World Wide Network on Disability and Human Rights

February 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

advocacy.cbrforum@gmail.com

A: INDIA

“Issue Antyodaya ration cards to differently abled”

Brinda Karat, CPI(M) Polit Bureau member, said here on Saturday that Left Party MPs will unanimously demand for the immediate issuance of Antyodaya ration cards for the differently-abled citizens in India in the coming session of the Parliament as a step towards establishing food security.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article110439.ece

Move to make obtaining disability certificate easier

Primary health centre (PHC) doctors have been given the right to issue disability certificate in cases of severe disability, while others with partial disability will still have to go to the District Hospital to get one.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article105270.ece

Consultative Committee meeting of Social Justice & Empowerment Ministry deliberates on Amendments to Disability Act

The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Mukul Wasnik has said that the consultations with regard to the amendments to the Persons with Disability Act, 1995 are still on and a road-map is being drawn to finalize the changes which would be so wide-ranging that the present Act might have to be replaced by an altogether new Act.

http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=57663

IBN7 Super Idols: People who've overcome adversity

New Delhi: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Life sometimes brings one face to face with tough souls who manage to overcome challenge and carry on with grit and determination.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ibn7-super-idols-people-whove-overcome-adversity/108553-3.html

MNIK first Hindi film with audio description

Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan has become the first Bollywood film to be released in cinemas across the country with Hindi audio description (AD) for visually challenged people.

http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100132520&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood

Disability groups apprehensive of amendments to laws

Disability groups on Sunday expressed strong apprehension that the Centre was going ahead with proposed amendments/harmonisation in various laws without consulting them.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article102643.ece

India looking to harmonise its law on Disability with UNCRPD

New Delhi: India today said discussions were on with various stakeholders on the issue of harmonising the country's legislations with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability and the government will come up with its "formulations".

http://www.zeenews.com/news603632.html

Include Muscular Dystrophy in the Persons with Disabilities Act

Appeal to ministry of social justice and empowerment to include Muscular Dystrophy as one of the disability in the proposed amendments to the Persons with disabilities Act - Sanjana Goyal, Indian Assn.of Muscular Dystrophy,

Make all Government Building & websites accessible to Persons with Disabilities within 2010-11 :- Mukul Wasnik

The Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Mukul Wasnik has urged the State Chief Ministers as also all Central Ministries to implement the “accessibility” related provision of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) with special priority and in a time-bound manner.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=57719

'Garden of fragrance' for Delhi's disabled

The Delhi government's tourism department will construct a special garden of fragrances to benefit disabled people.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Garden-of-fragrance-for-Delhis-disabled/articleshow/5596067.cms

Concessions for the differently abled

Pre-university students with specific learning disabilities can carry calculators to examination halls and will get an extra hour to write their examinations. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/53569/concessions-differently-abled.html

Trainers get a raw deal at Tenkasi bus stand

CHENNAI: In an act of supreme irony, government bus conductors refused to allow two disability activists, Rajiv Rajan and A Dhanasekar, into the buses on Monday at the Tenkasi bus stand when they were on their way to conduct a training programme for State transport corporation conductors and drivers in Madurai.

http://expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Trainers+get+a+raw+deal+at+Tenkasi+bus+stand&artid=Iiwf6X0yNds=&SectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&MainSectionID=lifojHIWDUU=&SEO=&SectionName=rSY%7C6QYp3kQ=

Principal, matron booked for abetment

Criminal cases were registered against the principal, matron and watchman of the Government Girl’s Hostel, Malakpet on Tuesday following the rape of a blind student in the hostel.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Principal,+matron+booked+for+abetment&artid=7c/ZG6mdIo4=&SectionID=xAV59odivTs=&MainSectionID=xAV59odivTs=&SEO=&SectionName=BUzPVSKuYv7MFxnS0yZ7ng

Crippling blow to dyslexics

HYDERABAD: The school education department has left SSC students with learning disabilities in the lurch. With the examinations just a month away,  the department has expressed its inability to provide scribes to such applicants despite several representations from parents and teachers.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Crippling-blow-to-dyslexics/articleshow/5518711.cms

Disabled unhappy with Kolkata Book Fair

Kolkata, Jan 30 (IBNS): The 34th Kolkata Book Fair completely ignores the needs of persons with disabilities, said the Disability Activists Forum (DAF), a body comprising individuals and NGOs fighting for equal rights of the physically challenged.

http://www.indiablooms.com/NewsDetailsPage/newsDetails300110e.php

Take special kids or face action: CBSE

MUMBAI: The Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a huge step towards offering equal opportunity to all children seeking an education, including those with ``special needs''.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Take-special-kids-or-face-action-CBSE/articleshow/5532913.cms

Learning together

KOCHI: Under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, all private schools should reserve seats for children with disability, which once again brings forth the debate whether our schools have the necessary facilities to promote inclusive education.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Learning+together&artid=86JHj3nIlh4=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=

Despite govt order, websites for disabled still a rarity

NEW DELHI: India may have made tremendous technological leaps in the past two decades but when it comes to developing websites for differently-abled persons, it continues to draw a blank.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Despite-govt-order-websites-for-disabled-still-a-rarity/articleshow/5502653.cms

India has highest number of new leprosy patients

NEW DELHI: India continues to record the highest number of new leprosy cases in the world followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-has-highest-number-of-new-leprosy-patients/articleshow/5546725.cms

Nasscom’s disabled-friendly initiative gets ecstatic welcome

CHENNAI: Earlier this week, through the contemporary media for newsbreaks, @javed_abidi tweeted about the constitution of Nasscom’s disability advisory group (DAG).

http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/31/stories/2010013155381200.htm

Girl suffers disability after pool mishap

NEW DELHI: Acting on a suit for compensation filed by parents whose daughter became permanently disabled after sustaining injuries in her school's swimming pool, the Delhi High Court on Friday sought a reply from the institute.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Girl-suffers-disability-after-pool-mishap/articleshow/5594539.cms

Cutting-edge talking pen

The gizmo will help elevate the learning experience of students by focusing on the benefits of listening. The “talking pen” -- a multimedia print reader (MPR) -- may have just given hope to millions of visually challenged and dyslexic people, especially children.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/49873/cutting-edge-talking-pen.html

Surging crowds prove to be a handicap for disabled runners

NAGPUR: This quartet had come to Kasturchand Park to show the world that their disabilities were no match for their hardy spirit. Unfortunately, the otherwise encouraging crowd proved to be uncharacteristically unsympathetic towards them. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/-Surging-crowds-prove-to-be-a-handicap-for-disabled-runners/articleshow/5521374.cms

A life lived with sincerity

Lakshmi Narayanan proves that mentally challenged individuals can deliver with equal dedication if treated on time and guided properly, says SOMA BASU

http://beta.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article95725.ece

The dancing star who has no legs

Kamlesh Patel has conquered physical disability to become a wonder dancer. Paralysed in both legs, he overcame great hardships to become a performer and was one of the star performers on a dance reality show last year.

http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jan/21/slide-show-1-extraordinary-indians-kamlesh-patel.htm

Wind beneath his sails

Salil Chaturvedi, the first disabled Indian to have sailed from Mumbai to Goa, believes his handicap was the best thing to have happened to him - it gave him insights into alternate ways of being and brought him close to the real universe...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/people/Wind-beneath-his-sails-/articleshow/5517411.cms

Army chief's aide partly deaf in one ear

New Delhi: In a coincidence, a few weeks before the army chief, Gen Deepak Kapoor, was found partially deaf in his left ear, his controversial close aide, Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash, was found suffering from an equal measure of hearing loss in his right ear.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_army-chief-s-aide-partly-deaf-in-one-ear_1341720

'We Care' Film fest

At a time when Bollywood turns its focus on stories of dogged human spirit triumphing against all odds in 'Taare Zameen Par', 'Paa' and 'My Name Is Khan', the ''never-say-die'' spirit forms the common thread of the nearly 32 films to be screened at this year's edition of the 'We Care' Film festival on disability issues.

http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=26369

City-based NGO to start Braille computer training school

VADODARA: Visually impaired people in the city can soon get to work with information technology firms. A city-based NGO's Braille computer training school to be inaugurated in March will educate and provide training to these people.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/City-based-NGO-to-start-Braille-computer-training-school/articleshow/5546050.cms

DU plans 2-day sport event for disabled on 6^th & 7^th Mar 2010

NEW DELHI: Before the participants of the Commonwealth Games take over the grounds of Delhi University in a few months, some really 'special' players are coming to show the true sportsman spirit on the campus.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/DU-plans-2-day-sport-event-for-disabled/articleshow/5601045.cms

A ray of hope for the differently-abled in India

It has taken 16 long years for Prashant Ranjan Verma to view the world the way we do. As a matter of fact, his vision has gotten better. At 34, the consultant for training and technical support at the Switzerland-based Daisy Consortium,

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/corporate-dossier/A-ray-of-hope-for-the-differently-abled-in-India/articleshow/5617900.cms

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Court Rules in Favor of Visually-Impaired Grad

A U.S. district court in San Francisco ruled Friday in favor of Stephanie Enyart, a visually-impaired law school graduate, allowing her to use special reading assistance software on the next California bar examination in late February.

http://www.dailycal.org/article/108028/court_rules_in_favor_of_visually-impaired_grad

Disabled teen's dad wins fight over diaper costs

Sick and disabled Florida children who cannot afford medical care will now get help paying for a small item with a large price tag: diapers.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/1454182.html

Emanuel Meets With Disability Groups

The White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, told advocates for the disabled today that he would sign a pledge to end the use of the word ‘’retarded,’’ and promised that the administration would consider legislation to remove the word from federal law, the advocates said.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/emanuel-meets-with-disability-groups/  

When words hurt: A plea to remove the 'R-word' sting

MANILA, Philippines - Dacki Sandiego, an athlete of Special Olympics Philippines (SOP) who has autism, excels in badminton. His dream is to become a chef, and to banish the word "retarded" from everyday speech.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/02/24/10/when-words-hurt-plea-remove-r-word-sting

Rights of Persons With Disability Launched 

The Ghana Federation of the Disabled in collaboration with Mind Freedom and a network of Journalists on Disability have launched a project on the Ratification of the Convention of the Rights of persons with Disability and Passage of Mental Health Bill in Accra yesterday.

http://www.ghana.gov.gh/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1232:rights-of-persons-with-disability-launched&catid=88:daily-news-summary&Itemid=236

Super gadget allows deaf blind people to "hear" with skin

London, Jan 19 (ANI): A gadget that converts sound to vibrations will help individuals who are deaf and blind or severely hearing impaired to perceive and recognize sounds with their skin, says its maker.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20100119/862/ttc-super-gadget-allows-deaf-blind-peopl.html

Disability couldn’t deter Zara from doing PhD!

Physical disability can be sidelined provided one has the will and determination. A brilliant example of this is the life and academic achievements of a deaf girl from Lahore who is doing PhD in special education from Johns Hopkins, a prestigious university in the USA.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=223215

Simple eye test can detect mental disorders           

Sydney, Jan 27 (IANS) A simple eye test can help diagnose inherited mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or manic depression, according to new evidence.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20100127/860/ttc-simple-eye-test-can-detect-mental-di.html

New assisted suicide guidelines may put pressure on disabled to end their lives

Gordon Brown's concerns about assisted suicide are shared by many

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/7317558/New-assisted-suicide-guidelines-may-put-pressure-on-disabled-to-end-their-lives.html

Vets with PTSD Eligible For More Disability Benefits

Thousands of U-S veterans from the Afghan and Iraq wars who've been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome could receive larger disability checks from the government.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/01/ptsd_disability_checks_increas.html

Disabled man wins £2 million payout

A severely disabled man who can only communicate by tapping a computer keyboard with his nose has received a £2 million payout over injuries he suffered at birth, his lawyers said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gRxdp98rU7hfvhtn14vQKMwy7A-w

Disabled woman banned by Jetstar seeks settlement

Lawyers for a disabled woman who is suing Jetstar after she was banned from a flight from Adelaide to Brisbane have agreed to make one last attempt to settle before going to a Federal Court hearing.

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/disabled-woman-banned-by-jetstar-seeks-settlement-20100202-nacs.html

Man steals from mentally disabled brother

A MAN stole more than $160,000 from his mentally disabled brother and their father and went on an eight-month spending spree on cars, motorbikes and holidays, a court was told yesterday.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/man-steals-from-mentally-disabled-brother/story-e6frf7jx-1225824179429

Under her wing: Parent writes book on developmental disabilities

Lawrence resident Denise Gossage didn’t initially set out to write a book. Her recently published “Winging It” (available in local bookstores) evolved from years of keeping notes of meetings with doctors, teachers and therapists, and writing a personal journal about rearing a child on the autism spectrum.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/feb/08/under-her-wing-parent-writes-book-developmental-di/?city_local

Mother Charged With Murdering Her Disabled Daughter

Erie County Sheriffs Office detectives Captain Ron Kenyon says this is the worst case he's seen in 30-years of law enforcement.

http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/83173467.html

Pair beat disabled woman, dumped body in river, court told

An intellectually disabled woman was found wrapped in sheets, wearing an incontinence nappy and weighted down by an 11kg rock, in a south Auckland river, a court heard today.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10624909

Study to look at ways of protecting the vulnerable

WalesOnline - Previous studies have estimated that as many as 30% to 50% of people with a learning disability have suffered some form of abuse, but the number could be ...

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health-news/2010/02/08/study-to-look-at-ways-of-protecting-the-vulnerable-91466-25782594/

Focus on disability hate crimes in Pembrokeshire

A group helping to organise a conference to raise awareness of disability hate crime says too few of such cases are reported to police.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8528358.stm

Intellectually disabled women get 'girl power'

About a dozen women with disabilities gathered for a "girl power camp" Saturday designed to address issues such as self esteem and abuse.

http://www.leaderpost.com/Intellectually+disabled+women+girl+power/2595293/story.html

Disney attacked over lack of disabled princesses

Its new film The Princess and The Frog features a black princess, but Disney has still been criticised for its alleged lack of diversity.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/7113252/Disney-attacked-over-lack-of-disabled-princesses.html

Police hunt 'coward' who left disabled man helpless

DETECTIVES were yesterday hunting a "cowardly" thug who attacked a disabled man, leaving him lying seriously injured and helpless in his home.

http://news.scotsman.com/aberdeen/Police-hunt--coward-who.6033181.jp

Mills plans 'celeb disability' show

Heather Mills has revealed plans for a reality TV show in which celebrities will live with a disability for a week. The former wife of Beatle Sir Paul McCartney - who lost her left leg below the knee when she was hit by a motorcycle in 1993 - hopes the show will change people's perspectives of disabilities.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5i40xSuvcUICmHIxI119JAcXCN_lg

Winter Sports Complex luge adapting to people with disabilities

LAKETON TOWNSHIP — More than a dozen participants of all ages came from across the state to take part in the third annual adaptive luge clinic Sunday at Muskegon State Park’s Winter Sports Complex. 

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/02/winter_sports_complex_luge_ada.html

Disabled Need Access To HIV/AIDS Information - Keoagile

Lack of integrating people with disability in HIV and AIDS messages and intervention means such as counselling is a hindrance to the fight against the scourge

http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=335&dir=2010/February/Monday22

Virginia delegate backs off disabled children remarks

RICHMOND, Va. - The General Assembly’s most outspoken abortion critic is distancing himself from his own remarks last week that disabled children are divine retribution for abortions.

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/south/view/20100224virginia_delegate_backs_off_disabled_children_remarks/srvc=home&position=recent

Beauty queen... and disabled

CURVY Kirstie Logan shows off the form that has seen her tipped to become the first disabled Miss England.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2867589/Beauty-queen-and-disabled.html#ixzz0gWpOKmDL

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

The ability debates

Quite a few debates are currently raging in the disability rights movement. Special schools or inclusive education, community based rehabilitation or institutionalised rehabilitation, job reservations or none - Prasanna Kumar Pincha discusses these and other questions.

http://www.indiatogether.org/2008/feb/hlt-debate.htm

February 2010 Vol-5, No-2 Newsletter of Design For All Institute of India

http://www.designforall.in/newsletter_Feb2010.pdf   

MouthArt

Doug Landis wasn't an artist until a high school wrestling accident left him quadriplegic, paralyzing from the neck down.

http://www.mouthart.com/mouthart/default.html

DRPI-Canada: Toronto Monitoring Site Fact Sheet

The fact sheet presents a summary of the findings of disability rights monitoring focusing on the individual experiences of persons with disabilities. An accessible version is available on the DRPI-Canada website and at http://www.yorku.ca/drpi/CanadaTorontoFact09.html

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

NCPEDP Study on Disability Question in Population Census of India 2011

Preparations are happening at a feverish pace for Population Census 2011. The questionnaire for 2011 will be finalised in the next few days! The question before the disability sector is that, do we want the same question this time or do we want a change? If we want a change, what question should be asked so that we get more accurate numbers this time?

For more details contact rama_c@deoc.in and secretariat@ncpedp.org

Training and deployment of Care Givers Scheme called “Sahyogi”

The National Trust has launched training and deployment of Care Givers Scheme called “Sahyogi”. Under the scheme, any Indian Citizen above 18 years; illiterate/literate; with aptitude and good health conditions is eligible to apply for Care Giver Course of 25 days training plus 4 months of internship. Kindly, log on to www.sahyogi.org or Sanjeev Sachdeva info.sahyogi@gmail.com

The new CBR Guidelines – WHO, ILO, UNESCO and IDDC

The new CBR Guidelines are in process of finalization. It will be launched on 27 October 2010 at Abuja, Nigeria – CBR AP Network.

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) global database

WHO has taken the initiative to create a global database. CBR implementers and practitioners are encouraged to assist WHO to develop this global database by completing this Web-based data collection form.

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

Seeking Endorsement to prohibit non-therapeutic sterilisation of minors - Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

If you or your organisation/association would like to endorse, please email your name, the name of your organisation, and contact details to wwda@wwda.org.au

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

December 2009 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin

SEASONS GREETINGS

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR - 2010

A: INDIA

Diploma exam turns test of patience for this disabled

AHMEDABAD: Darshita Shah, 44, was forced to sit in the parking lot of a college to answer her exam for diploma in food and nutrition.

Read the rest of this topic (4677 words)...

A: INDIA

Join the postcard campaign - “No to Amendments – YES to New Comprehensive Act on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”

To mark the International Day of Disabled Persons - 3^rd Dec 2009 in India send a postcard with the following message - “We need a new, single comprehensive Act on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Respect for dignity, Effective Participation and Inclusive opportunities) in line with UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” to

• Hon'ble" Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, The Prime Minister's Office, South Block, Raisina Hill, New Delhi - 110 011

• Hon'ble" Shri. Mukul Wasnik, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Room. No. 639, 'A' , Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi - 110001

• Dr. Arbind Prasad, Joint Secretary (Disability Division), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Room No.612 “A” Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110 001; E-mail: jsap-mosje@nic.in

No to Amendments,” is the writing on the wall!

While the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to take an ostrich like attitude and push for Amendments to the Disability Act 1995, disabled rights activists from across the country were in Delhi on October 29 and 30 at the National Consultation on ‘The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010’ organised by N.C.P.E.D.P., to take their demand for a fresh new law forward. Dorodi Sharma of D.N.I.S. takes a look at it.

Source: DNIS,Volume 6 Issue 10 - November 01, 2009

http://www.dnis.org/features.php?issue_id=10&volume_id=6&features_id=145

“The reason we want a new law…”

The demand for a new law was unanimous. Dorodi Sharma of D.N.I.S. caught up with a few of them with the poser, “The reason I want a new law…”

Source: DNIS,Volume 6 Issue 10 - November 01, 2009

http://www.dnis.org/interview.php?issue_id=10&volume_id=6&interview_id=126

Women with disabilities refused entry into night club in Kolkota

Kolkata, 09 Nov 09, A wheelchair-bound woman was denied entry into a night club in Kolkata in the wee hours of Sunday with the staff telling her that handicapped persons were not entertained.

http://www.idiva.com/bin/idiva/No-entry-for-disabled-woman

Action plan for women with disabilities soon: Bengal panel

Kolkata, Nov 3 (IANS) The West Bengal Women’s Commission is planning to come out with a comprehensive action document with recommendations for bettering the lot of the physically challenged women in the state, its chief said Tuesday.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/action-plan-for-disabled-women-soon-bengal-panel_100269426.html

Deaf may get license to drive

NEW DELHI: India is one of the few countries in the world where the hearing impaired are not allowed to drive. But this may change soon, with the 

Government informing the Delhi High Court it is considering changing its rules.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Deaf-may-get-licence-to-drive/articleshow/5211682.cms

A college for the disabled, first in state

The State on Sunday got its first dedicated college for students with disabilities. The Sanskardham Academy Junior College in Goregaon has been set up especially for students with impaired hearing.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-college-for-the-disabled-first-in-state/538944

The ‘C.A.T.’ is belled!

D.N.I.S. News Network, India: The Ministry of Human Resource Development has asked the Director of the Indian Institute of Management (I.I.M.), Ahmedabad, Dr. Samir Barua to respond to N.C.P.E.D.P.’s concerns regarding the online C.A.T. examinations not being disabled friendly and its “failure on both technical and conceptual grounds”.

Source: DNIS,Volume 6 Issue 10 - November 01, 2009

http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=10&volume_id=6&news_id=944&i=0

Tales of grit all set to unfold on track

Bengaluru, Grit and glory will be the theme over the next eight days with the  International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) Games beginning at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday. 

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/37585/tales-grit-all-set-unfold.html

Discounts for disabled in Himachal government-run hotels

Shimla, Nov 22 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh will offer a discount of 30 percent on hotel room tariff from next month to physically challenged people who opt to stay at any of its 57 economy and high-end establishments.

http://trak.in/news/discounts-for-disabled-in-himachal-government-run-hotels/26450/

Inclusive Planet venture in India creates more accessible print materials through its Web site

http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/2009/11/inclusive-planet-venture-in-india.html

Copyright obstacle for Braille, audio books

KOLKATA: For the 12 lakh-odd visually-challenged and dyslexic persons in the state, access to good Indian literature in Braille or audio format is a challenge. Obtaining copyright to convert books into special format is the biggest hindrance, say activists working for disability rights.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5204947.cms?frm=mailtofriend

Blind ornithologist wants to create digitised bird–call directory

Kolkata, Nov 15 (IANS) He is blind but can recognise more than 200 types of birds by their calls. He treks in the high Himalayas with gusto, transcending his physical inabilities to commune with nature.

http://trak.in/news/blind-ornithologist-seeks-to-create-digitised-bird-call-directory-feature/23721/

Badte Kadam, a disability awareness campaign

The National Trust, New Delhi is organizing a mobile Awareness Campaign, Badte Kadam to raise awareness on disability

http://timesfoundation.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4829514.cms

Delhi High Court relief to disabled on job quota suspended

The Supreme Court Friday suspended a Delhi High Court order to the union government to provide three percent reservation in state jobs to physically challenged persons as per a special law that accords one percent quota for visually impaired candidates.

http://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a91246.html

N.C.P.E.D.P. releases 5 baseline reports

N.C.P.E.D.P. in association with Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre, Bengaluru carried out 5 baseline studies on the current status of the policies and schemes for people with disabilities in the area of health, employment, accessibility, communication and information technology and rural development.

Source: DNIS,Volume 6 Issue 10 - November 01, 2009

http://www.dnis.org/news.php?issue_id=10&volume_id=6&news_id=941&i=7

Nana Patekar to launch son in film based on autism

Just like Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nana Patekar too intends that his second directorial venture should be based on autism. Nana had earlier directed Prahaar in 1991

http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/News/Nana-to-launch-son-in-film-based-on-autism/articleshow/5218900.cms

Gujarati's 'Ability' to beat disability wins Unesco award

RAJKOT: After graduating from LD College of Engineering in computer engineering and working with MNCs, Bipin Agravat, 34, would often spend time with the children of his village Thanagalol in Jetpur taluka of Rajkot, teaching them how to operate computers.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Gujaratis-Ability-to-beat-disability-wins-Unesco-award/articleshow/5256195.cms

School for kids with learning disabilities

DAVANAGERE, Karnataka: The Samveda training and research centre, a school exclusively meant for the children with learning disabilities (CLD) was started 15 years ago in Davanagere, by Surendranath P Nishanimath.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/School-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities/articleshow/5165829.cms

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that has left the medical fraternity the world over grappling in the dark trying to know its causes and a possible cure.

http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=1181

Rights body opens e-mail route for applicants

PATNA: To make filing applications less cumbersome, the Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) has introduced a system using which applications can be  e-mailed to the commission.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Rights-body-opens-e-mail-route-for-applicants-/articleshow/5227102.cms

Children with multiple disabilities need early rehabilitation: Expert

GAYA: Children with single or multiple disabilities need early rehabilitation and training to bring out the best in them and make them socially useful and acceptable, says Reena Bhandari, an expert in rehabilitation of the differently abled.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Children-with-multiple-disabilities-need-early-rehabilitation-Expert/articleshow/5237767.cms

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The disability paradox

Despite nearly 15 years of new legislation, the results of a new survey reveal that disabled people in the UK are facing rising levels of poverty and discrimination.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/07/disabled-people-survey-discrimination

Dumping Grounds For Forgotten People

This article is an investigation by Bulgarian journalist Yana Buhrer Tavanier on the mental care institutions in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. 

To read the article, please visit the website dedicated to the investigation: http://dumpinggroundsforpeople.wordpress.com/read-the-investigation/

There is also a new promotional video about the investigation which can be viewed on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_juS3m0534

Susan Boyle Reveals Abuse, Learning Disability

Singer opens up about her youth days for the first time

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Susan-Boyle-Reveals-Abuse-Learning-Disability-127329.shtml

Learning disability athletes will return to Paralympics in 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Athletes with learning disabilities will be allowed to compete in the Paralympics again at London in 2012.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gg4Cga3HoKy1O0RllOKiqoIOnktA

Bank loses disabled access appeal

A bank has lost its appeal against a landmark ruling that it failed to cater for the needs of a disabled teenager.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/south_yorkshire/8370693.stm

The chances of acquiring a disability

What does disability mean? Does disability mean something different to a person who has acquired a disability compared to a person who was born with a disability? Are there important differences between the experiences of each group?

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20091102/NEWS/911019991/1078&ParentProfile=1055

Blind gamer sues Sony

A sight-impaired gamer is taking various branches of Sony to court for failing to make their games accessible enough to disabled gamers.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/09/sony_sued_gamer/

Disability turns laughing matter in Channel 4 comedy show

Every character in Cast Offs, which starts tomorrow.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2009/nov/23/disability-channel-4-comedy

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

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Guide - The best sites chosen by You for You.

We created The SCI Guide because nothing out there gives the SCI community a place to go to get trusted, peer-reviewed info, and to decide for yourselves which sites are the best.

http://www.bu.edu/sciguide/

HIV/AIDS and Disability: Final Report of the 4th International Policy Dialogue

A new report by Health Canada’s International Affairs Directorate has called for a greater focus on rights of people with disabilities in HIV policy.

http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2009/20091111_Disability_Report.asp

Understanding the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

“A handbook on the rights of persons with disabilities” by, Marianne Shultz, HI at www.MakingItWork-crpd.org/resource-library/crpd/

Video - Count us In

United Nations’ International Labour Organization has released a video titled ‘Count us In’ which portrays the reality of discrimination and poverty in the lives of people with disabilities without access to education and employment.

To view in English only, go to

http://www.ilo.int/public/english/disability/countusin/film.html

Discussions on Article 12 - Equal Recognition before the law

Discussion papers on - Article 12 of the CRPD – The right to equal recognition before the law, during the meeting of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 21 October 2009, Geneva.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CRPD/Pages/DGD21102009.aspx

UNDP on-line training on “Persons with Disability – Ability, Capability, Employability” 

For details click on the link http://www.undp.org/disability-course-demo/

Accessible Books and Periodicals for Readers with Print Disabilities

Bookshare is an online library for the persons with print disability and vision problems (blindness, low vision, dyslexia etc.).

http://www.bookshare.org/

Interesting videos on transfer from wheelchair and others...

Transfer from Bed to Wheelchair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQigvMjWATs&feature=related

Transfer from bed to chair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d17zl8vbkts&feature=related

Floor to wheelchair transfer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Mg1SNXvJc&feature=related

From wheelchair into car

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDXpm6qlzE0&feature=player_embedded

Wheelchair into full-size tractor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujDxR6hIyYU&feature=related

Climbing cord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDqM1_Xodns&feature=related

Transfers Wheelchair to Bed to WC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAXGHJjDWX0&feature=related

Paraplegic Demonstrates Falling from a Wheelchair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hvQj6yh86I&feature=related

More adventures

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

Paraplegic getting dressed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Wiy370jGk&feature=related

Quadriplegics: bed mobility and dressing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_EGCPmnqB8

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Disability, Sexuality and Rights Online Training

For an application and brochure with complete course information, click here. Applications are due December 18, 2009.

http://web.creaworld.org/home.asp  

National Conference on ICTs for the differently- abled/under privileged communities in Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship 2009 - (NCIDEEE 2009)

For details visit http://www.cis-india.org/events/ncideee-2009

October 2009 - CBR Forum - E- News Bulletin

A: INDIA

Orissa’s new list of poor to include AIDS patients, disabled

Bhubaneswar, Oct 16 (IANS) The Orissa government Friday announced that a new list of people below poverty line (BPL) will be prepared by January 2010 and will include HIV and AIDS patients, physically handicapped people and backward tribes.

Read more: http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/orissas-new-list-of-poor-to-include-aids-patients-disabled_100261666.html#ixzz0UBZuyaMY

RTE Bill to include all categories of disabilities

Just a month after it was passed by Parliament, the Right to Education (RTE) Act is set to be amended to include all categories of differently-abled children in its ambit.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rte-bill-to-include-all-categories-of-disabilities/519678/#

Go door-to-door to find disabled children denied education: HC

The Delhi High Court has asked the state’s Education department to knock on every door in the Capital to identify disabled children who are denied their right to go to school.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/go-doortodoor-to-find-disabled-children-denied-education-hc/522249/

Free study for disabled at central schools

New Delhi, Oct. 15: The human resource development ministry has decided to exempt differently abled students from tuition fees at Kendriya Vidyalayas across India for the first time to thwart potentially embarrassing protests against a recent fee hike.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091016/jsp/frontpage/story_11621902.jsp

Free education for physically disabled, incentives for rural colleges: VC

CHENNAI: University of Madras vice chancellor G Thiruvasagam on Wednesday unveiled a slew of proposed social initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education to the underprivileged and those living in rural areas.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Free-education-for-physically-disabled-incentives-for-rural-colleges-VC/articleshow/5125208.cms

Hearing impaired girl wins legal battle against GTU

AHMEDABAD: A 17-year-old girl with hearing impairment, Rachna Shah, heaved a sigh of relief when she was allowed to take her diploma exams on Friday after a prolonged legal battle for justice. The Gujarat Technological University (GTU) had to permit her to appear for the test after a Gujarat High Court order in her favour on Thursday. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/ahmedabad/Hearing-impaired-girl-wins-legal-battle-against-GTU/articleshow/5029172.cms

‘Right to Read’ campaign launched

To highlight the issues faced by persons with print disability – those deprived of Indian books due to unfriendly copyright regulations – a group of organisations launched the Right To Read (R2R) campaign on September 26. 

The campaign, jointly launched by the Bangalore-based Centre for Internet and Society (CIS), Daisy Forum of India (DFI), bookbole.com and Inclusive Planet, kickstarted at Loyola College in Chennai on Saturday.

www.righttoread.in

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/27678/right-read-campaign-launched.html

http://www.youtube.com/user/ndtvhindu#play/uploads/0/o4sQ-ycaoBw

http://www.youtube.com/user/ndtvhindu#play/uploads/0/Q5HCm2evUYE

Yet an other breakthrough by Viklang Manch!!

C.P. Joshi, Hon. Minister for Rural Development, Govt. of India unconditionally agrees and announces to consider Disabled person as a separate House-hold for accessing work under NREGS!!!

For more details contact - victorjohnc@gmail.com

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.

http://beta.thehindu.com/education/issues/article26419.ece

Film Festival kickstarted in Chennai

A host of celebrities were present for the launch the International Disability Film Festival, organised by the Ability Foundation, that was 

kickstarted on Monday evening.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parties/chennai/Film-Festival-kickstarted-in-Chennai/articleshow/5120192.cms

Films with sub-titles, audio descriptions for people with disabilities

CHENNAI: Jaladhi Umasankar (30), who runs a recording company in the city, loves cinema but stopped going to cinema halls after 2002 when he lost 

his sight because of retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition that damages the optic nerve.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Films-with-sub-titles-audio-descriptions-for-people-with-disabilities/articleshow/5099529.cms

Rape victim's care: UT-trust deadlock on

CHANDIGARH: The issue of guardianship of the specially abled woman, who got pregnant after she was raped in Nari Niketan, Sector 26, could not be resolved when UT administration and National Trust (for welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities) officials met here on Saturday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/chandigarh/Rape-victims-care-UT-trust-deadlock-on/articleshow/5060962.cms

All hopes hang on UT administrator: Abidi

CHANDIGARH: Convener of Disability Rights Groups, Javed Abidi, on Sunday said the Nari Niketan’s mentally-retarded rape victim’s future was a case of national importance in terms of how sensitive the state is towards its specially-abled citizens. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/chandigarh/All-hopes-hang-on-UT-administrator-Abidi/articleshow/5063379.cms

Mental healthcare needs a revamp

About 85 per cent of India’s mentally ill don’t have access to care. As the emphasis shifts to enhancing treatment on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day, a look at the ills that afflict our healthcare system… 

http://www.hindu.com/mag/2009/10/11/stories/2009101150020100.htm

Not enough help for mentally challenged

Dr B N Gangadhar, Professor of Psychiatry at Nimhans says that while one per cent of the population develop serious mental disorders, 10 per cent suffer from milder symptoms of mental illnesses.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/29760/not-enough-help-mentally-challenged.html

Disabled seek agency to register modified vehicles

CHENNAI: Laws are supposed to benefit citizens. But an amendment made to the Central Motor Vehicles Act to ensure that people with disabilities can have a safe ride on the road has hit a roadblock as the state does not have any authorised facility to certify modifications made to two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Disabled-seek-agency-to-register-modified-vehicles/articleshow/5143484.cms

Chandigarh admin to allot 113 built up booths to disabled persons

CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Administration has decided to allot 113 built-up booths, 71 in Sector 38 and 42 in Sector 40, to the disabled persons under the scheme “Licensing of Bare Booth Sites/Built-up Booths to Persons with Disabilities Scheme-2009,” notified by the Chandigarh Administration in March, 2009. The area of each booth will be about 7.36 square yards.

http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/19122/93/

'Hold camps for issuing disability certificates'

CHANDIGARH: Home secretary Ram Niwas on Thursday asked the health department to organize camps in the schools for issuance of disability identity certificate, so that, pension and other benefits could be offered to them easily.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/chandigarh/Hold-camps-for-issuing-disability-certificates/articleshow/5053110.cms

First in country, databank of persons with disabilities

CHANDIGARH: In a first of its kind initiative in the country, the department of psychiatry at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 

32, plans to create a databank of all persons suffering from disabilities, mental as well as physical, residing in the city and peripheral areas in one year’s time.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/chandigarh/First-in-country-databank-of-persons-with-disabilities/articleshow/5044737.cms

Punjabi University to set up vocational centre for disabled

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has approved the construction of a Centre of Research and Vocational Training for Physically Disabled at Punjabi University.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/punjabi-university-to-set-up-vocational-centre-for-disabled/526934/

World body serves an ace for wheelchair tennis in India

MUMBAI: For differently-abled tennis buffs in the city, there's reason to cheer. India is among the countries the International Tennis Federation 

(ITF) has zeroed in on to promote wheelchair tennis. The ITF in association with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) has identified three cities-Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai-where locals will be encouraged to take up the sport starting at the regional level, and eventually on the international circuit.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/World-body-serves-an-ace-for-wheelchair-tennis-in-India/articleshow/5125391.cms

Differently-abled Pernem girl receives national award

MARGAO: A lack of self esteem on account of a negative self image and a fallout of social attitudes is believed to be the most difficult challenge  for the differently-abled. However, given the right environment and opportunities, many differently abled people can make a rich contribution to their communities.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Differently-abled-Pernem-girl-receives-national-award/articleshow/5074412.cms

Disabled world champ debarred from exams

SAMBALPUR: Pramod Bhagat's joys knew no bounds after winning the world championship in badminton for the disabled in Seoul recently. But Pramod's  institute in Hirakud decided to "honour" him differently. The promising lad was debarred him from appearing in the final exams because of poor attendance.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/bhubaneswar/Disabled-world-champ-debarred-from-exams/articleshow/5073180.cms

By, of and for the disabled

Advocate K.Kathiresan is an agent of change for the physically and mentally challenged individuals

http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2009/09/24/stories/2009092450810100.htm

Educators urged to play proactive role

MYSORE: Emphasising the need for educators to play proactive role in bringing about changes in school administration, speech-language pathologist Indira Nair said they must promote inclusive education in special schools.  Speaking after inaugurating a workshop on audiology for educators of children with hearing impairment, she said the educators must be sensitized about the trends in audiology.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Educators-urged-to-play-proactive-role/articleshow/5137045.cms

Learning to Live with Dyslexia

The film ‘Taare Zameen Par’ might have for the first time created some responsiveness in public mind in India about dyslexia also known as Specific Learning Disorder.

http://www.daijiworld.com/chan/exclusive_arch.asp?ex_id=1173

B: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Deaf medical student won't let disability get in way

WINNIPEG - The first-year University of Manitoba medical student is like most other aspiring doctors. She lugs textbooks around. She survives marathon study sessions. And she attends classes all day. But during lectures - while other students concentrate on the professor's words - Jack, 23, focuses on two figures positioned at a podium in the front of the classroom.

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/liveit/article/829676

Disabled woman's unborn baby row

(UKPA) – 8 hours ago

A pregnant woman with a learning disability could face having her child taken into care after it is born.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gzZFVRdz2rBNpIsN6_oRUQuPNIWA

Enhanced Open Door Fund for persons with disabilities launched

SINGAPORE : The employment of persons with disabilities received a boost with the launch of the Enhanced Open Door Fund on Saturday.

New features have been added to the fund, which provides incentives to encourage companies to hire more of them.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1013481/1/.html#

Russia's disabled suffer neglect and abuse

The BBC has obtained shocking evidence of the abuse and prejudice which campaigners say is widespread against the estimated 13 million people with disabilities in Russia.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8302633.stm

Do Kids with Disabilities Strain or Strengthen Our Schools?

So what goes through your mind when you see a child with cerebral palsy using a wheelchair, an adolescent with the social short-circuiting of Aspergers, or a kid whose speech isn’t as quick and facile as his peers?

http://www.businessweek.com/careers/workingparents/blog/archives/2009/09/kids_with_disab.html

Abuse led UK woman to kill disabled daughter, self

LONDON — Years of torment from young neighbors led a despairing single mother to kill herself and her disabled daughter, and police inaction contributed to the deaths, a British inquest jury ruled Monday.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h9CvUMmWaHWwdECzD058FMnM7bUAD9B0NDQO0

Spotlight on disability hate crime

It has been suggested the case of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her 18-year-old disabled daughter Francecca after being hounded by local youths, could mark a turning point in society's reaction to disability hate crime.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8280577.stm

Ex-VP trader sues Goldman for disability dismissal

NEW YORK, Sept 30 (Reuters) - A former Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) vice president and trader accused the firm of dismissing her last year because of a disability

http://www.reuters.com/article/etfNews/idUSN3021927620090930

Disabled boy kept tethered to couch, police say

South Salt Lake » A man arrested for chaining a mentally handicapped boy to a couch became the child's caretaker when the boy's mother was sent to a psychiatric hospital, a relative said Thursday.

http://www.sltrib.com/Utah/ci_13569262#

Coventry climbers leave disabled pal on Mount Snowdon

A GROUP of Coventry climbers took their disabled pal up Mount Snowdon - and abandoned him half way up.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2009/10/20/coventry-climbers-leave-disabled-pal-on-mount-snowdon-92746-24966770/

Program gives students with disabilities glimpse of career options

Kiare Burke, 19, got a taste of photography in an internship he had at Florida State University. It was enough to spark his interest in a career.

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20090930/BUSINESS/909300311/Program+gives+students+with+disabilities+glimpse+of+career+

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

New Zealand Sign Language Version of the Convention

The New Zealand Sign Language version of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is now available. New Zealand is the second country after Hungary to produce a full translation of the CRPD into its national sign language.

http://www.odi.govt.nz/nzsl-video/un-convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html

Include Samuel - Habib’s award-winning documentary film

Before his son Samuel was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, photojournalist Dan Habib rarely thought about the inclusion of people with disabilities. Now he thinks about inclusion every day. Shot and produced over four years, Habib’s award-winning documentary film, Including Samuel, chronicles the Habib family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives.

http://www.includingsamuel.com/about/about-the-film.aspx

The Sphere Project

Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response

http://www.sphereproject.org/

http://sphereindia.org.in/

Report on: The Current State of Health Care for People with Disabilities

http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2009/pdf/HealthCare.pdf

Report on Human Rights & Health - Persons with Mental Disabilities

http://www.paho.org/ENGLISH/DD/PUB/10069_Mental.pdf

Empowered - Leonard Cheshire Disability South Asia's News Letter

Empowered LCD South Asia's News Letter,

January - June, 2009, Volume 5, No. 1

http://www.lcdsouthasia.org/empowered-vol5-issue1

World Deaf Information Resource Project

http://cips.gallaudet.edu/wdi.xml

Asia-Pacific EFA e-Newsletter September 2009

http://www.unescobkk.org/education/efa/

September 2009 Vol-4 No-9 Newsletter of Design For All Institute of India

http://www.designforall.in/newsletter_Sep2009.pdf

Disability Support Group

Arogya.com - The problems of people with disability are varied. Then, there is also basic ignorance and apathy which they have to consciously deal with.

http://www.aarogya.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=985&Itemid=1004

D: ANNOUNCEMENTS

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Thursday, 3 December 2009

Theme “Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world”

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1484

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1470

Bachelor’s in Sign Language: IGNOU

A Bachelor's programme in sign language has been introduced by Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou). A four-year programme, it entails a one year foundation course that imparts English language and sign language skills. Students who have completed class 10 are eligible for the programme.

http://education.indiatimes.com/educationTimes/getArticleDetail.do?sectionid=5&articleid=200909212009092112551745342ae579&type=B&key=BOX2&sectionname=Distance%20Learning

World Osteoporosis Day (WOD)

World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) which falls on October 20th 2009 is part of the two year campaign to galvanize worldwide support to influence positive changes in government and private healthcare policies to recognize osteoporosis as a priority health issue. Through the theme ‘Stand tall - Speak out for your bones’, the initiatives seek to address improvement in detection, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

http://www.medindia.net/news/healthinfocus/World-Osteoporosis-Day-2009-59615-1.htm#