically challenged, bringing in environmental awareness and financial independence.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/handicapped-ladakh-man-seeks-new-challenges/111527-3.html
Stem cell therapy helps boy get a grip on life
Mumbai: Theres a steady stream of visitors at Vijay Mishras home at his village in Shuklaganj at Unnao district (Uttar Pradesh).All the visitors,most of whom are strangers,want to see the small-time businessmans eight-year-old son,Priyanshu.To the villagers,the boy who could barely sit upright a few months agois a miracle,now that he has begun using his hands.
Grassroots sensitisation need of the hour
HYDERABAD: Society for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies honorary president GN Karna has underlined the necessity of sensitisation at the grassroots level about governmental schemes and programmes as also harmonisation of disability-related legislation in keeping with the provisions of the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Film fest on disability showcased in Delhi
New Delhi, March 28 (Calcutta Tube) 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://calcuttatube.com/film-fest-on-disability-showcased-in-delhi/74714/
Disabled fan accuses Salman
Actor Salman Khan is in trouble for meeting a disabled fan and then using it as a ‘publicity stunt’.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Disabled-fan-accuses-Salman/H1-Article1-518976.aspx
The hero with a debilitating condition may not be entirely convincing. But the city welcomes him in any case
B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Human Rights Council holds a debate on the rights of persons with disabilities
On 5 March 2010, the Human Rights Council will hold a debate on national implementation and monitoring frameworks of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/disability/hrc_disability.htm
Third Conference of States Parties (September 2010)
The Third Conference of States Parties (COP) which will take place from 1st to 3rd September 2010, will include the renewal of the CRPD Committee.
International Disability Alliance News
Women take note! The Third Conference of States Parties (COP) will take place 1-3 September 2010. It will include the renewal of the CRPD Committee which will increase from 12 to 18 members in 2011. The election process is underway. To read more, follow links in English and Spanish at http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/advocacy-work/conference-of-state-parties/third-conferences-of-states-parties-september-2010/
Disability rights: coming of age at UN
By STEVE ESTEY
Thu. Mar 18 - 4:54 AM
It takes a long time to clear security at UN headquarters these days. But after waiting nearly eight years for the moment, I was in no rush. Last Thursday, with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as witness, the government of Canada took the final step towards ratifying the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); and I had a ringside seat!
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Columnists/1172822.html
Easyjet turns away disabled passenger
March 29, 2010
A DISABLED woman who was made to get off an Easyjet flight from Paris to Nice because she was unaccompanied is considering legal action.
Marie-Patricia Hoarau, who is 39 and from Fréjus in the Var, has been paraplegic since a cycling accident 19 years ago.
Parents win bid to sterilise daughter
The parents of a severely disabled Queensland girl have won a court case to have her sterilised
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/parents-win-bid-to-sterilise-daughter-20100309-ptlf.html
Parents win right to have disabled daughter, 11, sterilised
The parents of a profoundly disabled Australian girl have won a court case to have the 11-year-old sterilised, prompting claims the ruling amounts to an "abuse of human rights".
Oscar for Short Documentary Recognizes Disabled Zimbabwean Woman's Struggle
The Oscar-winning short-documentary "Music by Prudence" tells the story of Prudence Mabhena's struggle to rise above a world of hatred and superstition to realize her potential through music and love
Why James Cameron Should Start A Conversation on Disabilities
Tonight, when Avatar creator and director James Cameron takes the stage to accept an Oscar -- as I am certain he will at least once -- he has the opportunity to start a much needed public conversation on disabilities.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-mai-bertelsen/why-james-cameron-should_b_487160.html
'Serious errors' in setting up equalities watchdog
"Serious errors" were made in the way the UK equalities watchdog was set up - at a cost of nearly £39m - the Commons spending watchdog has said.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8548374.stm
New standards for disabled access
ABC News - ELEANOR HALL: The Federal Government today released new standards be put in place to enable disabled people to have easier access to public buildings. The standards are meant to provide clarity and certainty to designers, developers and builders, as Antonette Collins reports.
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s2845910.htm
Metro aims to use travel training to help disabled passengers and save money
"C'mon, Randy!" Ed Biebel said as he stood and made his way to the train's doors. He then looked back at Randy and called again for him to follow.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/14/AR2010031402792.html
Slough station to get £2.5m upgrade for disabled access
Slough railway station is to receive a £2.5m upgrade to give disabled people better access for the 2012 Olympics.
Google executives convicted for Italy autism video
Disability and development
There are eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), representing commitments for development by 2015 made by all nations, through the UN. Disability is not explicitly mentioned, but for the MDGs to be achieved, disability has to be addressed.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/journalismcompetition/theme-disability-and-development
Family of disabled Rehovot teen takes on school system
Maor Balulu, 14, just wants to be like all the other kids in her class.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1154838.html
Husband stole paralyzed wife's disability funds
TAIWAN: A brother and sister team was sentenced yesterday to eight months and two months imprisonment, respectively, for forgery by the Taiwan High Court.
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20100307-203038.html
McDonald's Pays $90K to Settle Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
Mar 10, 2010
Alstrun LLP, which previously owned and operated a Philadelphia McDonald’s, has agreed to pay $90,000 and furnish significant equitable relief to settle a federal discrimination lawsuit on behalf of a worker with an intellectual disability, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced recently.
Abuse of those with learning disabilities
The appalling death of David Askew is the latest in a series of tragedies over the past year which shows how often people with learning disabilities are harassed and demeaned in public (Report, 12 March).
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/mar/15/abuse-people-with-learning-disabilities
Prosecutors must 'raise game' on disabled hate crime
The Crown Prospection Service should do more to help disabled victims of hate crime, an official has admitted.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8579335.stm
When Warren McConnell was fired by The Fredericton Daily Gleaner for poor productivity, he cried discrimination. He suffered from chronic depression. After his third suicide attempt in the 37 years he was employed by the paper, The Gleaner consulted with him and his psychologist and developed a position.
Disabled soldiers embark on an expedition to North Pole
Two soldiers wounded in battle hope to trek across the Arctic to become the first amputees to reach the North Pole.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8576281.stm
B1: PARALYMPICS AT VANCOUVER MAR 2010
Canada ratifies UN treaty for disabled rights
Canada has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the eve of the Paralympic Games in Vancouver.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2010/03/11/disabled-treaty011.html#ixzz0hw8AHt0S
Combine Paralympics and Olympics, founder urges
First competitions for people with disabilities were in rehabilitation hospitals
Disabled breakdancer ‘Lazylegz’ creates buzz at Paralympics
VANCOUVER, B.C.—When Luca Patuelli propelled himself on his crutches into the cavernous and sold-out stadium, he was, from the vantage of many people in the seats, tiny and disabled
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqeVXbTQ8NA
Paralympics draw almost five times as many men as women
Disabled women might be best able to combat gender discrimination
Disability 101: Paralympic Call for Equality
The Paralympic Winter Games opened March 12 in Vancouver and will continue through March 21. These games bring together the best of the best — highly elite, internationally competitive athletes who compete in Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, the biathlon, hockey and curling. By the way, all of these athletes just happen to have physical disabilities, but that doesn't effect their skill level.
Paralympics 2010: A legacy certain to inspire
Record-setting Games for Canada deliver a message of acceptance, inclusion and excellence
http://olympics.thestar.com/2010/article/783153--paralympics-2010-a-legacy-certain-to-inspire
God in a wheelchair: How religious views of disability are evolving
Since the Paralympics are underway in Vancouver, I was reading a Statistics Canada report on the number of disabled people in the country (4.5 million) when suddenly I found the statisticians trying their hand at theology.
C: RESOURCES – Newsletter, Publication,Journal, Guideline,Website
Disability and Sexuality in the Indian Context
TARSHI (Talking About Reproductive and Sexual Health Issues) www.tarshi.net - A Working Paper that presents an overview of the current scenario in India with respect to sexuality and disability - Disability and Sexuality in the Indian Context: http://www.tarshi.net/publications/publications_reports_papers.asp
Disability Law Handbook
The National Network of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Centers is pleased to announce the release of the new edition of the Disability Law Handbook. Free copies may be downloaded in English and Spanish in PDF format only by following links at http://www.southwestada.org/html/publications/dlh/index.
Updates on Achieving Millennium Development Goals
On March 16, 2010 United Nations’ (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented his report, entitled Keeping the Promise, to Member States at the UN. He called for the adoption of a global action agenda to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), when world leaders meet at a UN Summit in New York, USA in September 2010.
C1: RESOURCES – Emergency Evacuation for People with Disabilities
Bangalore - Beyond Carlton: Kin of victims, survivors campaign for safety
Calcutta Park Street fire toll rises to 24
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8584371.stm
Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide For People with Disabilities
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Forms/EvacuationGuide.pdf
Special Assistance Needs and Disability Emergency Building Evacuation Plan
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~news/features/deep/evac-plan.pdf
Getting disabled visitors out safely in an emergency
D: ANNOUNCEMENTS
2 day National Consultation – South Zone for a New Law - on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Vidya Sagar in collaboration with National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) is organising the South Zone Consultation on the 16th & 17th of April 2010 at IC & SR Building, IIT, Guindy, Chennai. For details contact – Mr. Rajiv Rajan, Coordinator, Disability Legislation Unit, South, dlu.south@gmail.com or Tel: 044-22350173
IGNOU to extend education to disabled
The Indira Gandhi National Open University ( IGNOU) Monday announced new programmes which would focus on providing special education to people with hearing, visual and mental disability.
http://sify.com/news/ignou-to-extend-education-to-disabled-news-education-kdpuucgfehe.html
XII International Training Course on Disability & Development
Scheduled from 3rd to 10th June 2010 at Bangalore, India. The eight day intensive exercise is intended for Programme Managers of organisations and projects involved in development and disability work. For details contact - Raghavendra B Pachhapur, Ph. 080 43650650 / 647 Fax: 080 25586284
Email: raghavendra.b@actionaid.org
Master’s Degree Program in Human Rights
Applications are now being accepted for study in the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific Regional Program) (MHRD) 2010-2011.
Applications deadline is 30 April 2010.
Master’s Degree Program in Disability Studies
Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA has launched a new program through the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) in response to the growing need for in-depth training and understanding of disabilities. In September 2010, SCS will start offering a master of professional studies and an advanced professional certificate in disability studies for students who want to explore the many roles of disability in social, cultural, historical and political contexts. For information, go to http://explore.georgetown.edu/news/?ID=49207
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