Volume 3 Issue 9

Feature

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  Networking for strength
  D.P.I.-Asia Pacific regional workshop and assembly in Bangkok deliberated on several important disability issues in the region. Dr. Anita Ghai and Ram Goel provide a first-hand report.

Interview

• "A parent alone can understand the problems of a child with mental disability": J.P. Gadkari
  J.P. Gadkari, President of Parivaar, shares his views about the appointment of a Chairperson for the National Trust.

News

• Abidi to fast unto death unless GAIL reinstates its disabled employees
  The insensitive and reckless dismissal of four disabled employees from GAIL in January 2004 has left Javed Abidi no option but to fast unto death, unless their jobs are restored.
• Campaign for reservation in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council
  Disabled activists in Andhra Pradesh are campaigning for 3% reservation for disabled persons in the State Legislative Council.
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  Legal cell for persons with disabilities launched in Orissa
  Swabhiman, in collaboration with N.C.P.E.D.P., launched a legal cell in Orissa for disabled people.
• N.H.R.C. provides relief to mentally ill undertrials
  N.H.R.C.’s guidelines (for welfare of mental health of prison undertrials and convicts) were triggered by a mentally ill undertrial who languished in prison for 19 years, without being convicted of the murder charges against him
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  Blind cricketers from India and Pakistan meet in five-match series
  The A.C.B.I. organised a five-day cricket match series for visually impaired cricketers from India and Pakistan.
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  International conference on Disability Rehabilitation
  The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Rehabilitation Council of India held an international conference in the Capital to discuss human resource development in disability rehabilitation issues in South Asian countries.
• ASTHA workshop discusses disability issues
  ASTHA organised a two-day workshop from 2 to 3 April, 2005, on the ‘Implementation of the Persons with Disability, Equal Opportunity, Protection of Rights and Full Participation Act’.
• Disabled children honoured at annual National Bal Shree Awards
  This year’s Bal Shree awards included four disabled children, from around the country, being honoured for their creativity in art, performance, writing and scientific innovation.
• No subways for disabled people in New Delhi
  Lack of funds, sensitivity and awareness in planning and architecture, have barred disabled people and the elderly population of the city from using subways, pushing them out on the roads to fend for themselves.
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  Indians most vulnerable to AIDS
  Recent studies have revealed that the Indian genetic make up is most susceptible to acquiring AIDS. This accounts for the vast increase in the number of AIDS patients every year.