FeatureAbility Amplified
Volume 03, Issue 34
Monday, 31 October 2011 13:26
At first glance, Javed Tak would seem like a man with a disability, a man who has resigned himself to a life of pity and regrets. Arshid Dar reports on how this man refused to settle for societal labels, and created a life for himself, inspiring others in the process.
The scars of a wounded Kashmir run deep. Two decades of conflict in Kashmir have deeply affected the lives of people, their health, economic status, access to education and work. Such adversity often brings out the best or the worst in people. Javed Ahmed Tak, however, turned his adversity into ambition.
On the intervening night of 21 and 22 March 1997, Tak, 21, was injured and maimed in a shootout by unidentified gunmen in his relative’s home. “Bullets pierced through his spinal cord, liver, kidney, pancreas, spleen and intestines,” says his brother. “His right kidney, spleen, part of his liver and intestines were removed.” The spine surgery he underwent did not change much, and he was left paraplegic and bed-ridden for over three years.
After a period of severe depression, Tak started free tuitions for poor children in addition to pursuing his own studies. “He kept himself busy tutoring children of his locality for hours,” says his father. “That helped him overcome his depression and trauma to some extent.”
Tak enjoyed teaching and wanted to pursue it further. He enrolled for two distance education certificate courses through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)—Human Rights and Computing. As he gradually gained more confidence, Tak began working for the rights of the physically and mentally challenged.
“For the poor and disabled in my locality, life is quite difficult and miserable,” says Tak. “Disabled people mostly depend on social security. There are no provisions for them to be gainfully employed and live with dignity. So, I decided to make a living on my own.”
Tak studied Social Work at Kashmir University. While he was a student there, his struggles compelled university authorities to place ramps at the entrance of seven buildings—including hostels, the administrative block and the examination block. “Javed has that enthusiasm and positive energy that usually people born with disabilities lack—because of the societal stigma that they have to carry with them all their lives,” says Shaheel Mohammad, Coordinator for the Special Cell for Physically Challenged at University of Kashmir, and Tak’s friend.
When Tak completed his degree in Social Work, he began working for welfare and rights of disabled people. In addition to seeking support from community leaders, Tak filed public interest litigations in J&K High Court. The PIL led to the government services recruitment board to implement reservations for the physically challenged. “We wish we could get our due so that we could prove ourselves as real contributors in the development of our state. But there are constant obstacles in the road towards our empowerment, and that is hampering the integration of disabled people into mainstream society,” Tak explains. “Even for a 4th class appointment, the basic criterion is Matric pass—regardless of if one is normal or disabled. How can we expect empowerment in such a situation,” Tak complains.
Tak established “HELPLINE-Humanity Welfare Organization,” a center for people with special needs, including those affected by militancy in 2003. His persistent efforts and struggles made it possible for him to create the organization, with the help of the students he would tutor for free. Despite having no background in such affairs, they came together with the common desire to serve poor children. They started collecting used books, uniforms, and stationery. Finally, the group worked for disability issues, as their mentor—Tak—was disabled.
“The amount he received as ex-gratia relief against his disability was spent on the first activities of the organization. Today, the group is registered under the Registrar of Societies in Srinagar,” says SajadTak, project holder and Javed’s brother. “We advocate the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. So far, we have succeeded in filing a PIL in the J&K High Court, which resulted in formulating the policy for physically challenged, and provision of 3 percent reservations in employment and education. Scholarships for academic and professional courses were all included in the policy. We organize workshops on child rights, disability rights and women empowerment,” he adds.
What started as the only organization in Jammu and Kashmir catering to people with special needs has blossomed into an umbrella organization supporting several causes.
Among the first missions of the Humanity Welfare Organization was running a computer center for the poor, physically challenged and orphaned individuals for Rs.100, and free of cost for those below the poverty line and those orphaned due to militancy. “We started with a single computer, and today we operate a complete lab with 14 computers and certifications from DOACC and NCPUL,” says AadilVaid, project coordinator for the cell.
Additionally, the HWO operates Samanbal, a women’s center in Anantnag, in collaboration with WISCOMP. Samanbal provides education and computer literacy to girls from families that live below the poverty line and empowers them to face life’s challenges.
With all the optimism Javed could muster, he carried on, but life was never easy. In 2006, he started raising funds for the rehabilitation of disabled people. He received around Rs. 17000 in the first years, which later grew to Rs. 1.5 lakh a year. Tak established a special school called the ZaibaAapa Institute of Inclusive Education, in 2007. All expenses came from his ex-gratia relief.The school is the first of its kind in the rural areas, where 40 disabled children from this area are provided education completely free of cost. “We have a vision of making it an inclusive school, where everyone can benefit,” says Tak.
Today the school’s education system includes the Braille system of education and vocational training. “The school was first started with only visually impaired children, and later on children suffering from hearing impairments, orthopedic impairments and mental retardation were added,” says Musarat Andrabi, principal of the special school.
“All of this started in 1997, when Saima, a girl with partial vision, dropped out of a school. After rapidly losing her vision, her parents gave up on her education,” says Feroze Bhat, rehabilitation therapist and Braille expert at the school. But now, Saima, who studies in 5th standard, says she enjoys her studies. “Now I can teach others Braille,” she says proudly.
Three buildings make up the school in this small town. A few changes like constructing ramps have been made for the benefit of differently-abled children. “We are fully supported by public donations. We are paying an annual rent of over one lakh rupees, fuel expenses of about one and a half lakh, and salary for the staff from the collections,” says Sajad Tak. “When the school started gaining popularity, a Delhi-based NGO called CRY (Child Relief and You) helped them with Rs. 7 lakh every year. This accounts for the salary of the project and other expenses for events that we hold,” he added.
“We run classes and even take care of the special needs of these children,” says the school principal. “We have engaged physiotherapists, rehabilitation therapists, vocational trainers, sign language and Braille experts for the school. We also take the services of a computer instructor, music instructor and other part-time faculty.”
“The specially-needed equipment for this type of school includes simulation phsyio balls, sprints and weight cuffs,” says SaimaNarchor, a physiotherapist at the school.
“Currently, we are providing transport facilities to the kids so we can pick them up and drop them home from school, as most parents are not willing to invest in a child who is differently-abled,” says FerozeBhat. “We have vans donated by the Indian Navy and the Jammu and Kashmir Police for this purpose.”
The Governor of the State presented Helen Keller Awards-2011 to a hearing impaired student, IrtizaNisar, for excelling in academics, and to a special instructor of the Institute, Feroz Ahmad Bhat, for his outstanding contribution in imparting Braille education to the physically challenged children. The Governor also presented a cheque of one lakh rupees to the Zaiba Appa Institute of Inclusive Education towards the education of the physically challenged children
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Most of the blind people in JK are hidden or confined to four walls.
White cane
A symbol of freedom for blind
By Javed Ahmad Tak
White Cane Day is observed world-wide to recognize the movement of blind people from dependency to full participation in society.
The white cane stands as a recognized symbol of blindness and as a symbol affirming the right of blind people to exercise the same rights and responsibilities as others. While the white cane has liberated blind people, allowing them to travel safely and independently, the blind will only achieve full liberation when the public learns to view blind people as having the ability to work and live as others in society.
At one time blind people faced lives of isolation and dependency. The opportunity for an education, employment, and social integration were rare and beyond the expectation of most blind people.
Accordingly, society and blind people themselves learned to view blindness as representing helplessness and dependency on their families or on the charity of the community. Fortunately, today opportunities for blind people are much better than in the recent past. Increasingly, blind people are finding that with access to specialized skills and materials, they can compete in education and in employment and participate fully in all aspects of community life.
Many things have contributed to the improved condition of blind people, but perhaps two advances stand out as having brought about primary change. First is the ability to read and write. In the early 1800's, Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman, developed the system of reading by touch that enabled blind people to become literate and with that ability came the chance to acquire an education and to prepare for meaningful employment. But an education can only lead to employment if the blind person is able to travel independently and safely from his or her home to his or her job. Likewise, community integration requires the blind person to move from place to place without reliance on friends or family.
As far back as recorded time, blind people have used some form of cane or stick to assist them in moving safely in familiar and unfamiliar places. Still the people with blindness use these conventional sticks for their mobility in rural areas. The ability to travel independently by use of a white cane is basic to a blind person's confidence and ability to live a normal, productive life.
Mastery of the white cane gives blind people freedom and confidence. At its most basic level, the cane provides a clear path and alerts the blind person to drop-offs, such as curbs and steps, and to the presence of obstacles. Of course, good travel skills include much more than simply the ability to find a safe path.
Given proper training, the blind person acquires skills and strategies to gather information in the environment, to find his or her way in familiar and unfamiliar places. By use of the white cane, the individual is able to travel safely in buildings, shopping centres, and throughout his or her neighbourhood. Using traffic sounds blind people can cross streets with traffic lights.
Blind people also regularly use public transportation such as buses and subways. Of course, blind people often ask directions from others, however, it is generally not necessary to lead blind people from place to place. Perhaps the best advice is to take the lead of the blind person. If the blind person requires help, he or she will ask and will appreciate the assistance. As a practical tool, the cane is unprecedented in its contribution to the freedom of blind people.
In some places the white cane is accented with a red stripe at the top or bottom of the cane, but the red coloured tip is not necessary or standard throughout the world.
There is a tendency to view Braille and the white cane as nothing more than tools. Of course, they are tools--important tools, however their value is much greater than the granting of literacy and the freedom to move throughout the community. In a very real sense, Braille and the white cane are symbols of the fundamental equality of blind people and their ability to live full lives as contributing members of society.
Rather than being limited to lives of dependency and isolation, blind people today live productive lives, raising families participating in community life and working in a wide range of responsible jobs.
October 15, White Cane Day, marks not only the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets, but it is also intended to highlight for the public the movement of blind people from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people.
Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind people and the sighted public to come together in support of the movement of blind people toward full integration.
Blind people do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind people seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside sighted people in their communities.
We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is thinner. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities for the blind people. Mostly these blind people are dependent on the so called social security schemes that is Rs 400/- given to kinds of disable people through Social Welfare department.
On this observance of White Cane Day, we the differently able people, ask that all humans need to recognize the contributions blind people have made and ask that you join with us to open new and greater opportunities for blind people. We ask this not as an act of charity, but as an act of human rights, recognizing that all people should have the right and the opportunity to contribute and live a full and normal life.
According to Census 2001 Jammu and Kashmir has a population of 302,670 of persons with disabilities. Out of this population 2, 08,713 had disability in seeing. Still we see a few persons using the white cane and visible on roads or doing normal routine work. Most of the blind people in JK are hidden or confined to four walls. There is not a single school in the state to impart Braille education to the blind. Therefore blind people are forced to live a life of isolation and desperation. Today government of J&K needs to wake up and show seriousness in the matter. We have talented persons with blindness in our state. Their talents need to be explored and utilised. So that they are productive part of our society.
The author is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO Bijbehara Kashmir)
A symbol of freedom for blind
By Javed Ahmad Tak
White Cane Day is observed world-wide to recognize the movement of blind people from dependency to full participation in society.
The white cane stands as a recognized symbol of blindness and as a symbol affirming the right of blind people to exercise the same rights and responsibilities as others. While the white cane has liberated blind people, allowing them to travel safely and independently, the blind will only achieve full liberation when the public learns to view blind people as having the ability to work and live as others in society.
At one time blind people faced lives of isolation and dependency. The opportunity for an education, employment, and social integration were rare and beyond the expectation of most blind people.
Accordingly, society and blind people themselves learned to view blindness as representing helplessness and dependency on their families or on the charity of the community. Fortunately, today opportunities for blind people are much better than in the recent past. Increasingly, blind people are finding that with access to specialized skills and materials, they can compete in education and in employment and participate fully in all aspects of community life.
Many things have contributed to the improved condition of blind people, but perhaps two advances stand out as having brought about primary change. First is the ability to read and write. In the early 1800's, Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman, developed the system of reading by touch that enabled blind people to become literate and with that ability came the chance to acquire an education and to prepare for meaningful employment. But an education can only lead to employment if the blind person is able to travel independently and safely from his or her home to his or her job. Likewise, community integration requires the blind person to move from place to place without reliance on friends or family.
As far back as recorded time, blind people have used some form of cane or stick to assist them in moving safely in familiar and unfamiliar places. Still the people with blindness use these conventional sticks for their mobility in rural areas. The ability to travel independently by use of a white cane is basic to a blind person's confidence and ability to live a normal, productive life.
Mastery of the white cane gives blind people freedom and confidence. At its most basic level, the cane provides a clear path and alerts the blind person to drop-offs, such as curbs and steps, and to the presence of obstacles. Of course, good travel skills include much more than simply the ability to find a safe path.
Given proper training, the blind person acquires skills and strategies to gather information in the environment, to find his or her way in familiar and unfamiliar places. By use of the white cane, the individual is able to travel safely in buildings, shopping centres, and throughout his or her neighbourhood. Using traffic sounds blind people can cross streets with traffic lights.
Blind people also regularly use public transportation such as buses and subways. Of course, blind people often ask directions from others, however, it is generally not necessary to lead blind people from place to place. Perhaps the best advice is to take the lead of the blind person. If the blind person requires help, he or she will ask and will appreciate the assistance. As a practical tool, the cane is unprecedented in its contribution to the freedom of blind people.
In some places the white cane is accented with a red stripe at the top or bottom of the cane, but the red coloured tip is not necessary or standard throughout the world.
There is a tendency to view Braille and the white cane as nothing more than tools. Of course, they are tools--important tools, however their value is much greater than the granting of literacy and the freedom to move throughout the community. In a very real sense, Braille and the white cane are symbols of the fundamental equality of blind people and their ability to live full lives as contributing members of society.
Rather than being limited to lives of dependency and isolation, blind people today live productive lives, raising families participating in community life and working in a wide range of responsible jobs.
October 15, White Cane Day, marks not only the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets, but it is also intended to highlight for the public the movement of blind people from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people.
Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind people and the sighted public to come together in support of the movement of blind people toward full integration.
Blind people do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind people seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside sighted people in their communities.
We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is thinner. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities for the blind people. Mostly these blind people are dependent on the so called social security schemes that is Rs 400/- given to kinds of disable people through Social Welfare department.
On this observance of White Cane Day, we the differently able people, ask that all humans need to recognize the contributions blind people have made and ask that you join with us to open new and greater opportunities for blind people. We ask this not as an act of charity, but as an act of human rights, recognizing that all people should have the right and the opportunity to contribute and live a full and normal life.
According to Census 2001 Jammu and Kashmir has a population of 302,670 of persons with disabilities. Out of this population 2, 08,713 had disability in seeing. Still we see a few persons using the white cane and visible on roads or doing normal routine work. Most of the blind people in JK are hidden or confined to four walls. There is not a single school in the state to impart Braille education to the blind. Therefore blind people are forced to live a life of isolation and desperation. Today government of J&K needs to wake up and show seriousness in the matter. We have talented persons with blindness in our state. Their talents need to be explored and utilised. So that they are productive part of our society.
The author is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO Bijbehara Kashmir)
White Cane Day
White Cane Day
They don't let blindness come in their way
OCTOBER 15 BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Today marks the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets. This day also highlights the progress of blind from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people. Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind and people with normal vision to come together in support of the movement toward full integration.Visually impaired do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside others in their communities. We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is needed. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities. Mostly they are dependent on the so called social security schemes which fetch them nothing more than Rs 400/- which can't fulfill their needs.
On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the only blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. Eric is the first blind person to climb Mount Everest. Eric's achievement is symbolic of the desire of blind people throughout the world to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
In the same way Tariq Bashir a blind person from Andoora Shangus of district Anantnag completed Masters in History and qualified Kashmir Civil services (Prelims) exams but he was not allowed to take the facility of scribe in (Mains). Still Tariq didn’t gave up and qualified 10+2 Screening test and got through the interview conducted by JK Public Service Commission and got appointed as Lecturer History in School Education Department. Tariq is presently posted in District Institute of Education and Trainings Anantnag and is successfully working there.
Such individuals can become an example for others. On this day we salute the courage of such men and women who don't let disability come in their way to successs.
(Javed Ahmad Tak is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO)
They don't let blindness come in their way
OCTOBER 15 BY JAVED AHMAD TAK
Smaller Default Larger
Today marks the ability of blind people to walk safely on city streets. This day also highlights the progress of blind from poverty and isolation to full participation in community life. The white cane is a symbol of independence and a symbol of the dignity and capacity of blind people. Blind people need the understanding of the public. They need society to recognize their abilities and to give them a chance to demonstrate their talents.
White Cane Day is a time for blind and people with normal vision to come together in support of the movement toward full integration.Visually impaired do not want to be dependent on their families or on society. What keeps many blind people in dependency is not so much the blindness itself, but the lack of opportunity. Blind people need the chance to become educated, to develop their own interests and abilities, and the opportunity to seek employment on a fair and equal basis with others.
Blind seek understanding and recognition of their ability and desire to live and work alongside others in their communities. We have supporting laws and guiding rules to overcome these challenges or minimize the problems but the implementation at ground level is needed. JK Persons with Disabilities Act guarantees equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation for the persons with disabilities but it is unfortunate that so far the Act is on papers only and for 2 lakh blind people Jammu Kashmir state has no schooling facilities. Mostly they are dependent on the so called social security schemes which fetch them nothing more than Rs 400/- which can't fulfill their needs.
On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the only blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. Eric is the first blind person to climb Mount Everest. Eric's achievement is symbolic of the desire of blind people throughout the world to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
In the same way Tariq Bashir a blind person from Andoora Shangus of district Anantnag completed Masters in History and qualified Kashmir Civil services (Prelims) exams but he was not allowed to take the facility of scribe in (Mains). Still Tariq didn’t gave up and qualified 10+2 Screening test and got through the interview conducted by JK Public Service Commission and got appointed as Lecturer History in School Education Department. Tariq is presently posted in District Institute of Education and Trainings Anantnag and is successfully working there.
Such individuals can become an example for others. On this day we salute the courage of such men and women who don't let disability come in their way to successs.
(Javed Ahmad Tak is Honorary Chairman Humanity Welfare Organisation HELPline NGO)
Disability Rights
http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/helping-hand-18908.aspx
Helping hand
Monday, 05 Dec 2011 at 12:220
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents. Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma. Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities.
Helping hand
Monday, 05 Dec 2011 at 12:220
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents. Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma. Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities.
The differently-able people say they are feeling very bad about the larger community who treat them differently.“
Kashmir’s Disabled Lament Apathy
Despite an Act, no support coming
Zahid Maqbool
Srinagar: On the world disabled day, differently-able people in Kashmir are fighting for the basic rights amid the lack of implementation of J&K disabilities act laws from government and as well partial behavior from general public.
The J&K persons with Disability Act 1998 guarantees equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation has failed to empower people with disabilities because of negligence from successive regimes.“We had thought that it would help us now, but unfortunately it has hardly decreased our miseries. No one cares for us. Even after passing of more than 10 years law is not implemented” said Javed Ahmed Tak, Chairman,Humanity welfare organization Helpline an NGO.
The persons with disabilities also alleged that there is no provision or proper arrangement for education of their kind.“There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the state board and the universities in our state. There is no faculty for sign interpretation in our lone school for these children”. Tak said.
Talking about the discrimination of disabled children with other normal students in examinations he said, “Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete with the normal students. No extra time is given to students for answering the questions. Even in some cases where helper is allowed, no extra time is given to students.”
The differently-able people have even accused corporate houses of discrimination in employment and lack of provision in facilitating the movement of these people while constructing corporate buildings.
“There is no facility for facilitating our entry in corporate offices. I will give you an example of central corporate office of banks. I cannot go inside the building on my wheel chair. It is not only me, if tomorrow they will employ someone like me , how he will go up with it every day. There are no special software’s for Braille in ATM’s” .
The differently-able people say they are feeling very bad about the larger community who treat them differently.“Last time I went to an office for some official work. The officer told his subordinate to give him ten rupees.” I felt very bad. They think everyone on wheel chair is a beggar”
The Indian railways have barrier free entry in trains and railways stations but in Kashmir they have failed to provide so.
“We cannot go inside the train with wheel chair. It is not possible for us. As the entry is constructed in such a way that it becomes impossible for us to go inside” said, Hilal Mir.
Despite an Act, no support coming
Zahid Maqbool
Srinagar: On the world disabled day, differently-able people in Kashmir are fighting for the basic rights amid the lack of implementation of J&K disabilities act laws from government and as well partial behavior from general public.
The J&K persons with Disability Act 1998 guarantees equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation has failed to empower people with disabilities because of negligence from successive regimes.“We had thought that it would help us now, but unfortunately it has hardly decreased our miseries. No one cares for us. Even after passing of more than 10 years law is not implemented” said Javed Ahmed Tak, Chairman,Humanity welfare organization Helpline an NGO.
The persons with disabilities also alleged that there is no provision or proper arrangement for education of their kind.“There is no school with appropriate teaching facilities where children with disabilities can continue their education through special educators and appropriate learning material. There is no feasible curriculum available with the state board and the universities in our state. There is no faculty for sign interpretation in our lone school for these children”. Tak said.
Talking about the discrimination of disabled children with other normal students in examinations he said, “Some physically disabled students have less healthy upper limbs or arms still they have to compete with the normal students. No extra time is given to students for answering the questions. Even in some cases where helper is allowed, no extra time is given to students.”
The differently-able people have even accused corporate houses of discrimination in employment and lack of provision in facilitating the movement of these people while constructing corporate buildings.
“There is no facility for facilitating our entry in corporate offices. I will give you an example of central corporate office of banks. I cannot go inside the building on my wheel chair. It is not only me, if tomorrow they will employ someone like me , how he will go up with it every day. There are no special software’s for Braille in ATM’s” .
The differently-able people say they are feeling very bad about the larger community who treat them differently.“Last time I went to an office for some official work. The officer told his subordinate to give him ten rupees.” I felt very bad. They think everyone on wheel chair is a beggar”
The Indian railways have barrier free entry in trains and railways stations but in Kashmir they have failed to provide so.
“We cannot go inside the train with wheel chair. It is not possible for us. As the entry is constructed in such a way that it becomes impossible for us to go inside” said, Hilal Mir.
Disable people need to be included and not Excluded
Helping Hand
(Editorial in the Greater Kashmir)
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents.
Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma.
Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities
(Editorial in the Greater Kashmir)
Govt needs to go beyond token gestures to help people suffering from physical and mental disabilities
The World Disability Day, observed on 3rd of December, was marked by various functions, highlighting the plight of the physically disabled persons. On the occasion, we also get to hear the ministers and officials talk at length about the problems faced by physically disabled and the schemes meant for their welfare. They don’t go beyond the token gestures of giving prosthetic limbs, wheel chairs or cheques to some disabled persons. As a result, the real problems facing them remain unaddressed.
While the physically challenged persons have long been complaining about the government apathy, there has been no real effort on part of the authorities to address their grievances. Even the packages announced by New Delhi from time to time have nothing to offer to these hapless people. The preoccupation of the government to maintain law and order in the valley, particularly in the last three years, has meant that many vulnerable sections of the society continue to suffer. There has been a two-fold increase in the number of physically challenged persons in the valley over the last 10 years. According to Census 2001, there were around three lakh physically challenged persons across the state, which has increased to over seven lakh during the last 10 years. The increase in disability cases is attributed to firing, blasts, street protests and other such incidents.
Given the situation in the valley in the last three years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of persons rendered handicap in police and CRPF action. Persons who survive bullet and pellet injuries add to the ever-growing list. There has also been a surge in the mental disorder cases in the past two decades. Some non-governmental organizations like Medicos Sans Frontiers (MSF) have been doing their bit to help the people suffering from anxiety, depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to MSF, 30 per cent of patients in the valley are suffering from anxiety and depression, 18 per cent are suffering from mental illness as a result of physical health problems, 15 per cent are mood related disorders and rest are suffering from psychological instability, domestic problems and trauma.
Among the affected lot, 60 per cent are women. Furthermore, during its studies, MSF has discovered that 50 per cent of these cases have trauma background and in one way or the other related to conflict. The government must take concrete steps to alleviate their sufferings. The government must live up to its claims of improving health sector. It must work for the betterment of persons suffering from physical and mental disabilities
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Children with Disabilities not considered as children in Kashmir
'No facilities for special children in Kashmir'
ZULFIQAR AHMAD
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Srinagar, Nov 14: Despites spending hundreds of crores on education system in Jammu and Kashmir, State Government has failed to provide facilities for special children in Kashmir.
“Education system in the State has been made for children with high levels of concentration and attention. These might be the majority of children, but they are not the all. There is a good percentage of children who are with intellectual and artistic deficiencies and other communication disorders,” Valley’s noted psychiatrist Dr Arshid Hussain told Greater Kashmir.
He said there is a need to recognize the strengths of special children so that there areas of strength are utilized. “This only can be done only when we have proper remedial educational facilities available in schools,” he suggested.
Dr Hussain said that a few years back he had a patient with Aspergers problem. “He was student of a missionary school in Srinagar, but wasn’t able to cope up with the studies due to Aspergers. His parents were forced to take him to Dheradun where they admitted him in a special school,” he said.
“Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems,” he added.
Abid Hussain, a J&K Bank employee whose daughter Sania Zehra is studying in Dehradun special school for the last eight years has a dreadful experience to share.
“Sania was blind by birth and till 12 years of age she was sitting at home. Then one day in 2003 I came to know about special schools run in Dehradun. I immediately took Sania to Dehradun and admitted her there,” Abid said.
After interview Sania, she was admitted in 5th standard as she was having high IQ. She topped CBSE 10th class exams in 2009.
“That was the happiest moment of my life as my loving daughter made me proud despite being handicapped,” Abid said.
Javed Ahmad Tak, who runs Humanity Welfare Organisation, a NGO dedicated for the welfare of disabled, says that percentage of special children is much higher than actually shown in the census. “Census is not showing the right figures as people hesitate to disclose the details of disabled children due to social stigma attached with it. Partially and fully there are thousands of special children in Kashmir who need attention,” he said.
According to unofficial statistics J&K has the highest percentage of blind population of India.
“Despite the fact, there isn’t even a single school meant for blind children in the Valley. Though ministry of Social Justice runs a center in Bemina here, it lacks the basic facilities,” Tak added
ZULFIQAR AHMAD
Smaller Default Larger
Srinagar, Nov 14: Despites spending hundreds of crores on education system in Jammu and Kashmir, State Government has failed to provide facilities for special children in Kashmir.
“Education system in the State has been made for children with high levels of concentration and attention. These might be the majority of children, but they are not the all. There is a good percentage of children who are with intellectual and artistic deficiencies and other communication disorders,” Valley’s noted psychiatrist Dr Arshid Hussain told Greater Kashmir.
He said there is a need to recognize the strengths of special children so that there areas of strength are utilized. “This only can be done only when we have proper remedial educational facilities available in schools,” he suggested.
Dr Hussain said that a few years back he had a patient with Aspergers problem. “He was student of a missionary school in Srinagar, but wasn’t able to cope up with the studies due to Aspergers. His parents were forced to take him to Dheradun where they admitted him in a special school,” he said.
“Children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound mental retardation; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems,” he added.
Abid Hussain, a J&K Bank employee whose daughter Sania Zehra is studying in Dehradun special school for the last eight years has a dreadful experience to share.
“Sania was blind by birth and till 12 years of age she was sitting at home. Then one day in 2003 I came to know about special schools run in Dehradun. I immediately took Sania to Dehradun and admitted her there,” Abid said.
After interview Sania, she was admitted in 5th standard as she was having high IQ. She topped CBSE 10th class exams in 2009.
“That was the happiest moment of my life as my loving daughter made me proud despite being handicapped,” Abid said.
Javed Ahmad Tak, who runs Humanity Welfare Organisation, a NGO dedicated for the welfare of disabled, says that percentage of special children is much higher than actually shown in the census. “Census is not showing the right figures as people hesitate to disclose the details of disabled children due to social stigma attached with it. Partially and fully there are thousands of special children in Kashmir who need attention,” he said.
According to unofficial statistics J&K has the highest percentage of blind population of India.
“Despite the fact, there isn’t even a single school meant for blind children in the Valley. Though ministry of Social Justice runs a center in Bemina here, it lacks the basic facilities,” Tak added
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