Volume 4 Issue 1

Feature

• 
  
  Disability Sector gets star power with an unprecedented pitch for barrier-free India
  

  In a nation where people worship Bollywood icons, getting the best that is there today to speak and perform in support of the ‘National Campaign for Barrier-Free India’ is a great feat for advocacy of the cause, says Parvinder Singh about Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Temptations 2005' held recently in New Delhi.

Interview

• 
  
  Shah Rukh Khan & Rani Mukerjee as ambassadors of Disability Rights
  

  The mega Bollywood entertainment event “Temptations 2005” held in support of N.C.P.E.D.P. became a major platform for dissemination of awareness and raising funds for a barrier-free India. It also presented Shah Rukh Khan (S.R.K.) and Rani Mukerjee as ambassadors of Disability Rights. Following are a few selected quotes from their media interactions in Mumbai and Delhi.

News

• 
  
  Poonam Natarajan appointed National Trust Chairperson
  

  In a major victory for India’s disability sector, Poonam Natarajan, a 20-year veteran in the sector and head of Chennai-based Vidya Sagar, has been appointed as the Chairperson of National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

• 
  
  National Disability Policy approved by Union Cabinet
  

  The Union Cabinet has approved a National Policy for Disabled People at a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

• W.D.D. celeberations by N.D.N. partners in Jharkhand, Sikkim & Goa
  

  Thousands of people from across the country participated in the World Disability Day (W.D.D.) celebrations on 3 December 2005. The year held a very special significance in India as it was the 10th year of passing of The Disability Act, 1995. The disability sector celebrated the Day with the common theme of “The tenth year of the Disability Act – It’s time for ACT10N”.

• 
  
  Heart patients not entitled to benefits under Disabilities Act: HC
  

  The Delhi High Court has ruled that people suffering from heart ailments are not entitled to benefits under the Disability Act 1995 for the purpose of seeking a government job.

• Disaster Management Bill passed sans disability component
  

  Several legislations that have been cleared by Parliament in the recent sessions have missed out on addressing the concerns raised by the disability sector.

• 
  
  Air Deccan to charge additional Rs. 500 from passengers using wheelchair
  

  In a discriminatory policy move, Air Deccan has announced an additional charge of Rs. 500 for passengers using wheelchairs while fixing a ceiling of four wheelchair users per flight.

• Deaf Cricket Association demands affiliation with B.C.C.I.
  

  In a step towards mainstreaming of sportspersons with disabilities, the All-India Cricket Association for the Deaf (A.I.C.A.D.) demanded affiliation with the Board of Cricket Control of India (B.C.C.I.). A delegation from A.I.C.A.D. met the B.C.C.I. President with this demand.

• 
  
  Neglect & stigma causing exclusion of children with disabilities: UNICEF
  

  Most among an estimated 150 million children with disabilities in the world face exclusion on a daily basis, says a recent global report by UNICEF.

• Dementia likely to double every 20 years world-wide, developing countries to be worst hit
  

  Sixty per cent of people with dementia live in developing countries and the figure is expected to rise to 71 per cent by the year 2040, says a recent global study.

• 
  
  Sharon, the world’s best blind golfer
  

  Turning his disability into a challenge, Sharon, an Israeli citizen, has earned the honour of being the world’s best blind golfer. Since 2003, Sharon has won International Blind Golfers’ tournaments in Scotland, Australia, United States and Canada. He has beaten a slew of sighted golfers, too.