VVTHE OOIICCEEJAN-JUNE 2006 FOD Vol XV No. 1 OF FOD INDIA’S FIRST MAGAZINE ON DISABILITY RS. 30.00

ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM A Distant Dream

DISABILITY As Perceived By Comedians With Disabilities

AHMED SHAH HASHMI Running An Eatery - His Left Hand Job

DISABLED FRIENDLY BUILDINGS An Architect’s Viewpoint

ACCEPT ME AS I AM With My Disability

READ AND RELAY THE PUBLICATION voiceTHE CONTENTS OF FOD Editor and Publisher Rajinder Johar Editorial 5

Sub-editor Transportation : Ingeniosity reigns 6 Preeti Johar Radhika Gupta

Members Ahmed Shah Hashmi : From missile to masala 11 Rachna Yadav Rakesh Kumar Jha Rubina Mohan Suneel Rao Society’s attitude towards the disabled 14 Swaran Gambhir Reema Bansal Karnataka Chapter 418, Ist Main, Ist Block, The Journey... 15 R.T. Nagar, Bangalore-560032 A poem by Sanil Kumar Tel: 080-23330200, 23535787 Fax : 26615101 Universal designs : Vision for the future 16 E-mail: [email protected] Sanil Kumar Coordinator : Ali Khwaja High time we got into the driving seat! 18 Editorial and FOD Registered Offce Preeti Monga B-1/500, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058, India Stroke : Physiotherapeutic Management 20 Tel: 91-11-25597328, 41570140 Raju Kumar and Bharat Kharya E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.familyofdisabled.org Whatsay? Comedians with disabilities 23

Printed by How amazing? 24 Graphic Syndicate A-31, Naraina Industrial Area New Delhi-110 027 Questions and Answers 25 Tel: 011-32968355 The most beautiful flower 26 A poem from internet

Cover Page : Collage of vehicles, News 27 ingeniously modified by people with disabilities to suit their specific needs LIC Schemes for disabled people 39 Books and Films 40 Believe it or Not! and Health Capsules… courtesy ‘The Times of India’ Looking Back 42

The views and opinions expressed in this issue are of authors themselves.

FOD expresses its gratitude to the well wishers, benefactors and volunteers for their valued help in enhancing the organisation’s facilities and services to the target group. FOD looks forward to their continuing support in its endeavours. 4 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F OD 5 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F OD

hen people with disabilities are invited to participate in any kind of function or agitation, be it dharna, march, rally, etc. the organisers should be aware of the different disabilities and associated Wcomplications of the participants. The specific needs of disabled participants should be considered first, than, just concentrating on increasing the volume of the crowd for one’s own meagre gain. In one such function, organised by Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation, in Olatpur (Orissa), 150 physically disabled children were made to wait in the scorching sun for over five hours to hear president Abdul Kalam.

One of the children fainted while few others complained of stomachache, dizziness and nausea. Only at the intervention of the president, the children were moved under the shade near the dais. People using gadgets like wheelchairs, walkers, bilateral calipers and prosthesis extending beyond knee are the worst sufferers on such occasions.

Severely disabled individuals are also herded to the venue of demonstration or function with scant regard for their comfort and convenience. The organisers, who usually are the NGOs and institutions from disability sector display total insentivity and ignorance about the disability and associated complications of the participants. Success of any demonstration or function is measured numerically; the organisers’ delight lies in ‘‘the more the merrier.’’ It is generally observed that mentally retarded children, who form a major chunk of the crowd, are oblivious to the reason of their being a part of it.

Prolonged sitting in a wheelchair or wearing heavy gadgetry on such occasions or exposure to unfamiliar and unaccustomed environment in places like courts, government offices, waiting endlessly for their turn to be heard, too, can cause adverse effects on their body which may take long to recover and cause anxiety to the carers of the disabled individuals.

In an incidence of gross callousness, a quadriplegic bank account holder waiting in a wheelchair at the steps of a bank had to summon the police when his repeated requests failed to draw the attention of the bank staff to come out and listen to him. Though, even today the bank in question remains inaccessible to people with disabilities, however, the staff there now promptly turns up when he reaches the bank.

Should we not behave like a concerned and responsible society and do not let the police and other similar agencies to attend the petty needs of disabled people. In spite of increased media coverage about the improved general condition of disabled people and related issues the ground reality over the years has not changed much.

Arpita Ghosh, Ashish Tuli, Richa Bansal, Sanil Kumar and Tushar Arora extended their valued help in bringing out this issue of The Voice...

Nobody really cares if you are miserable, to you night as were be happy. Cynthia Nelms 6 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F OD

In today’s fast paced world, where there are new innovations daily to diminish global boundaries and increase speed, we still have a big mass of population for whom commuting remains a major challenge. Radhika Gupta, manager (HR), Genpact, a leading ITES company, explores the challenges faced by physically disabled people to commute safely and on-time to their desired destination, and the ingenious methods adopted by a few to fill the looming gap in technology to cater to their needs.

“What we have with us is not in our own hands but what we make out of all that we have is…” he technology dominated society that we are living to the conditions of road in our country, can’t find suitable in today bears testimony to the above statement. public or private modes of transport. Most that they can TGod did not give man wings to fly, yet the humans do is to get into their wheelchairs and have a stroll in the managed to reach the moon. With every single invention, vicinity. But wheelchairs are meant to help the user in boundaries across the globe are diminishing and the his/her mobility and definitely can’t be substituted for a world is becoming flat. Speed is the buzz word in today’s vehicle. They are meant to work as legs not as age. From bullock carts to motor bikes to cars to conveyance. helicopters and planes, and finally jets and even jumbo jets. We have come a long way! At least 7% of the population in India is disabled and surprisingly not even a single mode of public transport is But is each one of us able to take advantage of the reserved exclusively for them. In fact, ‘reserved for old numerous gadgets that have been developed for the and physically disabled’ is a signage that we see above benefit of mankind? Or for that matter, are enough a particular seat in the usual buses, trains and metros, gadgets actually being developed for the benefit of all? but being able to reach that space on their own is the When it comes to the physically disabled people, we biggest hurdle of all for people with physical disabilities, don’t see many things happening to make their lives especially wheelchair users. comfortable. The milestones achieved by any country can be gauged The matter of discomfort is not that nothing can be done by the measures it takes to help each less privileged but nothing is being done. In fact, there have been section of society. Many developed countries across the instances of unceremonious discontinuation of certain globe have various modes of public transport dedicated innovative measures meant for the welfare of people with exclusively to the needs of physically disabled people. disabilities. In fact, they have separate lanes and parking facilities for vehicles meant for the physically disabled (both public One of the biggest challenges faced by most of disabled as well as private) to ensure their safety as well as to let people is to commute conveniently, safely and on time them maintain the speed they are most comfortable at. to their desired destination. Unfortunately, not much has No doubt such improvement in infrastructure would take been done to cater to this basic need of theirs. Even years in a country like ours considering the poor condition those who muster courage to go on a bumpy ride owing of roads and priority issues like basic amenities to all still

March 9, is World Kidney Day. Nearly 1.5 lakh new End Stage Dysfunction are reported each year. Delhi Nephrology Society(DNS) 7 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F OD unresolved. But small measures such as introducing subsidies, it was incredibly inexpensive, and as a result, buses, auto-rickshaws, vans, etc which are disabled- malpractice and black-marketing was rampant. The friendly is an easier option and can help thousands of state-owned company realised the lacunae in the system, disabled people to commute their way to independence and instead of working with the government in and in turn to success! strengthening the system against malpractice, decided to stop production of the car altogether. On being Nothing significant has happened on the much- publicised enquired about the possibility of re-introducing the car, High Capacity Low Floor Bus system either; a company official retorted: “We already have automatic accommodation for two wheelchair passengers and versions of the Zen, Esteem and Wagon R. And anyway, pneumatically operated automatic access ramp, wide how do we make one common car (800cc) for persons twin doors that are fitted at the centre and front, which with different types of disabilities?” These cars cost almost permit three passengers to simultaneously board and double the cost of a Maruti 800. Considering the alight from the vehicle being few of the salient features in employment scenario for people with disabilities in India, it. In fact, six such buses have been operating in the city we wonder how many of them would be able to afford since November last year; initially plying on two routes, any of these cars that come with a premium, leave alone since they can only run on wide and levelled roads, they subsidy. were restricted to a single route. Increasing the customer base and capturing all potential customers is a very important rule of marketing and the marketing officials at Maruti and other privately owned car companies seem to have forgotten their fundamentals. In today’s age where every single customer matters, why can’t the car-manufacturing companies produce fully automated cars for the use of physically disabled people? Corporate Social Responsibility! Is it only a decorative term or does it hold any practical relevance as well? Maruti has numerous models of cars running on roads Much awaited High Capacity Low Floor Bus and it supposedly earns profit from all of those. So can it According to Anshu Parekh, chairman and managing not sell one single model without booking financial profit director, DTC, 200 buses will be released in the next six yet remarkably improving the lives of many? And the months and will ply on existing roads in city. Work has other private car manufacturers… are you listening? not even begun on the dedicated corridors for the ambitious High Capacity Bus System (HCBS), but the It has been a general tendency of the common man to specially designed low-floor buses are set to hit Delhi constantly blame the government for every single problem roads soon. that he faces. Each one of us - an individual, an entrepreneur, a restaurateur, a cineplex owner or an The HCBS was envisaged four years back as a system architect, can do a lot to improve the lives of our disabled where specially-designed buses could run at high speeds brethren with little effort, which would have a substantial along five specially-built corridors as plying on the normal impact on the mental fabric of the society. The next time busy roads could cripple their mobility, but even the basic we design, buy or open a new restaurant or a multiplex groundwork is still missing. or any other place inviting public, we should make sure that it is accessible to all. One basic desire of disabled Those who can afford it, modify their private cars in a people is to lead a lifestyle that matches their non- way that can be driven by them without using their limbs. disabled counterparts (which I consider is their This reminds many of us of Maruti 800 introduced in fundamental right). They too want to try different cuisines, 1987. The car was meant for certified physically disabled watch the latest movies and visit the much talked about drivers. However, since the car was sold with all possible exhibitions in town. So why lose even one such valued

All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents. John F. Kennedy 8 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F OD customer to the competitor? They have exquisite tastes philanthropic organisations or purchased by the user and their feedback would be crucial in expanding the himself. A motorised sturdy version of the same is priced business. around Rs. 50, 000/- in the market, and is beyond the means of many. But few people have been seen investing A few people with disabilities do not wait for the their hard-earned money to purchase a motorised tricycle government or any other private organisation to better as it aids in commuting faster and comfortably. Kinetic their lives. They take charge and simply get going, nothing Honda is also available at Rs. 43,000/- (Rs. 33,000/- deters their enthusiasm and spirit. Many people with is the retail cost, additional pair of tyres cost another disabilities like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Rs. 10,000/-) muscular dystrophy, etc. have not only successfully pursued their education but have also been doing quite Then there are a lot of individuals who have actually well in their professions. They have undertaken the innovated and adapted their personal vehicles according journey despite all odds and have thus proved their mettle. to their specific needs and have set standards for all of They make the best possible use of all the resources us who are still contemplating. available to them. For example, those who own cars usually travel in them to their place of study or work. The most common and hazardous practice is that the wheelchair user is manually lifted by a helper and assisted in and out of the car. This method has quite a few drawbacks. The person who lifts as well as the one being lifted risk an injury to their spinal column in the process. In fact, slightest of maladjustment can actually lead to incapacitating any of the two parties for lifetime.

In urban or semi-urban India, the mode of transport most conveniently available to disabled people is the hand- operated tricycle, preferred the most by the economically weak segment, and generally used for covering 10-12 km at a stretch (quite an exercise!). The tricycle costs around Rs. 4,000-5,000/- and is usually donated by Disabled-friendly Kinetic Honda After scouting around unsuccessfully for a vehicle to cater to his specific needs, Brij Raj Singh, 32, anxious to move around with speed and independence, developed an indigenous vehicle with the help of his mechanic friend Abdul, to suit his tiny frame of 2.5 feet. It is a cross between a moped and hand-operated tricycle; the three wheels and engine have been taken from a moped while the frame and seat are that of a tricycle. The controls like accelerator and front brake are hand manouevered. The rear brake is foot operated, allowing Singh to operate it just with the movement of his toe; it runs on petrol and gives 40 km / litre. Singh, a graduate from Delhi University, now engaged in sale/purchase and financing old cars, finds his innovated mode of transport ideal in all respects. He has travelled to Haridwar, and Common man’s choice! Tricycle for people with other different cities of Haryana and UP, in this custom- disability in lower limb(s) made vehicle.

Studies have found that a diagonal crease in the earlobe could signal that you are more likely to develop heart disease. Revised National Tuber-culosis Control Programme 9 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F OD

doesn’t slip off. These planks are latched together so that they remain stationary when a wheelchair is propelled inside his high roof Maruti van. He remains seated in his wheelchair, which is clamped when inside, and can be driven around.

Brij Raj, riding his indigenously designed vehicle When the Suraj Verma’s wheelchair being celebrated Another case of innovated vehicle was reported in The propelled inside his high roof van cosmologist Voice… in 1995, where a 1958 Fiat was converted into with the help of removable ramp. Stephen Hawking a hand-manouevered vehicle by Ashwini Kumar, a visited Mumbai, a Mahindra Voyager was selected and garage owner in South Delhi, out of his concern for his customised for him. It included cutting away the floor, friend Subhash Sehgal, an ITO, whose both legs were widening the door and building a foldable 10 deg ramp. paralysed. A pre-owned car was purchased for Rs. The roof height was also increased to accommodate 15,000/- for the purpose and another Rs. 15,000/- were Hawking. The man who customised Stephen Hawking’s spent on making the desired changes in the vehicle. Sehgal Mahindra Voyager, Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Rodricks, has used to drive to his office and around Delhi in the car. over 60 assignments to his credit, all for drivers with Before acquiring this car, Sehgal used to ride a two- various types of physical disabilities. What started out wheeler scooter with a side car attached for balance. as a hobby for him is today a serious passion.

Ferdie’s client, Priyavrat Goenka, a wheelchair user due to muscular dystrophy, used to find great difficulty in getting in and out of a car and hence his outings were limited until he met Ferdie who modified his Qualis in such a way that his wheelchair could go right in through a portable ramp. He also raised the roof as per the height requirements. Ferdie also added glass in the roof for viewing, proper secure fastners for wheelchair to be in place, a little folding seat next to wheelchair, and modified seats at back for other passengers, a fan and mobile charger socket for Priyavrat. He even modified Priyavrat’s wheelchair so that a headrest could be attached to avoid jerks to his neck – so you can see 1958 Fiat modified in early 90s for Subhash Sehgal, paralysed in both the lower limbs what great interest Ferdie takes in doing his work. Suraj Verma, who has quadriplegia resulting from spinal Ferdie has also altered Swaraj Mazda into an ambulance cord injury, incorporated a removable ramp made of with motorised wheelchair lift, electrically operated on iron planks curved at the edge so that the wheelchair the vehicle battery, and capable of lifting a wheelchair

The best way to predict the future is to invent it. Alan Kay 10 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D along with a person. The lifting platform folds onto the elevated to the level of the bus and wheelchair is pushed rear door of the vehicle and is equipped with suitable inside the bus which can accomodate three wheelchair locking arrangements. These lift can also be fitted on users and twelve people with other disabilities. buses.

Scorpio Diesel, Toyota Innova, Tata Indigo, Toyota Corolla Automatic, Esteem, Cielo, Maruti Van, Santro, Honda City, Mercedes and Versa have all been through the trained hands of Ferdie to make them suitable for persons with disability in one or both the limbs. For those who need Ferdie’s expert technical guidance and help, can contact him at Jay Nagar CHS. Ltd.,”D” Wing, Flat no. 85, Malad (W) Mumbai 400 095 India; Tel. 022 - 28640861 /9820120556 (M); e-mail: [email protected]

Another player in the field for over a decade has been Anand Motors. They modify cars for the drivers with A wheelchair user being elevated to the level of disabilities and travel to the place where the job needs floor of the bus to be done. Contact Rajesh Sharma at 0141-2345907, One day at a busy airport, the 2345901 or at Krishna Colony, Naya Khera, Ambai passengers on a commercial Bari, Jaipur- 302012 airliner are seated, waiting for the cockpit crew to show up so Sam Sullivan, the first they can get under way. The pilot and co-pilot finally quadriplegic to be appear in the rear of the plane, and begin walking up elected mayor of to the cockpit through the center aisle. Both appear Vancouver (Canada), if to be blind. not the world, in November 2005, is The pilot is using a white cane, bumping into using 2010 Paralympic passengers right and left as he stumbles down the Games to ensure 100 aisle, and the co-pilot is using a guide dog. Both have percent accessibility their eyes covered with huge sunglasses. At first the passengers don’t react, thinking that it must be some there. Sam, founder of sort of practical joke. However, after a few minutes six disability organi- the engines start revving and the airplane starts sations, has added 25 moving. extra wheelchair- The passengers look at each other with some accessible cabs to the uneasiness, whispering among themselves and looking existing fleet of 80. A desperately to the stewardesses for reassurance. Skytrain station and a new transit line from airport Then the airplane starts accelerating rapidly down will also be 100 percent accessible by 2010. He has the runway and people begin panicking. Some also got a document, “Measuring Up” published, passengers are praying, and as the plane gets closer which gives cities an opportunity to rate themselves and closer to the end of the runway, the voices are becoming more and more hysterical. Finally, when the in these regards. The initiative goes beyond physi- airplane has less than 20 feet of runway left, there cal access and addresses inclusivity issues. is a sudden change in the pitch of the shouts as Dr. Madhur Bhandari, an occupational therapist at everyone screams at once, and at the very last moment the airplane lifts off and is airborne. Akshay Pratishthan, made India’s first disabled-friendly Up in the cockpit, the co-pilot breathes a sigh of commercial vehicle - a bus with hydraulic in-built lift in relief and turns to the pilot: “You know, one of these 1999 for Akshay Pratishthan, an NGO. A person in days the passengers aren’t going to scream, and we’re wheelchair is propelled onto the lift, which is then gonna get killed!”

1.8 million new T.B. cases in India each year. 5.45 million people treated free under-government programme. Revised National Tuber-culosis Control Programme 11 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Ahmed Shah Hashmi, 42, an entrepreneur with like food without any spices or chilli. To cater to their fortitude and perseverance, succeeding in the face palatal tastes, I opened this restaurant in 1986 and named of one of the most abominable circumstances of it Kabuli after my birthplace. The food tickles the taste mankind: war. After an injury to his arm in a missile buds of Kashmiri people alike. attack, in Kabul, during the Russian occupation of Afghanistan, he moved to Delhi where he Are you helped by your family in your business or opened an Afghan eatery in Chandni Chowk, the have you employed people to assist you? hub of old Delhi, and has since been winning hearts It was started as a family business. Me, my father and of Delhiites through his culinary skills and brothers invested around Rs. 40,000-50,000/- and time effervescent discourse. In conversation with to set- up the business. Gradually they all migrated to Rakesh Kumar Jha, a PR consultant with Canada and since then I have been looking after the Sampark Consultancy... business all alone. My brothers keep sending me money Tell us something about yourself and your family? from there, in spite of my having asked them not to. We hail from Afghanistan and came to India in 1986 In addition, five people assist me in my work – two of due to the civil war resulting from Russian occupancy of them specialise in tandoori delicacies and remaining three that country. We first took refuge in Pakistan and later help in the kitchen. moved to India. We went back to Kabul in 1994 believing peace and normalcy were restored. But we returned to What are your business hours? India once again due to the Taliban insurgency. My restaurant is open seven days a week. We start at 8 My parents joined me 2 years later but they migrated to in the morning and close by 11 in the night. We offer Canada in 1989. We are five brothers and three sisters. lunch and dinner to our customers. Three brothers are elder to me and the rest are younger. Two of my sisters and brothers live with our parents in You live in South Delhi, 20 km away, how do you Canada and are employed. manage to commute? Why don’t you shift your Here, I live with my wife, son Idris, 5 and daughter business to South Delhi or your residence to old Fatima, 11. They are studying in a school near our Delhi? residence in South Delhi. Earlier I was staying in Defence Colony. I shifted my residence to South Extension 7 years back. Before Metro How and when did you acquire disability? came into function, it indeed was an arduous task and In 1994, when I was in Kabul, splinters of a missile hit took me approximately 2 hours to reach the restaurant. my right arm and since then it is non-functional. Now I commute by bus and Metro. Metro has made travelling comfortable and less time consuming. What was your occupation in Kabul? When and It is difficult to have a shop in South Extension as the why did you opt to open a restaurant? And why area has very high rent. In addition, people from did you name it Kabuli? Afghanistan and other areas visit Chandni Chowk I was studying there. I started working for the first time frequently and I have made some permanent clients here. in India. As language (Hindi) was the biggest hindrance Secondly, since we have lived in South Delhi for so many while interacting with people, I couldn’t find myself a years and children also study in a nearby school, it is quality job with respectable salary. It just struck my mind difficult for us to shift. that natives of Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Middle East visit Delhi but don’t get the food of their choice. They What is the specialty of Kabuli? What is its USP?

Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through these. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us. Voltaire 12 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Our specialities are Seekh kabab and Kabuli pulao. I see no disabled employee among your staff. Would The unique thing about all our dishes is the sparing use you like to employ any? of spices and chilli. Instead we use lots of cashew nuts I don’t have any disabled employee but definitely won’t and raisins. mind keeping one. But, he also shouldn’t let disability come in his way. Do you also cook? What do you enjoy cooking the most? Any future plans? Yes, I do cook and Kabuli pulao is my favourite. You I want to expand my business further by adding more call it biryani; we call it pulao – full of butter, carrots and dishes to the menu like kofta, korma, and even Kashmiri raisins. dishes.

Do you offer facilities of home Does your disability in any way delivery and outdoor interfere with your work or your arrangement? domestic life? We do deliver food to shops within a Disability never seemed to be a radius of a kilometer and take away barrier to me. I didn’t lose heart system is also in place. We haven’t when my hand got paralysed; I was started catering yet. determined not to let my disability deter me from leading a normal and Is the place owned by you? happy life. The restaurant is on monthly rent of My wife is conscious of my Rs. 3000/- limitations and is very supportive. I got married to an Indian Muslim girl Do you share your recipes with with mutual consent of both the others? families in 1992. She has happily Why not? I will teach/ share the accepted my disability and says, “I recipes with anybody who comes am your other hand.” My children and asks for them. I have shared them too are very helpful. with my workers too. Ahmed Shah, preparing his favourite dish, Kabuli pulao Do you want your son to take Don’t you fear that they will learn over from you later? and move away with others or start their own As of now, my son is too young. He is still studying. businesses? Eventually, he can decide whether he wants to work else I leave it to their conscience. One of my employees has where or assist me in my business. In spite of this, I wish been with me for the past 15 years. Now he even speaks that he does work with me. Pushto – our language, very fluently. His brother also joined us recently. What is the secret of your success? I believe, one who does good to others and doesn’t What do you offer to your vegetarian customers? cheat them always succeeds. We do serve seasonal vegetables like potatoes, ladyfinger, spinach, etc. If given a chance, will you return to Kabul? Yes, why not. It’s my native place; the work is better How many people visit your restaurant? What is there. I have my home, property in Kabul. Once the life your daily sale/ profit? returns to normal, I will go back. Normally 100-150 people visit our restaurant daily. In winters, the figures go higher. On an average, the bill What about your business in India? works out to about Rs. 60-70/- per person. I will have somebody else run it. I won’t pull the shutters

Stop T.B. strategy aims to treat 50 million people globally, halve T.B. prevalence and death rates and save 14 million lives. Revised National Tuber-culosis Control Programme 13 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D down. For me, it would be a home there and a home government. The UN grants us a pension of Rs. 1400/- here. for me and my wife and an additional Rs. 600/- for each of my two kids. The people here are very cordial and supportive. We don’t have to face any problem. The situation here is a lot better than that in Pakistan. People don’t see us as refugees— menial people. Here in India, we are on a one year extendable VISA. If the situation favours, we will shift to Afghanistan. The government will provide the VISA to my wife. Indo-Afghan relations are cordial; I don’t need to get an Afghanistan passport for my wife.

Any message for our readers? I invite the readers to come and enjoy the delicacies and hospitality at Kabuli Restaurant, 51-28, Sharif Manzil, Dil Aram Guest, 1st Floor, Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk, Delhi-110006, Tel. : 9871207639 Clients enjoying the food and warm hospitality at Kabuli Do you receive any support from Indian We should not get disheartened by difficulties. They are government? the opportunities to excel. We must act bravely in all We don’t get any grant or support from the Indian situations. One can prosper even being disabled. q

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. Henry Ford 14 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

It happens so many times while meeting a disabled person, people show extra interest in his / her disability, though they are incapable of helping in any way, than in the individual him/herself. Few consider them less happy while others take them as permanently sick. Reema Bansal attempts to remove the haze and reveal the clearer picture about the personality of persons with disabilities.

lot is being said about the disabled people today. only thing that matters in his/her life is ‘how to get rid of In fact, it is no longer justified to call the that disability’. disabled, ‘disabled’. It is better to address them A Also, funnily, people assume that the disabled people as ‘people with disabilities’ (PWDs). I am myself a can’t think on their own. E.g. there are many people, disabled person, but feel that changing the terminology who, when they meet me, ask my parents, “Which isn’t really as essential as changing the attitudes of people standard does she read in?” Noticing that I am disabled, towards PWDs. Of course, the former does help in they automatically assume that I can’t even think on my achieving the latter, but doesn’t necessarily guarantee it. own, and, instead of talking directly to me, bombard my As far as the society’s attitude towards PWDs is parents with questions about myself. concerned, at a personal level I’ve been very fortunate. Society is yet to feel comfortable knowing that disabled I’ve hardly come across any behaviours or reactions of people are also a part of it. Often, people feel utterly people that have a lot to do with my disability. Once I confused thinking how they should talk to a disabled tell them about my disability, to the extent that is person. Consequently, they end up doing what they want necessary, they are okay with it and the conversation to avoid- hurting the disabled person. goes on. Of course, I do meet people who are a bit too curious or sympathetic, but it is not in any way irritating. Things can be changed by bringing enough opportunities In fact, it makes me smile to think that my disability is to the disabled people, by recognising their potential and being discussed as easily as some political issue. But, tapping the same, by giving them exposure and educating this is at a very ‘interpersonal’ level. the disabled and able people about disabilities. If I talk keeping a larger picture in mind, I can’t deny As a matter of fact, it is not only the society that has to that the society still views the disabled as people who be worked upon. Too much of focusing on the ‘society’s ‘obviously are less happy and need help’. We are yet to attitude towards disabled’ also compartmentalises the see the time when the disabled people will be allowed to disabled people. They are as much a part of the society define ‘happiness’ in their own words, when they will as anyone else and as normal as anyone else. So, why have sufficient opportunities and will be respected as discuss so much about various attitudes towards them in much as (neither less nor more) the so-called ‘able’. the first place? But on second thoughts, unless we discuss it, the much required change in attitudes won’t be There are people who start suggesting various treatments achieved. the moment they meet a person with disability. They’ll go on and on about the multitude benefits of a particular Disability, whether it is mental or physical, lies in the way medicine, or a miracle they had witnessed when a person an individual perceives himself, not the society’s view. in wheelchair got up and started walking. It shows that But ultimately, both these things are interdependent. The the immediate assumption when a disabled person is seen self-image of the disabled person both depends on that s/he is unhappy, needs a lot of help and can do and determines the society’s view of disabled nothing other than brooding on his/her disability, that the people. Hence, the foremost thing is the self esteem of a

40% of mild heart attacks are undetected Dr. Eric Boersma, Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam 15 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D disabled person…they should be allowed to feel comfortable with their disability. Give them the necessary equipments, necessary learning strategies, suitable The Journey... environment… fulfil their ‘special needs’ that are actually as special as anybody else’s, and, most important, give The flight of the them a normal upbringing. Once this is achieved, disabled Ambition has begun… people will themselves prove their worth and earn respect Thoughts and dreams running in society, instead of getting pitiful and curious stares. Along in a narrow lane… And then, an effective change in the mindset of the disabled people and the society will come into view. Wandering and stuttering across The mind’s plain… Thankfully, present day scenario is quite positive. Attention is being given to making places accessible to Hopes within soaring people with disabilites, including disabilities in education Across the sky… curricula, providing disabled people with environment Swiftly gliding through conducive to their best possible growth…but, still, a lot remains to be done. e.g. Reaching to a new high… The spirits within 1. Why do the disabled have to wait in long queues Fly for the glimpse of heaven… and bear not-very-polite government officials just Hands that upheld me… to obtain a certificate confirming their disability? The Pushing me to need for such a certificate is justified; but, are the Life’s next level… long waiting hours and the harsh comments by officials justified? The entire process should rather be disabled-friendly; then why is it actually so My hands outstretched to difficult? Touch the tree of aspirations… 2. Why are not, the physically disabled students Climbing atop allowed to take up physical education as one of their Visions of my future… subjects in 12th standard? Don’t they have a right I grab a fruit of time… to develop their physiques at least as much as is possible? Don’t they have a right to learn outdoor I wash the fruit with the games just because they can’t play those games? Perspirations of my efforts… 3. Why does Kurukshetra University not provide the Say a prayer to thank … facility of one extra hour during exams to the disabled All the souls that people? It provides the facility of ‘writer’ for disabled students who can’t hold a pen, but what about those Stood besides me… disabled students who CAN write themselves but All who loved me… not as fast as their peers? Shouldn’t they be allowed And made me ran across… to write for themselves? To the aspirations tree…

I don’t want to end the passage on a negative note, so, Fly away we shall I’ll again point out that the present time is indeed the To the morning sun… best time for the PWDs, when a lot is being done for Take my hand… them, and, resources are being researched to help them Let’s dream…let’s run… in helping themselves…yet things can be made better. PWDs have started accepting themselves…let the -Sanil Kumar society also accept its constituents. [email protected] The author, final year student of psychology honours at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, has neuropathy [email protected]

Doing what’s right is not the problem. It is knowing what is right. Lyndon B. Johnson 16 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

“In a landmark order, the Bombay high court has directed the Maharashtra government to ensure that all public places and buildings are made disabled friendly in six months. A division bench of Chief Justice Dalveer Bhandari and justice S A Bobde has directed that all existing and new public buildings should be accessible and barrier-free for disabled persons. Courts, hospitals, schools, markets, banks and all government offices will compulsorily have to construct railings, ramps and disabled-friendly toilets.”(Publication: Times of India, Mumbai, Date: May 7, 2005, Section: City, Page : 3) he only drawback that this decision reflects is building design to make it more like a universal design in the statement by one of the lawyers arguing the its conception. Tcase in the Mumbai High Court, that even though this is a landmark judgment Mumbai is the only state in All the designs have to be just barrier-free, responding India to set a time frame for implementing disabled to the various senses. These design intents can be friendly measures. incorporated with the main design with ease. It deserves to be a conscious decision on the part of the designer. Architects, engineers, builders, planners, or for that The concept of barrier-free design specifies that the matter anybody involved in the profession of designing demarcations between various spaces should be and executing a building is hardly concerned about followed in a manner so as not to cause any harm to the actually planning for a disabled person to use their user. Even minor details like dropping the level between facilities. Rather than bringing to the focus the actual the room and the bath area could cause damage to the insensitivities on their part this article would want to bring user who may be visually challenged. Similarly the fact to light the simple steps which can be incorporated in a that simple details like a hand rail besides a corridor could

Iodine Deficiency is a disease of the soil. Soil erosion results in iodine deficiency in water and soil. All foods grown on such soil are deficient in iodine. Food & Nutrition Board, Ministry of Human Resource Development 17 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

l Renovation of old buildings should be done to make them disabled-friendly and barrier-free by providing ramps, wide doors, convenient amenities, safe public places, etc. l Barrier-free designs of public places, buildings, roads, footpaths, transport facilities should be promoted.

The advancement in technology has benefited the designers in ways more than one. The use of electronic sensors along with patterned flooring materials have proved to be successful for the movement for the visually challenged. If ever walking by a Metro station if you see a set of pattern tiles leading you from the entrance to the platform think of it as a tool for the visually challenged to use it as a guiding tool for their movement in the station premises. Similarly the usage of advanced circulation systems like elevators, escalators and travelators have aided in increasing the comfort level for the physically challenged. Most of the things designed have to be detailed separately for each user. The possibilities are innumerous but still a set of minimum requirements can help some physically disabled persons to use it for their be achieved for the building to be a successful universal support. The details are small in their planning and design. execution but their strategic importance is invaluable. These small details contribute to what is termed as The steps suggested in these article are not conclusive “universal design”. neither do I believe that they are comprehensive; they are just mere templates for a deeper study for the future The Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam speaking at the use. 150th anniversary of the establishment of the CPWD has asked the agency to follow a ten-point mission to The abilities in the contemporary designers can be planning a user-friendly building which encapsulates in developed to new heights with the addition of concepts its parameters that all the buildings should be universal of universal design to their current format of design and buildings or that they be disabled-friendly buildings. planning. Hopefully, in the near future we could expect Similarly in JRD Tata Institute of Technology building in the designer to keep in mind that the buildings similar to Chennai the landscape encompasses a garden responsive the human hearts are meant to be universal in their to sensory perceptions of touch and smell. The garden acceptance. has a large variety of flowers and is a favourite spot for the visually challenged children as they enjoy the -Sanil Kumar, the author is a practicing architect experience of identifying the new species of plants and [email protected] herbs by smell and touch. q

IT TOOK BRAN PUGERE Believe it or Not ! SEVERAL DAYS, BUT TO RASE MONEY FOR Steps towards universal design WHILE RIDING A CANCER RESEARCH, GH MOUNTAIN SKI LIFT l JOGGED OVER 26 Barrier-free designs should be the main planning IN JANUARY 2006, MILES INSIDE A DEREK GLOVERS EARS HOSPITAL, DOING criterion , with the specific needs of people with POPPED AND HE LAPS AROUND THE INSTANTLY WARD WHILE TOWING sensory, intellectual and physical impairments kept REGAINED HIS HIS CHEMOTHERAPY HEARING AFTER 15 IV BAG! in consideration. YEARS OF DEAFNESS!

If you cannot lift the load off another’s back, do not walk away. Try to lighten it. Frank Tyger 18 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Disability is not an end to ability. Humans constantly evolve and develop newer abilities. It is very important now to look beyond physical disabilities and give disabled people a chance beyond small vocational jobs. Preeti Monga urges disabled people to take the responsibility of making their lives better, appeals non-disabled people to take a fresh look at the abilities of disabled people and emphasises on the ardent need for a paradigm shift in the approach to mainstream the disabled people. Preeti Monga t may be the issue of employment or the question of On the other hand, looking at the corporate and the NGO any mainstream goings-on, persons with disabilities sector, one does come across (if only rarely) persons Iare still more than marginalised. Even today when it with disabilities at various positions. They are few and comes to building responsible partnerships between the far between but they are there. In some instances, able-bodied and the disabled person, enthusiasm takes especially in the NGO sector, one gets to see visually a back seat. impaired or physically disabled employees in organisations which work for these issues. This is because Although, inclusion and mainstreaming of the disabled these organisations have a degree of understanding of people are the major focus areas of work happening in the capabilities of the persons with disabilities as they the arena of disability today, the success is very slow, if work closely with them. Then there are cases where at all. For achieving success, there has to be a complete disabled persons are working successfully in the corporate paradigm shift. It is high time that the disabled people sector too. This is rare, but if one takes a closer look, take it upon themselves to bring this shift in the society. the disabled person in question is usually one who has proven his / her capabilities somehow somewhere. In With the growth in technology and awareness, slowly both the above mentioned instances, the display of but surely, the number of educated disabled persons is capabilities is the key factor. The point I wish to make is steadily on the rise. But does it show any improvement that disabled persons must exhibit their abilities at all in their status? Some measures have been taken to possible platforms. provide opportunities for this greatly disadvantaged group, for example, there is a 3% reservation in jobs for I am not by any means pointing out that persons with the disabled people in the government sector and the disabilities are not capable thus they don’t have equitable private sector is also constantly being urged and jobs / life partners. On the other hand, most of those motivated by various agencies to provide some sort of who are working hard enough to step out and look for reservation for the disabled people. But is this the answer work are more than capable, dedicated and hardworking. to the grave problem? If yes, then why don’t we see an How long should the disabled people wait for even distribution of disabled employees in the cross opportunities to knock at their door? Remember the section of jobs, at least in the sector where there is a famous quote by Milton Berle, “If opportunity doesn’t reservation? Why are the majority of the disabled persons knock, build a door.” And I think, it is high time the in this reserved sector working only in the class 3 and 4 disabled people became proactive. jobs? There has to be something very seriously wrong with the image of disabled persons because certainly It is said, life is like a mirror, you smile into it and it smiles physical disability does not mean lack of intelligence or back, you frown into it and it frowns back. So for a capability. start, let us look at our own attitude.

Two thirds of South Asians do not have access to proper sanitation. UN World Water Development Report 19 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

If you are a disabled person or you have a disabled child shame and sorrow! We must now get together and or relative, how do you feel? Is your answer, “Sad, change this. Let us convert the burdens of today into disheartened and ashamed?” shoulders that will help share the load.

If any of these feelings are there, you have work to do. As I said earlier, the disabled people have to re-look at You need to re-position your image in your own eyes themselves. Are we like the others in our families? Do first, as the same is going to reflect in the mainstream we look and behave differently from those around us? If mirror. The world outside your home is bound to pick so how do we bridge this difference? Are we giving up the same attitude. Stop pitying yourself; instead look ourselves allowances due to our disability? Have we, at the problem in the face. You have a disability; well the disabled people, thought about our duties towards that’s not your fault. Anyone can land up with one at any the society? time in life. If you are an employer, have you stopped to look beyond I did not choose to be blind, and well if I happen to have the apparent disability of the employable? Have you this shortcoming I have to find a way around it. Which tried to shift your focus to the skills and capabilities of law says that I should be trained to be handicapped? that person? If it is a family member who has some And if I want my place in the mainstream, why am I disability, have you ever put your trust in the person in expected to be perfect? Are all able bodied people question? Have you ever thought of the positives that perfect? Do they know it all? Are they not capable of your disabled family member possesses? Have you given making mistakes? Don’t these so called normal persons them a fair chance and a spot of encouragement to walk need support and guidance? Just because they don’t have step in step with you and then allowed them to become visible disabilities, they are the ones who have all the independent? I know your concern keeps you from rights of having the best of everything. And just because doing this but over protection is just as bad as neglect. I have a certain disability, I must be watched closely for Like every one else, the disabled people only need love every wrong move! Has anybody ever questioned this? and care, nothing else. If a blind person bumps into a passer by, deep pity is evoked but if the same thing happens with a sighted Coming closer to the subject of employment, I would person, no notice is taken. The blind must prove like to draw your attention to the fact of educational themselves even in the act of walking around while the facilities available. IIMs and IITs are opened for non- sighted can jump traffic lights, cause major accidents and disabled students and basket and chair weaving centers get away with it. Is this fair? Is it not what happens to all are opened for the blind ones! Visually impaired students the disabled people? If we wish to be allowed in the have to go to the court to fight for being allowed to sit mainstream society, we are expected to perform for competitive exams. A chartered accountant loses her flawlessly otherwise we are taken as poor things, only fit job only because after a car crash she had to use a to be pitied. wheelchair whereas on the other hand there is a visually impaired chartered accountant who completed her CA I have deviated from the subject of employment but I in first attempt and was the receiver of CavinKare want you to be aware of some basic facts. Unless we Mastery Award 2005. It is the time we consider the build the foundation, no matter how strong the rest of issue with an open mind. We have to put our strengths the building is, it is bound to collapse. I am not trying to together and jointly, (the disabled and non-disabled) work blame anyone for the state of affairs the disabled people to understand and resolve this problem. are in; instead I am only lifting the veil which is engulfing the truth. What is the mainstream society? There are no The author is head, Public Relations at Dr. Shroff’s borders between able bodied and the disabled people. Charity Eye Hospital and director, Silver Linings, She Every family has someone or the other in their family or can be reached at or: [email protected], friends who has some kind of disability, then why the [email protected] uproar? I will tell you why. Disability means burden, q

The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators. Edward Gibbon 20 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Stroke is caused either due to the rupture of a large blood vessel in the brain, or clotting of tiny blood vessel that affects a certain area of brain. This rupture or clotting may result in damaged motor and sensory units, hinder with speech and perception, can cause memory loss, and severe limitations in mobility. Raju Kumar and Bharat Kharya elaborate the severity of symptoms, which depends on the extent of the damage caused to the brain during a stroke.

troke is the third leading cause of death and the can be avoided by modifying the program. However it most common cause of disability among adults. is necessary to bear some discomfort to make progress. SAfter the age of 55, the incidence of stroke A physiotherapist needs to be consulted if a specific increases dramatically doubling every decade. The exercise causes pain or increases stiffness in the limbs. incidence of stroke is about 19 percent higher in males Leisure can also be used to improve perception, than in females. The goal of rehabilitation in stroke is to coordination and strengthen muscles e.g. cooking, restore as much independence as possible by improving gardening, domestic chores, spending time with near and physical, mental and emotional functions and also to dear ones in playing cards, board games, and word relearn affected basic skills of eating, dressing and puzzles. A few exercises are shown here in diagrams: walking, etc.

Age, sex, family history, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress are the main predisposing factors for stroke.

Physiotherapy is one of the important components of Self-assisted arm movement treatment and rehabilitation of patients with stroke. Depending on the extent of the movements affected, remedial exercises are prescribed and administered under the guidance of a qualified and experienced physiotherapist. Exercise regimen varies from one patient to another. In mild cases, exercise can be conducted in different positions and postures with or without the help of a physiotherapist, but should be carried out as per Hip and knee flexion over the side of the bed his/her instructions. With the prognosis of the condition, the exercise programme undergoes special changes to suit the treatment.

Generally each exercise is performed 5-10 times twice a day. Fatigue while exercising is natural and normal. It Rolling to the affected side

People who smoked heavily in the past before quitting carry a long-term risk for stroke. American Stroke Association 21 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Rolling to the sound side

(a) Elevation of the arm. (b) Close-up of band strip

Activities of daily living

Eating: Ingest food in simplified form to swallow easily. Consult a speech therapist for additional help with swallowing problems. Typical hemiplegia posture Weight control: Obesity and sedentary life styles are outcome of overeating and inactivity. hip and knee joints. Nerve damage, bedsores or an immobilised joint can increase pain. Lying or sitting in Loss of bowel and bladder control: A regular toileting one position for too long causes the body and joints to schedule, every two hours throughout the day is easier stiffen and ache. Hot packs, positioning of limbs or to manage and improves bowel and bladder function. splinting can be used to reduce discomfort. Mild laxatives, suppositories or small enema as well as proper diet, can aid in bowel function and help to avoid Effects of pain: Pain can have a debilitating effect. constipation. Someone in pain may lack the motivation to make an extra physical effort required to get out of a wheelchair When the patient doesn’t want to take part in an activity, or bed. be sensitive to his needs and wishes. Many stroke patients feel better and more energetic during exercises. For example, unrelieved pain may interfere with the use Activities can be scheduled to take advantage of these of limb or cause resistance to the exercise programme “up” periods. A smile or encouragement can often change that is intended to improve mobility. Immobility can cause the mood. joints to “freeze” and subsequent attempts to move will Watch for signs indicating a need for toileting: Facial be even more painful. expressions, sudden agitation or an aimless pulling at clothes will indicate that the individual needs help. Nutrition and skin care : Proper nutrition is an important part of stroke prevention and stroke recovery. Family Pain management- Weakness of the muscles causes members will have to work with the patient to maintain pain, subluxation, inflammation, and stiffness in shoulder, his willingness to have a healthy diet. For those who are

There is nothing so easy to learn as experience and nothing so hard to apply. Josh Billings 22 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D in a stationary position, most of the time, bedsores can flavours. be a serious problem. The sores usually appear on the Home modification: Redo the home so that the narrow elbows, buttocks, heels or shoulder blades and can occur doorways, stairs etc. do not interfere during the care for within few days if not properly monitored. Check the personal needs of the patients. Modify the home skin daily for any changes. Reddened spots are the first environment by removing barriers and adding assistive warning signs of pressure areas. devices such as ramps and grab bars. Safety is an important consideration. Many areas in the home can be Psychological changes resulting from stroke made safer by removing durries and furniture that may cause an accident as the patient moves around in the Depression: It is important to be able to identify the house. Ask for assistance for bath-room or kitchen jobs warning signs of depression so that something can be if needed. done in time. Depressed people frequently express feelings of hopelessness, fatigue and dullness. They may Assistive devices: Grab bars installed at strategic spots generally slow down both in their body movements in the bathroom and toilet gives confidence and comfort and in their speech patterns. They may find to the patients during their use. A raised toilet seat and a themselves unreasonably responsible for anything that tub bench may be helpful. A hand held shower can be goes wrong. attached to the bathroom or shower faucet so a bath may be taken while seated. Electric toothbrushes, razors Cognitive impairments: One sided neglect occurs when and hair dryers are also helpful. the stroke patients are unable to pay attention to one side so that they are missing literally half of the world Dressing and grooming: There are many ways to around them. minimise difficulties in getting dressed like avoiding tight fitting sleeves, arm holes and pant legs and waistlines Simple methods to help them deal with conditions like and the clothes which are worn over the head. Wear putting their clothes in the recognised side of the dresser, clothes that fasten in front. Replace buttons and zippers drawer and closet, placing a sign on the mirror with a with velcro fasteners and velcro closures on shoes for reminder to turn the head while shaving or dressing up. laces. Sufficient time should be allowed for dressing. Giving a gentle reminder will often help in noticing an instance of neglect or poor judgment. Problems of The authors are final year students of BPT (2002- concentration and memory loss are common after stroke. 06) in Prakash Institute of Physiotherapy, Sight, hearing, smell, touch or taste may be impaired in Rehabilitation & Allied Medical Sciences, D-12, the patient. Provide stimulation with pleasant background Sector-33, Noida (U.P.), Tel: Bharat Kharya - music, flowers, bright colours, magazines that feature 9868306896, Raju Kumar - 9868555534 pictures, new clothes or food with strong colours and q

Three disabled guys (a blind man, an amputee, and a guy in a wheelchair) are flying back with the USA team from the Paralympic games in the Middle East when their plane crashes in the Sahara Desert. The three disabled guys (the only survivors) are now stranded and wait for someone to rescue them, but no one showed. They start to get real thirsty, so they decide to seek out water. The amputee leads the way, with the blind man pushing the guy in the wheelchair; and, eventually they find an oasis. The amputee leader goes into the water first, cools himself down, drinks a load of water, walks out the other side and lo and behold, he has a NEW LEG! He gets excited and encourages his friends to do the same. The blind man offers to push the guy in the wheelchair, but he gets refused because the guy in the chair wants to be Mr Independent and insists the blind man goes ahead first. So he goes into the water, cools himself down, drinks a load of water, walks out the other side and lo and behold, he can SEE! Now the guy in the wheelchair’s getting really excited, starts pushing with all his might, goes into the water, cools himself down, drinks a load of water, and wheels out the other side. Lo and behold, NEW TYRES!!!

Water borne diseases account for roughly 80% of infection in the developing world. These include 21% deaths of children under 5 years of age. UN World Water Development Report 23 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Well-meaning people may think it’s inappropriate or unkind to laugh at jokes about disabilities. But comedians with disabilities have developed a whole new type of wisecrack that anyone can laugh at; they put the humour first and the disability last.

I like to shop at factory discount stores. Clothes I have facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. marked irregular fit me fine. But that’s just too hard to say. So when people ask what happened to me I just tell them I broke a chain - Brett Leake, comedian with muscular dystrophy letter. I dropped a hammer on my foot. I said, ouch, I bet - Brett Leake, comedian with muscular dystrophy that hurt. Leake doesn’t make his disability a focal point of his - J.D. England, comedian with paraplegia comedy act but he always tells a few jokes about it. Otherwise, the audience may be focusing on the way he I know it’s not politically correct to call myself moves rather than on what he says. handicapped. I’m supposed to say physically challenged or developmentally disabled. But I don’t Do I get sympathetic laughs? I hope so. If you feel have that kind of time. sorry for the joke, laugh. - Chris “Crazy Legs” Fonseca, comedian with cerebral - Brett Leake, comedian with muscular dystrophy palsy Dispelling tension with a joke or light-hearted remark is People ask me why I don’t wear dark glasses. Well, a great way to break barriers and help people see beyond I don’t see deaf people wearing earmuffs. your disability. When people are laughing because of - Alex Valdez, comedian with visual impairment your wit, they can’t be laughing at your limitations at the same time. I only flirt with girls who look like they have ground-floor apartments. It’s important to remember that a sense of humor is as individualized as taste in clothing or food. When it comes - John Callahan, cartoonist with spinal cord injury to disability humor, comfort levels and sensitivities vary. Whatever makes you laugh, one thing is beyond dispute: My real handicap is being sexually frustrated. I haven’t had a date in three years. Maybe it’s because A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a I haven’t heard the phone ring. broken spirit drieth the bones. - Proverb - Kathy Buckley, comedian with hearing disability q

Learn to laugh at your troubles and you will never run out of things to laugh at. Lyn Karol 24 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

SOME ATONEMENT (December 29) NOISES TO ANNOY (February 18) A former nurse who pleaded guilty to killing 29 patients, at A new device, Sonic Teenager Deterrent, emits an extremely hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has received high-pitched noise which sounds like a very angry insect (hence permission to donate a kidney to an acquaintance in New York, its nickname, the Mosquito) or, alternatively, a very badly played as long as he first appears at his own sentencing. violin. Those who can hear it find it so uncomfortable that they have to leave the vicinity. BRAVO (January 12) 21-yr-old Amruta Bhople, of Nagpur, has become the country’s PACKED IN A CASE (February 19) first ever blind television newscaster and reads her news scripts A 10-yr-old boy fell ill after his parents locked him in a suitcase in Braille. measuring about 120 cm by 60 cm as punishment for persistent misbehaviour. LEG-LESS KICKING (January 26) An Oregon man hurled both of his prosthetic legs at a policeman, LOST LIMBS (February 19) striking him with one, after his son was arrested in suspicion of For the second time in three months, a 16-yr-old California girl drunken driving. who lost a leg in an accident has had her artificial limbs stolen.

HICCUPS LEAD TO DEATHS (January 27) A Coloumbian man accidentally shot his nephew to death while CANNIBAL (February 21) trying to cure his hiccups by pointing a revolver at him to scare A family in Oklahoma, sitting down to dinner, had to call police him. After shooting David Galvan in the neck, his uncle, Rafael and an ambulance after a man allegedly bit off the nose of his Varges, 35, was so distraught he turned the gun on himself and girlfriend and apparently swallowed it. committed suicide. SKIERS, SNOWBOARDERS NOTE (February 23) SURGERY BABY GOES HOME (February 01) Norwegian researchers say that wearing a helmet while skiing, An infant, named Grace, who underwent the world’s first as many competitive alpine skiers and snowboarders are required heart stent procedure in the womb, has been discharged to to do , could reduce injuries among recreational skiers. Head go home, according to a press release from Children’s injuries are the most common cause of death among skiers and Hospital, Boston, the centre where the landmark operation took snowboarders. place. WHEEZY ALLERGIC KIDS (February 28) BLIND FEAT (February 2) Children who have airway hyper responsiveness, a symptom of A visually-impaired student from Maharashtra’s Panvel town, asthma, and allergic manifestation, have an increased risk of Pawan Bundela, created history by crossing a long valley using developing asthma by the time they become adults, according a ropeway within a few minutes. to Danish researchers.

SAVED BY TEETH (February 8) RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (February 28) An ice-skater who fell through the ice and into a freezing In a study of nine large US employers, researchers found that Hungarian lake survived by holding in to edge with her teeth. workers with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had an average yearly Passers-by spotted 29-yr-old Ani Zoltany and saved her. medical cost of $7,337, versus $3,250 for employees without the disease. HEART RECORD (February 15) A 6-yr-old American boy received a new heart after relying on FAT PROBLEM (March 09) an artificial heart for nearly eight months, longer than any child Australians are getting so fat that toilet seats may have to be in North America, according to the hospital where the operation made stronger to bear their weight, the country’s standards was performed. association has said.

DESPERATE MEASURES (February 16) ROLLING IN STONES (March 13) Parents in West Bengal’s Bankura district exhumed the body of Doctors removed 421 kidney stones from a 60-yr-old Thai woman their infant and performed rituals to bring him back to life who complained of stomach cramps for years. This is probably following a soothsayer’s advice. a medical record.

If there is a history of glaucoma or diabetes in your family, an annual eye checkup is recommended for you, especially if you are over 40 years of age. National Programme for Control of Blindness, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 25 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

What kind of healing did Dr. Edward Bach Why does one never hear of heart cancer? pioneer? Skin, intestine, bone marrow and other tissues more Dr. Edward Bach pioneered a kind of healing called prone to cancer of a large presence of dividing cells. On flower remedy therapy. This treats predominantly the other hand, heart is less prone to tumours because mental and emotional manifestations of disease, relying its muscle tissue is essentially non-dividing. Therefore, an administration of remedies derived from the we usually do not hear about heart cancer. Tumours of flowering parts of plants. Dr. Bach considered total 38 the heart muscle are rare but they do sometimes develop. remedies sufficient to treat the most common negative These are called cardiac sarcomas, the most common moods that afflict mankind. After his death, many tumour of the heart, and 30% of these are angiosarcomas. remedies were added and now the total is more than The heart could also be a 200. He believed that the remedies were divinely target organ for metastic enriched. (spreading) cancer from other organs, like cancer What is chronophobia? of the breast, the lungs, It’s the fear of time, charactrised by and also melanoma (skin panic, anxiety, and claustrophobia. cancer). Also known as prison neurosis, it’s perhaps the most common anxiety How pain killers work? disorder in prison inmates. Sooner or Pain killers are also called analgesics. These are of two later, almost all prisoners suffer from types—narcotics and non-narcotics. The former acts of chronophobia to some degree and opeoid receptors and can cause drowsiness. They are become terrified by the duration of their sentence and potent analgesics and are used for extreme pain. the passage of time. Examples are Morphine, Pentazocin. Non-narcotics analgesics are used for milder pain and do not cause Why do we yawn? drowsiness or sedation. They produce inhibition of While it is widely believed that archidonic acid cycloxidase enzyme (cox) and thereby people yawn when they’re tired, inhibit production of prostaglandins. Action vary from bored and/or when their brain irreversible time dependent, inactivation of enzymes like simply needs more oxygen, the truth Aspirin. Rapid, reversible, non-combative inhibition of is these are only conjecture. There enzymes, like Paracetamol. is no proven explanation as to why people yawn. Dr Provine likens What is the Bombay blood group? yawning to stretching, an involuntary This is an extremely rare ABO group called so because activity that increase blood pressure, heart rate and also it was first discovered among some people in Bombay serves to flex joints and muscles. Scientists also theorise (now Mumbai). Although the group is more likely to that yawning could be a symptom of multiple sclerosis. occure in East Indians, it is a very rare group even here. Also since even animals and birds yawn, scientists believe It is not restricted to East Indians but found in Causians, yawning could be a form of communication. Whatever Japanese, etc. Their red cells lack ABH antigens and the reason, one thing is for sure—if you see someone their sera contain anti-A and anti-B and anti-H. The anti- yawn, chances are you’ll yawn too. H would not be detected in the ABO group but would be detectable in pretranfusion tests.

Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. Daniel H. Burnham 26 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Health Capsules WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A The Most Beautiful Flower DETACHED RETINA? The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. LIKE A STROKE, OR HEART ATTACK, A Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, DETACHED RETINA IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS INCLUDE: For the world was intent on dragging me down. FLASHES OF LIGHT, INCREASE IN VISUAL FIELD, PERIPHERAL VISION And if that weren’t enough to ruin my day, LOSS. IF ANYTHING SEEMS ABNORMAL ABOUT YOUR VISION, SEE A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play. AN EYECARE SPECIALIST He stood right before me with his head tilted down IMMEDIATELY.

And said with great excitement, “Look what I found!” WHAT IS A STEM CELL? A STEM CELL In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, IS A SINGLE CELL THAT With its petals all worn — not enough rain, or too little light. CAN REGENERATE Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, AND TURN ITSELF INTO I faked a small smile and then shifted away. ONE OF SEVERAL TYPES OF SPECIALIZED CELLS. STEM CELL But instead of retreating he sat next to my side SOURCES: HUMAN EMBRYOS, ADULT And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise, TISSUE AND UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD. “It sure smells pretty and it’s beautiful, too. WHAT SUPPLEMENT CAN I TAKE TO CUT MY RISK IF DEVELOPING That’s why I picked it; here, it’s for you.” ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE? The weed before me was dying or dead. IN A LARGE STUDY, THOSE WHO ATE AT Not vibrant of colors, orange, yellow or red. LEAST 4 OZ (1 SERVING) OF FISH PER WEEK WERE But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. 70% LESS LIKELY TO DEVELOP ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. IF YOU’RE So I reached for the flower, and replied, “Just what I need.” NOT A FISH EATER, TRY FISH OIL CAPSULES. But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, He held it midair without reason or plan. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE PARALYSED BY THE POLIO VIRUS? It was then that I noticed for the very first time That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind. I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun

As I thanked him for picking the very best one. ONE IN 200 WHO CONTRACT THE POLIO “You’re welcome,” he smiled, and then ran off to play, VIRUS WILL BE PARALYSED.

Unaware of the impact he’d had on my day. IS THERE A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO DRUG THERAPIES FOR OSTEO- I sat there and wondered how he managed to see ARTHRITIS FOR THE KNEE? ASK YOUR A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree. DOCTOR ABOUT INJECTIONS OF How did he know of my self-indulged plight? CAPSICUM, THE ACTIVE Perhaps from his heart, he’d been blessed with true sight. INGREDIENT IN HOT CHILI PEPPERS. PATIENTS IN A Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see STUDY HAD PAIN RELIEF LASTING UP TO FIVE WEEKS. The problem was not with the world; the problem was me. THE ONLY SIDE EFFECT WAS A BRIEF BURNING SENSATION AT THE SITE And for all of those times I myself had been blind, OF THE INJECTION. I vowed to see the beauty in life, and appreciate every second that’s mine. And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose IS OBESITY HEREDITARY? And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose And smiled as I watched that young boy, Another weed in his hand, About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. 25% OF BABIES BORN TO OBESE M0THERS ARE OBESE BY AGE 4. THAT TRUE FOR LESS THAN 10% OF KIDS Source : Internet BORN TO MOTHERS OF AVERAGE WEIGHT.

It is a waste of time to be angry about my disability. One has to get on with life and I haven’t done badly. People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining. Stephen Hawking 27 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D Hear and now he KEM Hospital in Dr. Shrinivasan has already TParel joined hands with screened 200 new-borns at Ali Yavar Jung Institute for KEM and has found that 4 the Hearing Handicapped to per cent of them had hearing screen all babies born at the problems. An average baby hospital for hearing can pick up 15 -20 decibel disabilities, in March. The sounds. But those with a initiative helps detection of hearing problem respond 16-yr-old Orissa boy eyes US hearing defects among only to 30-35 decibel babies and makes it possible sounds. patent to take early corrective The hearing test done or 16-yr-old Apurv for the US patent so that measures, unlike in the through Auditory Brainstem FMishra of Orissa — he can have the backing past when the defects Response equipment is the inventor of the world- of a great economy. He would be detected only simple and does not take acclaimed Glabenator — is looking for sponsors to when the child was 12-18 more than an hour. opting for an American get the US patent, which months old. “If a child responds only to patent will give him an will require at least Rs. 6 “The delay not only makes sound above 15 decibel, he/ extra mileage over an lakh. It will not only the treatment more difficult, she will need hearing aids. Indian patent. Glabenator, ensure him copyright it also slows down the But if the problem is which costs less than Rs protection but also pave baby’s growth in terms of detected at an early stage, 1,500/-, is a gadget the way for handsome picking up words and such corrective treatment is somewhat similar to a PC amount of sponsorship for other things,” said Dr possible,” said Dr that enables people his further research work, Chinta Shrinivasan, who is Shrinivasan. Dr Ruchi having disability in hands, explains the budding attached to the Neonatology Nanavati, head, legs and mouth to express scientist. Department at KEM. Neonatology Department at their feelings without He looks to the American She said usually parents test KEM, said the hospital does much movement from market not only for a baby’s hearing through not charge anything extra their seats. selling his product but toys or clapping or any such for these tests. The Glabenator displays also for importing sound. These crude tests The common causes for several choices like food components. “The are unreliable as it is not hearing loss among babies and clothing that a patient components required for easy to discern if the baby are family history of needs in his day-to-day the Glabenator are not is reacting to a sound or just hereditary childhood, life. All the patient has to manufactured in India. the object through which the sensorineural hearing loss, do is to get attached with They have to be imported sound is emanating. He/she infection at the time of birth, two sensor-rods on the to develop the machine. may simply look the object’s low birth weight, jaundice, muscles above his Hence, it is better to take way attracted by its colours bacterial meningitis. eyebrows. By raising his the American patent and or shape. eyebrows, the patient can manufacture it in the US scroll the different which will be quite cost- Dana Reeve dies of lung cancer options available on the effective,” contends ana Reeve, the widow only child she had with the screen of the Glabenator. Apurv. Dof the actor actor who played superman. By contracting his He has bagged the third Christopher Reeve, died at She took over as chair of the eyebrows he can select prize for this project in the age of 44, in March. She Christopher Reeve the option. The machine, the engineering category was diagnosed with lung Foundation after her thereafter, says in a at the International cancer in August last year. husband’s death in 2004. human voice what the Science and Engineering Dana was widely admired Never a smoker, she was patient wants. Fair (ISEF) held in the for her dedication to her diagnosed with inoperable According to a report of US. He has also been paralysed husband lung cancer less than a year early June, the inventor awarded by the US following his horse-riding after her husband and has lost faith in the Indian Army for this unique accident in 1995. She left a mother died. market and is raring to go machine. 13-yr-old son, William, the

2.3 million children under the age of five die every year in India half of these deaths are due to malnutrition. UNICEF 28 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D Disabled students excel in Boards Talking e-eyes for visually- impaired ashmi Taneja, of boards. He found it difficult iranda House, Delhi The first of its kind resource RApeejay School, to finish the exams on time MUniversity has started centre has five computers Pitampura, New Delhi, as the writers were not Amba Dalmia Resource and will gradually increase scored 88.2% in the class concentrating. Centre for visually- the number. The computers XII exams. For a girl with Astha Gupta, who has an challenged students in its use talking software like visually impairment it was a underdeveloped left hand, library, this July, which will ‘Jaws’ and ‘Softwel’ which tough fight as books for stood second in the include computers with can be used by the students higher classes are not easily commerce stream in talking software as well as to access the information available in Braille. Her Laxman Public School with a facility of audio recording through internet and brush mother, keyed in the books 91.2%. She also topped in books available in the up their computer in the computer and then the disabled quota in Delhi. college library. proficiency. Rashmi used a speech She plans to do economics software to ‘read’ them. She from St. Stephen’s and Birla venture for special children also taught her daughter eventually do an MBA n an attempt to internationally-renowned Mathematics and Hindi. Soma Patnaik, DAV Public Iunderstand and motivate The Institute of Neurological Moreover, she did not use a School girl from Gurgaon, children with physical or Sciences (TINS), will be a writer as she believes you Haryana, scored 92.6% in mental disabilities- the KK one stop centre for children are always unsure of what the class X exams. Soma Birla Group, in association with special needs and will the person is writing and has barely two percent with the Voluntary Health incorporate daycare, instead used a normal vision in both the eyes and Services (VHS) Medical vocational rehabilitation, typewriter. Rashmi’s next is suffering from what Centre, launched the KK special education, family goal is Shri Ram College of doctors call retintis Birla Centre for Special and counseling therapies, Commerce,. pigmentosa. Patnaik could Children in Chennai on and neurodevelopment Parmit Singh, topper of JPM go totally blind by the time January 11. ISG NovaSoft therapy to empower these Senior Secondary School, she is 30, and is mentally Technologies Ltd (ISGN), a children. “The initiative will run for the children of Blind prepared. She has decided member of the KK Birla enhance existing facilities in Relief Association (BRA), on her future course and is Group, will support the TINS-VHS,” says Dr. scored 76.6%. He was also learning Braille. initiative. Krishnamurthy Srinivas, the school topper in class X The Centre, which will chairman, TINS-VHS. operate under VHS’s Ashakiran- is it? Leprosy on the wane 14-yr-old inmate of took him to the home doctor. ith the prevalence rate other Union territories and AAshakiran, a Delhi “The preliminary check up Wdropping to 0.95 cases one state: Chandigarh government home for the suggested that the death per 10,000, leprosy has been (2.03), Dadra and Nagar mentally challenged in was clearly not caused by eliminated from India Haveli (2.44) and Rohini, Delhi, reportedly illness. The injuries seemed announced health minister Chattishgarh (2.44). died after severe beating a result of severe beating,” Anbumani Ramadoss on In the rest of the country, from one of the caretakers said Dr. Manoj. Pappu January 31. This, however, prevalence rate dropped on May 10. Attempts by the suffered from TB when he does not mean that no new sharply all through last year, staff to hush up the incident was brought to the home, but leprosy infections or cases coming down from 1.34 as a case of natural death had recovered fully. will occur. Unlike eradication, cases per 10,000 of the did not succeed as the In 2001, Kamla, a 16-yr-old which means wiping out the population on April 1 to 0.95 home’s doctor refused to mentally retarded girl, was disease for good- as was in December 2005. sign the death certificate and allegedly strangled by one of done in the case of small Of the 596 districts in the asked for the post-mortem, the care-takers. A case was pox- elimination is a term country, 337 had achieved sources said. Pappu Second registered under IPC 304A- used to define an occurrence incidence rate of less than was brought to home five culpable homicide at the rate of less than one case one case per 10,000 by years ago after being local police station. The per 10,000 population. March 2005. But by the end abandoned by his parents. caretaker has been missing Delhi, however, continues to of last year, the number rose His body was already stiff ever since. have prevalence rate of 2.11 to 408 districts (68.7per when a panic-stricken staff per 10,000, with only two cent).

I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow Woodrow Wilson 29 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D Disabled-friendly Nehru Park ! SMS boom leads to finger damage elhi is all set to get its faced by persons with obile telephone text Thirty-eight percent more Dfirst ever disabled– mobility-related disabilities. Mmassaging has people suffer from sore friendly park. The New We even looked into the become so popular in Britain wrists and thumbs due to Delhi Municipal Council requirements of senior that millions of users now texting than five years ago (NDMC) has decided upon citizens (who suffer from suffer injuries to their and 3.8 million people now the plush green around the low-vision) and toddlers,” thumbs and fingers because complain of text related diplomatic area — Nehru said Anjlee Agarwal, of their love of keeping in injuries every year. Park— to develop a model executive director, touch, according to a survey The survey for Virgin park. Based on recommen- Samarthya. “We have report released on February Mobile found the texting dations put forth by emphasised on multi-lingual 21. phenomenon shows no signs Samarthya, an NGO, signages along with “you are Over 93.5 million text of slowing. Over 12 percent working for promotion of here” maps at strategic messages are sent every of the population admit to barrier-free environment, locations with bold letters day but all this digit action sending 20 texts per day and the council would prepare and in a particular contrast,” has lead to an explosion in 10 per cent confess to an implementation plan for she added. people reporting cases of sending up to 100 texts the project. Samarthya Different textured flooring repetitive strain injury every day. conducted an accessibility at every turn or junction on (RSI). audit of the 75-acre park on a walkway, as the change Young girl’s prosthetic leg April 15, in which it found can give cue to a person simple changes like with low vision an indication stolen for second time illuminated signboards, about a turn, more resting t was reported in the companies donated money better illumination, ramps areas at regular intervals Ipress in the third week of for a new, shock-absorbent and railings, using textured (100 metres) along the February that for the second sports leg with a flexible tiles etc. can help improve tracks / walkways on both time in recent months, foot. According to the access. sides alternatively are also somebody broke into a 16 police, the thief pried open “The audit was not recommended. year old girl’s home and a screen window in the restricted to the problems stole her prosthetic leg- home, about 12 miles East including one that had been of Los Angeles. Melissa’s Hope for deaf with cochlear implant donated following the first right leg was amputated two arren Estabrooks, patients have not heard a crime, authorities said. The years ago after she was WDirector of the single sound and can thieves took a $12,000 struck by a car. She Learning to Listen therefore make no sense of cosmetic leg and a donated resumed playing compe- Foundation, organised a talk the noise around them. $16,000 leg that Melissa titive softball after the on February 14, about the Speech performance and Huff used to play soft ball accident and is now a high numerous opportunities language acquisition are with. Her doctor and two school sophomore. available for deaf children primary benefits of the real estate finance after receiving a cochlear cochlear implant in children. Man gets compensation for eye loss implant, in Delhi. As per Children who receive consumer court in Sharma’s plea against Bharti recent statistics, number of implants at a younger age ANew Delhi has Eye Foundation and directed people with profound speak more accurately than awarded compensation of the institute to pay Rs. hearing disability in India is those who wear hearing Rs.50,000 to an 50,000 for “the loss suffered about one million. In aids. After implantation, elderly patient who lost an by him due to the negligence addition, there are over 1.2 speech intelligibility eye due to medical of the Foundation.” million people with severe continues to improve over negligence of the surgeon The commission upheld hearing disability, 0.9million time. The cost of the implant who performed the Sharma’s appeal against a people moderate hearing works out to nearly Rs. 6 to operation in spite of the west district consumer disability and 7.1 million 8 lakh per piece and the total patient’s high blood sugar forum’s order in which his people with very mild cost of the operation level. plea for compensation hearing disability. including rehabilitation will State Consumer Comm- against the eye institute was The therapy is a must after work out to Rs 10 lakh per ission president Justice J D dismissed. the implant as most of the patient. Kapoor upheld B K By 2030, an estimated 10 million people will die each year of tobacco use and 70% of them will be in developing countries The Lancet, International Medical Journal 30 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D How do I know when Glaucoma to affect 60 million by 2010 Half the hearing loss becomes a lobal cases of the eye the nerve at the back of the children in Gdisease glaucoma are eye. If left untreated it may problem? expected to reach 60 million result in blindness. The India are ake a look at the by 2010 and 80 million by disorder is more common in undernourished T following questions 2020, researchers said. people over 60 years old. ccording to World about hearing loss. Would Professor Harry Quigley, of ‘‘By 2020, India will become Bank report of you answer “yes” to any of the Wilmer Ophthal- second overall in number, A March 2, malnutrition, them, regarding what you/ mological Institute in surpassing Europe. There and not just a lack of family member might be Baltimore, Maryland, said will be 6 million more food, costs poor countries experiencing? women and people in Asia Chinese people with up to 3 percent of annual l When using the phone, is and Africa will be most glaucoma,” Quigley said in economic output and must it hard to hear the other affected. Glaucoma is a the study. person? condition that can damage be tackled as a root cause l When there is noise in the of child mortality and background—is it hard to Doctors asked to shun ties stunted economic follow what to listen to? octors should avoid clothing. Ties, in its view, are development. l In general, is it hard to Dwearing ties or any unnecessary clothing. They Citing “shocking” figures follow the conversation? neckwear at hospitals, the are touched frequently and showing nearly half the l When two or more people British Medical Association worn for long durations and children in India’s talk at once, is it hard to (BMC) said in third week of could get grubby and germ- booming economy are follow the conversation? February. The august body laden under-nourished, l During personal fears grubby ties could Tests on a doctors’ ties in compared with a quarter conversation, do people contribute to the spread of an orthopaedic unit found of those in sub Saharan seem to mumble a lot? super bugs. that all were carrying bugs Africa, the report said l Do I (or my family The BMA’s recommen- frequently found in the malnourished children are member) say the wrong dation has followed infected wounds of patients. at risk of losing up to 10 thing because of investigation by its Board of It is said the threads of a per cent of lifetime misunderstandings about Science into the dramatic dirty tie are home to a host earnings and are more what others are saying? rise of Healthcare of bugs and without regular prone to HIV infection. l Do I (or my family Associated Infections cleaning these organisms The authors said member) say the wrong (HCAIs). The report added can survive on a tie for up international development thing because of that HCAIs were also to 80 days, which raises the groups and institutions misunderstandings about helped by doctors wearing chances of infection. In had failed to tackle what others are saying? “functionless” and Britain, over 29 million ties malnutrition adequately l Do people often have to potentially germ-laden are sold annually. for decades. repeat what they just said? l Is it particularly hard to Disabled-friendly streets coming understand when women ew Delhi Municipal all. task. and children speak? NCorporation (NDMC) NDMC officials said in NDMC curb cuts for l Do other people complain plans to streetscape major February, they have wheelchairs, tree-guards that the volume of the TV roads like SP Marg, assessed the number of for alerting visually is too loud? Aurobindo Marg, Janpath public toilets required in all challenged persons about l Is there a ringing or hissing and Baba Kharak Singh zones, and all new facilities the obstruction in the sound in one or both ears? Marg, the civic body is now will be barrier- free. While line of movement, If answered “yes” three or working on a plan to turn all consulting architects would designated parking and more times, you or your these stretches disabled- do the overall streetscaping pick-up and drop points family member could have friendly. Besides this, of these roads, the civic for wheelchair users and a hearing problem. You may access audits at Talkatora body would also involve edge protection to warn want to talk to a doctor Garden and Nehru Park are Samarthya, an NGO, about change of ground about hearing loss and have also due to ensure that the working in the field of level. it checked. parks are barrier-free for accessibility to assist it in the

When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt. Henry J. Kaiser 31 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D 17 polio cases in ’06 It’s official, Hwang’s stem-cell eventeen polio cases ten clusters in 2003 and four claim fake Swere reported in India in 2004. What worries health Dr. Hwang Woo Suk, the there was no evidence to till April, making it the experts is the possibility of South Korean researcher support Dr Hwang’s claim second most polio-prone the virus spreading from who claimed to have cloned in June 2005 to have cloned country: 12 in Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to human cells, fabricated cells from 11 patients with and the rest in Bihar. the other parts of India. Last evidence for all of that an efficient new technique Last year, 66 polio cases year, polio strains from these research, says a report using very few human eggs. were reported, again most two states were found in released on January 10 by But that still left open the of them were in Uttar Maharashtra, Punjab, a Seoul National University possibility that he had gotten Pradesh and Bihar. Jharkhand and Uttar panel investigating his work. the cloning technique to Of the 17 cases reported so Pradesh. “There is a risk of Prosecutors said they will work to some degree, as he far, 16 are of the P1 strain polio eradication failing in launch a criminal wrote in the report first of polio that can be India if the two state investigation into South announcing his success in contained with the oral polio governments are not fully Korea’s discredited cloning an earlier article in March vaccine. Data show that only engaged,” according to expert. 2004. The panel found that two clusters of P1 remain health ministry. The finding strips any the 2004 article was also active in India, down from possibility of legitimate fabricated. 3% jobs for disabled people in achievement in human cell Dr. Hwang’s professional cloning from a researcher demise is a severe govt-aided NGOs who had been propelled to embarrasment, for the eeking to restore the ministries on the status on international celebrity and Korean government, which Slapses in government their employment in whose promise to make invested some $65 million in rules, the social justice and voluntary organisations paralysed people walk had his laboratory and in making empowerment ministry has receiving aid from them. been engraved on a Korean him a national hero. They added the disabled to the Sources said, in February, postage stamp. said that they will launch an group of beneficiaries, the fresh step is to neutralise “Dr. Hwang’s team cannot investigation as soon as the besides SC/ST/OBCs, for the disability in the GFR. avoid taking grave university panel announced job reservation in NGOs The ministry has based the responsibility for fabricating its findings. receiving government rationale of extending quota its papers and concealing The Seoul University panel grants to the disabled persons on data,” said Chung said that Hwang had The ministry’s missive to all the Persons with Disabilities Myunghee, the head of the accomplished only the first ministries and government Act of 1995. It mandates 3 university’s investigatory steps toward creating departments came after %of the jobs for persons panel embryonic stem cell lines the General Finance Rules suffering from blindness or In December, the panel said from people. 2005, which govern quota low vision, hearing Heart attack gives woman eyesight back rules in NGOs, gave a impairment and locomotor complete go-by to ‘persons disability/ cerebral palsy, 74-yr-old woman who Daily Telegraph reported in with disabilities’. In force against posts identified for Ahad been blind for 25 January. Urch, who was since July 2005, the GFR them, in all government and years awoke in a British treated at Walgrave stipulated that the SC/ STs aided establishments. hospital after suffering a Hospital in Coventry, where and OBCs be given Incorporating the criteria heart attack could see again, doctors spent three days reservation in NGOs as for reservation in NGOs telling her husband: “You’ve battling to save her life, per the existing quota from the GFR, the order got older,” a newspaper called it a “miracle”, the norms. states that voluntary reported. newspaper said. To ensure that the attempt organisations, with an Doctors were at a loss to Despite suffering from to give a place to the annual grant of Rs. 20 explain how Joyce Urch, glaucoma, doctors did not disabled in NGOs does not lakh and workforce over who lived in a world of think this was why she went remain on paper the social 20 persons, would have to shadows and near darkness blind, but could not pinpoint justice ministry has sought implement the quota since 1979, had recovered the reasons, she was quoted an annual report from all regime. her sight after the heart as saying. attack 16 months ago, the

Heavier women are less likely to suffer from demineralisation of the bone that is involved in osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Society of UK 32 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Dating4Disabled niversalisation of Lakshadweep (100%), U elementary education Nagaland, Sikkim (72%), Dating4Disabled.com, developed in January this year, through the Sarva Shiksha Pondicherry (nearly 57%), by a group of volunteers from Israel and US, who Abhiyan has not percolated Assam (55), and MP (51). wanted to provide social, intellectual and romantic to nearly 40% of disabled The survey also found that outlets for people with disabilities, is a growing online children. the family’s dependence on community which has become a gathering place for the The findings reported in agriculture is one reason international disabled population, home to January, on out-of-the behind dropouts. In states, members from over 15 countries world-wide. It is a school children among the which reported maximum place for people of all nationalities, backgrounds and disabled reveals children dropouts the family was life-challenges to share, connect and just be heard. with mental disability are the either self-employed in most out of school (47%) agriculture labourers. In The Dating4Disabled environment is welcoming and followed by speech disabled states where the dropout user-friendly. Advanced internet tools make for easy (42.%) and hearing disabled rate was lower, it was found communication, and facilitate a convenient and fun way (32%). The worse that the majority were to create connections within the disabled community. performing states/UTs are regular wage earners. Members can come together through forums, a dating service, private chats, and blogs, among other features, HC restrains Maharashtra from providing people with mobility issues the opportunity filling up posts for blind to fulfill their social needs from the convenience of their aking serious note of a fingers raised during the own home. The site has also incorporated large font Tvisually challenged interview. He had topped options and supporting icon comments to assist the person’s allegation on the test but the way he was visually challenged. February 15, that he was treated was “highly asked to read a newspaper discriminatory and violated The members of Dating4Disabled can network in an interview, the Bombay basic human dignity.” internationally in an understanding, safe and non- High Court has restrained The petitioner, employed committal atmosphere. This unique cyberspace Maharashtra government with Helen Keller Institute community facilitates an embarrassment-free opportunity from filling up clerk-cum- for The Deaf and The Blind for people with disabilities to express themselves, make typist post for the blind in the on a part-time basis said friends, and find a partner for life, without the pressure charity commissioner’s during the interview he was of uncertain face-to-face meetings. The support and office. asked certain embarrassing understanding available in the Dating4Disabled family The petitioner, Pankaj questions which had no makes for an exciting new “home away from home”. Choudhary, also alleged that relevance to his abilities to he was asked to count perform the job. The membership is free, simple and quick. In the 2 minute sign-up, people create a profile which tailors their online UPSC on norms for disabled aspirants preferences and enables other members to know more he Delhi High Court, on UPSC aspirant, submitted about them and what they are looking for. One can TJanuary 11, issued that while candidates customise their interactions by type of relationship, life- notices to the Centre and belonging to the Schedule challenge, location, interests and more. Union Public Service Class and Schedule Tribe All these tools and features provide an enjoyable and Commission (UPSC) on a are granted “unlimited valuable online experience. The potential for networking, petition seeking stay of the attempts”, members of the meeting new people and creating relationships is May 2006 civil services other backward classes are examination until the permitted seven attempts. unlimited. Dating4Disabled provides its members with government relaxed norms Whereas, it was complained the opportunity to utilise the World Wide Web for their for physically-challenged that the physically own unique needs, and to open windows of possibility people on par with other challenged persons were to the international disabled community. socially-disadvantaged being equated with the Erin Shamberg is director, Public Relations and sections of the society. general quota candidates by Member Services, Dating4Disabled.com He can be The petitioner Sunil Kumar, restricting the number of contacted at [email protected] or (201) a physically-challenged attempts to only four. 984-5912

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance. Samuel Johnson 33 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D Therapeutic video games have arrived Needs of Adults with Disabilities irtual Iraq— designed are collaborating on an array Friends Organ- by an interdisciplinary of health-related video V isation, New Delhi team at the University of game projects. Southern California’s (USC) They are shaping the organised a Institute for Creative seductive, hypnotic allure of workshop on May Technologies— is just one video games into virtual 15, to build of many therapeutic reality tools aimed at awareness on interactive games in treating a host conditions. issues related to development that set pulses The games are based on the adults with racing at the recent Games premise — supported by disabilities like for Health conference at research —that most Independent Living USC held in May. people, including elderly and Guardianship, NTPC Development and Riding a monster wave of stroke victims and mentally advances in game challenged kids, have a Schemes for funding loans Inclusion, loans by National technology, a raucous unique capacity to work and Life Insurance Thermal Power alliance of researchers, harder when confronted Schemes. Corporation for adults with medical professionals, with an engaging game. Discussion on guardianship hearing and visual game developers and artists by Poonam Natarajan, disabilities and LIC chairperson, National Schemes by Abhiyan were Visually- challenged boy Trust, job placements by integral to the workshop. develops Braille- Hindi Action for Ability translation software Artificial Hands s reported in late software with the aid of rosthetics are another fingers. AMarch, a software the visual basic Phot area of research. Different patterns of muscle titled “Braille Face” programming language. Modern artificial hands, for movement correspond to translates Braille commands “One has to use the six example, give wearers a different movements and into Hindi print language. keys—F,D,S,J,K, and L for better quality of life but they after a few minutes of With such an invention, the typing any letter or word. have little of the functionality calibration, the robotic hand blind students writing in These keys are the same of the real hands they is ready for action. Hindi would no longer need dots used for writing in replace. “It enables the ability to type the help of writers during Braille. The software takes William Craelius’ (of slow or to play a piano exams. A software for the Braille command, Rutgers University in New piece. One person wanted translating Braille commend identifies the character Jersey) artificial hand to play the saxophone and, into English print form is combination and then system, Dextra, is leagues with three fingers, you can already available in the automatically translates it ahead. By recording the actually get quite musical market. into the print form of movement of muscles in the with it,” said Dr. Craelius. A Class X student of JPM devanagari script and thus remaining part of the arm as The next step is to enable Senior Secondary School displays it on screen” the a person thinks about Dextra to carry out more and a resident of Blind devanagari script is used for moving their hand, Dextra complex, coordinated Relief Association (BRA), writing Hindi, Sanskrit and can control up to three movements. Satvir, has developed the Marathi. DECLARATION Statement About Ownership And Other Particulars About the Newsletter The Voice of FOD on Form IV (see Rule 8) 1. Place of Publication : New Delhi 2. Periodicity of Publication : Six Monthly (bi-annual) 3. Printer’s Name : Rajinder Johar. Whether citizen of India : Yes, Address : B-1/500, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58. 4. Publisher’s Name : Rajinder Johar. Whether citizen of India : Yes, Address : B-1/500, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58. 5. Editor’s Name : Rajinder Johar. Whether citizen of India : Yes, Address : B-1/500, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58. 6. Name and address of individuals who own the newsletter, and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital: Family of Disabled, B-1/500, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058 I, Rajinder Johar, hereby declare that the particluars given above are true to best of my knowledge and belief. Rajinder Johar Half of the world 146 million (27% of the total number of children) under-nourished children live in three countries –Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. UNICEF 34 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Experts say autism is surrounded by Colin Smith, who was born without arms and has misunderstanding never held a driving license, appeared in court on May eople with autism are meeting of the American 25 charged with driving in a manner likely to be dangerous Pmore intelligent and able Association of Science, to the public. The police officer, who stopped Smith for to function better than researchers presented speeding, testified in a New Zealand court that the driver’s previously believed, but reports showing that even seat was reclined and he appeared to be using one foot to mistrust of doctors biased autistics who do not speak steer the car and the other to work the accelerator and tests and the internet have can have above-average brake. Smith, 31, entered no plea but said he would defend bred myths about the intelligence. himself against the charges. Smith said he had been driving condition, experts feel. At a for years, using his feet to steer, and had never had a mishap. Nanotech helps blind hamsters see cientist claim to have research, said the therapy A wheelchair-bound Los Angeles woman, who has Srepaired brain damage uses tiny particles which, repeatedly filed lawsuits over access for the disabled, and restored the eyesight of when injected into a got up and ran after police arrested her for fraud, authorities blind animals using a damaged part of the brain, said on May 13. Laura Lee Medley, 35, had sued in at revolutionary nano- spontaneously assemble least four California cities over injuries she claimed she technology based treatment. themselves into a “scaffold” sustained trying to navigate her wheelchair before being The therapy raises hopes gel which spreads through suspected of fraud. that nanotechnology, the the damaged area. Tests science of the incredibility grow through the scaffold Transport scientist and engineer Kit Mitchell while small, could usher in an era and form new connections. addressing the first national conference on Accessible of novel therapies for some Repairing nerves in the Transportation-Mobility for All, 2006, organised in March of the most debilitating central nervous system is by Samarthya, an NGO, emphasised that disabled-friendly medical conditions, such as fraught with difficulty sidewalks are essential to make a town accessible to stroke and spinal cord because injuries to the brain everybody. Sidewalks must be wide, have no rubbish or damage. or spine usually scar with parked vehicles and just be safe for every one. He felt The treatment will require thick tissue which prevents that sidewalks in Delhi were too high and therefore, extensive testing in animals nerves from regrowing. The inaccessible to disabled people. According to Mitchell, before scientists know body also releases ramped kerbs, pavements or sidewalks that are low and whether it is safe and chemicals that hamper come with a gradual incline are very useful for anyone effective enough to use on nerve growth, a safety using a wheeled carrier. humans within five years. mechanism that prevents Rutledge Ellis-Behnke of the damaged nerves forming A K Walia, finance minister of Delhi government, while Massachusetts Institute of the wrong connections, presenting budget for the year 2006-2007 on March Technology, who led the which could be disastrous. 9, announced that financial assistance for old-age pension would be increased to Rs. 400 per month from Rs. 350 Hope for age related hearing from April onwards. Monthly unemployment allowance problems of Rs. 350 would be given to all physically disabled persons ochlear implants may results are promising it one of 18 years and above. Cnot be just for the day may help thousands of profoundly deaf anymore: older people whose hearing Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, during a Iowa scientists are is progressively fading. The discussion on March 2, on the railway budget in the developing the next key difference: Unlike Lok Sabha announced that 1200 bogies would be attached generation, a “hybrid regular cochlear implants, to various trains to meet the needs of the disabled implant” to combine the best the hybrid model would let passengers. Special facilities for parking, ramp, toilets of bionics with regular people keep their natural and drinking water would be set up at the stations. hearing aids for age-related music appreciation even as hearing loss. it helps them hear speech If it works and early study more clearly again.

Be careful that victories do not carry the seed of future defeats. Ralph W. Sockman 35 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D How does it work? Like frequency sounds, such as Spinal cord injury eased by stem cells tuning a piano, says music. Hairs at the cochlea suppressing drugs to Dr.Bruce Gantz, entrance pick up high tem cell harvested from prevent rejection. anotolaryngologist at the frequency sound, including Sthe brains of mice can The cells migrated to the University of Iowa who speech. restore some walking ability spinal cord, merged into the invented the hybrid model With age related hearing in laboratory rats with spinal- injured tissue and developed now being tested at 26 loss, people tend to first lose cord damage, Canadian into cells that produced medical centers around high frequency hearing. scientists reported on 28 myelin, the insulating layer America. Initially, specific consonants March. around nerve fibers that Normally, microscopic hair disappear say, a “c” from a The finding are the latest transmits signals to the cells in the cochlea, the “t”. They stumble over success in rodent brain. snailshaped inner ear, pick more words until they’re experiments to improve Many patients with spinal up vibrations and convert unable to decipher entire movement using a type of cord damage have intact them into electrical impulses sentences, especially when stem cell, an immature cell nerve fibers at the point of that the brain recognizes as there’s competing noise. that can turn into different injury but no myelin, causing different sounds. Hairs in Hearing aids turn up the cells and tissues. paralysis. the deepest part of the volume for all sounds, not Researchers hope to While the rats did not return cochlea pick up low- just eventually quit helping. eventually test stem- cell therapies in people who are to normal, they “recovered IIT to showcase streetsmart paralysed and help them significant walking ability. walk again. They had better coordination inventions at ‘Open House’ In the new study, scientists of their joints and better our students from the which helps in identification took cells known neural ability to support their Fdepartment of computer of buses and will help blind precursor cells, a type of weight,” said Dr. Michael science IIT, New Delhi, people to board. stem cell that has started Fehlings, a neurosurgeon at have developed a smart This device consists of two turning into a central the Krembil Neuroscience cane for blind people. This modules: A user module that nervous system cell, from Center at Toronto Western has a detachable unit with is attached to the belt or tied mouse brains. Research Institute. The an ultrasonic ranger, vibrator around the waist and a bus The researchers injected the research was funded in part and a micro-controller that module that is placed at the cells into rats that could no by the Canadian Institute of will offer an increased range entry of the bus. When the longer walk after their Health Research and of three meters and can user hears a bus spines were crushed, and Published in the Journal of detect obstacles above approaching at the bus stop, gave them immune- Neuroscience. waist level. The information he presses the button on the is conveyed to the user user module which NYC pays $8.9m to man hurt in though vibratory with the transmits a signal to all buses ferry crash intensity of vibrations, in vicinity. Each bus module ew York City has receive monthly payments varying inversely with responds by transmitting its N agreed to pay nearly $9 for the next 50 years cover obstacle distance. Rohan, route number which is read million to settle a lawsuit medical costs and living Ankush, Dheeraj and out to the user. The user brought by a former waiter expenses. With interest, he Vibhav— the four boys selects his bus by pressing and avid hiker who lost his could collect an estimated whose device has been a select button which legs in a 2003 ferry crash, $25.6 million during that reported in media in mid generates a voice output. lawyers said on 24 March. period, Sells said. April as unique apparatus This acts as an auditory cue The payout for Paul Esposito Espisito had sued for $300 are excited about it. “There and helps the person to move was by far the largest so far million in damages in 2003, are two modes of operation: towards the gate of the bus. in the tragedy that killed 11 alleging that the crew of the Less than 1 meter range, The user will know which passengers and injured Andrew J Barbary and city useful while navigating button to choose on the basis dozens of others. Ninety-nine officials “basically left him within a room and a higher of instructions written in of the 190 claims against the to die” after the ferry drifter range which can be used Braille. This system is priced city have been settled for a off course and slammed into while navigating outdoors,” between Rs 800/- and Rs total of $3.6 million, city a concrete pier on Staten said Rohan. The cane also 1000/-. officials said. Island on October 15, 2003. comes with a special set-up Esposito was scheduled to 1000 Delhiites are killed every year by trucks. In 2005, more than 2,600 persons were killed in road accident in Delhi that took place at night. Traffic Police, Delhi 36 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D Burden of school bag ccording to a new weighing less than the Astudy, the number of recommended 10 per cent schoolchildren suffering of body weight. The school from lower back pain brought children on an average about by carrying heavy carried school bags Disabled Veterans Ski the Rockies at school bags, has increased weighing 15.5 per cent and Annual Winter Sports Clinic and the problem will multiply 20 per cent of their body atastrophic injuries, Veterans (DAV). if proper care is not taken. weight,” the doctors said. C blindness and paralysis Two months after the The research team of Dr S. But that is just one part of didn’t stop more than 400 world’s top athletes Mehra, R Narasimhan, and the problem. Some experts disabled veterans across competed in the Winter three others from the Apollo also blame the sorry state on Washington , including Olympics, and just two Centre for Advanced lifestyle. Exercise and nearly 70 veterans from weeks after the Pediatrics, Delhi, has noted proper diet is a must for kids, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Paralympics, the clinic was that compulsion to carry they say. Operation Enduring an annual rehabilitation excess weight could make “To lower the bag burden a Freedom, from taking part in program open to all U.S. these children vulnerable to number of schools these the 20th National Disabled military veterans with spinal “muscular-skeletal days have lockers in the Veterans Winter Sports cord injuries or disease, problems”. tables where children can Clinic in Snowmass Village, visual impairments, certain A total of 1134 schoolchildren keep the books. Moreover, Colorado, April 2-7. The neurological conditions, (10-15 year old) were it is the responsibility of the event was jointly sponsored orthopedic amputations or enrolled in the study. The parents to check that their by the Department of other disabilities, who school bag weights recorded children carry books Veterans Affairs (VA) and receive care at any VA in this study varied between according to the syllabus,” the Disabled American health care facility. three and fifteen kg. says Dr Neelam Mohan, “Only 22 per cent of the Consultant, Pediatrics, Sir Paralympic swimmer Walker children carried bags Ganga Ram Hospital. sets new World Record 8m children with birth defects aralympic swimmer swimmers who took home bout eight million caused at least partly by a P Matt Walker of medals from last month’s Achildren worldwide are genetic flaw, such as heart Stockport, broke a world Commonwealth Games, of born every year with serious defects, spina bifida and other record at the British which Walker is one. birth defects, the March of neural tube defects, sickle cell Swimming Championships, in Fellow Paralympian Liz Dimes says. anaemia and Down Sheffield, according to April Johnson was also on form, Most birth defects occur in poor Syndrome. 7 report. recording a new European countries, where babies can Undoubtedly hundreds of 27-yr-old Walker set the new standard of 48.04 in the SB6 languish with problems easily thousands more are born with record in the final of the classification in the 50m fixed or even prevented in defects caused not by genes multi-disability 50m Freestyle Breaststroke. wealthier nations, according to but by post-conception in a time of 28.54, which beat Other top performances in research released on January problems: mothers infected the previous record set by the Multi-Disability events 30 by the organisation. with rubella or syphilis, which Britain team-mate David came from Chris Pugh, who “Most people think of birth can damage their babies’ Roberts almost six years set a new British record for defects as something that is not brain’s; certain medications or ago. the S14 category in the 100m preventable,” says Dr Jose alcohol; lack of dietary iodine. The event, a qualifier for this Butterfly and Kate Arnold, Cordero, the US assistant At least 3.3 million children summer’s European who broke the current surgeon general and birth under age 5 die each year Swimming Championships in British record for 50m defects chief at the Centre for because of birth defects, and Palma de Mallorca, brought Breaststroke in the SB8 Disease Control and millions more are mentally or together many of the British category. Prevention. “There are great physically disabled. Prevalence The Torino Games: IdeaArgo opportunities to ensure that ranges from a high of 82 defects babies are born healthy.” per 1000 live births in Sudan to Challenges America’s Cup 2010 Some 7.9 children a year are a low of 39.7 per 1000 in uring the IX Games of Torino 2006, born with serious birth defects France. D Paralympic Winter many events to increase

The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work. Harry Golden 37 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D awareness in sport for canoeing, archery, Cambridge City Council people with a disability took kitebuggying, new age sports development teams place. On March 14, 2006, curling, football, climbing, and the Disability Sports at the Palazzo Civico in rollerblading, cricket, tennis, Focus Group (DSFG). Torino We Can, You Can, swimming, dance as well as DSFG received a grant from presented a new challenge a bouncing castle and much Awards 4 All to support the for sport for people with a more. event and McDonald’s have disability. The festival was organised donated an inflatable skills by South Cambridgeshire centre and football pitch for off it. District Council and the day. Thirty-three-year-old Olena Iurkovska led the Ukrainian Super Norfolk on cloud nine team towards the elite of sport thanks to a set of gold after Japan win medals won in four events thens Paralympic Gold in cross-country skiing and AMedallist Peter Torino 2006- Mher biathlon in the sitting Norfolk won the ninth Super A vanesy of Ar menia category. In addition to this Series title of his career, the in action rich booty, there was a silver equivalent of a Grand Slam The novelty lies in the core medal and a bronze medal title, when beating Tzu- of ideas that gives life to this that give hope for the Hsuan Huang of Chinese courageous project. It’s a professional future of this Taipei 6-2, 6-0 in Quad competition that saw at the young athlete from the singles final at the Japan starting line athletes with a Open Wheelchair Tennis disability as well as able- Championships in Iizuka on bodied athletes competing May 22. This is Norfolk’s third one against the other in a fair Peter Norfolk race. successive Japan Open title Ukraine surprised and now guarantees the Kunieda in the final of the everybody on March 23, Briton from Fleet in wheelchair doubles and was Hampshire a return to the edged out of the final 6-4, from their eighteenth place Katja Saarinen of Fin- top of the Quad singles 6-4 by top seeds Michael in 2002 in Salt Lake City to land in action in the world rankings. an unexpected third place in Women's Standing Jeremiasz of France and this ninth edition of the slalom grayscale “We had a few long rallys Satoshi Saida of Japan. Paralympic Winter Games East. in the first couple of games Mistry later returned to in Torino. With its twenty- Confirming themselves as of the first set and after that Britain for the National five medals won in cross nations traditionally strong in I changed my tactics and Wheelchair Tennis country skiing and in the the Paralympic winter focus, stroking the ball Championships, which took biathlon, it saw itself among disciplines, is The Russian earlier to gave Huang less place at the Oxstalls Indoor the “great ones” of the Federation in first place and time,” said Norfolk. Tennis Centre, Gloucester Paralympic world and went Germany in second place, However, it didn’t bring quite from May 26-29 and won to step up onto the podium, with 31 and 18 medals as much success for British his 13th national title with a knocking France and the respectively. Men’s No. 1 Jayant Mistry, 6-2 6-2 win against first- United States of America who partnered young time finalist Alex Jewitt of Japanese star Shingo Dronfield, Derbyshire. Disability sports festival 2006 he disability sports abilities to take part in a New Zealand double amputee T festival is an annual wide range of sports conquers Everest event for people with activities, led by local clubs ew Zealand amputee to reach the disabilities and their family and volunteers. N mountaineer Mark summit of Mount Everest, and friends. It provides an The 2006 disability sports Inglis, who lost his legs in a on May 15. After 40 tough excellent opportunity for festival held on May 14 at climbing accident 24 years days of climbing, 47-year- people of all ages and Sawston Sports Centre had ago, became the first double old Inglis made it to the top

Iodine deficiency is the world’s leading cause of preventable mental retardation. Food & Nutrition Board, Ministry of Human Resource Development 38 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D of the world’s highest Gujarat wins blind cricket mountain. Mark’s prosthetic legs did tournament not cause any problem. he team from Gujarat When one snapped in early Thas won the 13th May, he described the National Cricket mishap as “a minor hiccup.” Tournament for the Blind In case something went held in Bangalore, defeating wrong, Inglis was carrying Haryana in the finals on a spare set of legs as well March 5. as equipment to make The best performing players a boundary, eight runs are necessary repairs. Inglis in this tournament will be added to his team. B1 made his final push for the considered for the next players have a runner and top from Camp 4 — 450 m after suffering frostbite in Cricket World Cup for the bowling is done very from the summit — in 1982 when trapped in an ice Blind to be held in South differently. perfect weather early May cave for 14 days on Mount Africa. “This is a special ball, made 15, following the path of Cook, New Zealand’s There are three categories, of fibre moulded thick plastic another New Zealander, highest peak. B1 totally blind, B2, partially - inside are steel bearings so Edmund Hillary, and Sherpa Inglis, who kept a website blind and B3 is partially when it moves it makes a Tenzing Norgay, who 53 diary of his climb, said the sighted. There are different rattling noise, by hearing, the years ago became the first expedition was expected to quotas for B1, B2, B3 - B1 visually challenged play,” mountaineers to conquer raise several hundred four players minimum, B2 said GK Mahantesh, Everest. thousand dollars for a three players and B3 four Samarthanam Trust for the Inglis was a mountain Cambodian centre that players. Disabled. rescue guide when he and provides rehabilitation for “In bowling department, B1 “It is the Trevor Chappell fellow rescue climber Phil landmine amputees, polio has to bowl 40 per cent of style of underarm bowling. Doole had both legs victims and other disabled the overs,” said KN We do this so that the players amputated below the knee people. Chandrashekhar, Karnataka don’t get injured,” said player. A run scored by a George Abraham, totally blind player is counted Chairman, Association of J One day, a man walks into a as two runs - and if he hits Cricket for Blind. dentist’s office and asks how much it will cost to extract his News compiled by Rajinder Johar teeth, “Eighty dollars,” the dentist says. “That is ridiculous amount,” the man says. “Isn’t J Jim and Edna were both patients in a mental there a cheaper way?” “Well,” the dentist says, “If hospital. One day while they were walking past the you don’t use an anaesthetic, I can knock the price hospital swimming pool, Jim suddenly jumped into the down to $60.” Looking annoyed the man says, “That’s deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed still too expensive!” Okay,” says the dentist. “If I there. Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam save an anaesthesia and simply rip the teeth out with to the bottom and pulled Jim out. When the hospital a pair of pliers, I can knock the price down $20.” director became aware of Edna’s heroic act she “Nope,” moans the man, “It’s still too much.” “Well,” immediately ordered that Edna be discharged from says the dentist, screeching his head, “If I let one the hospital because she now considered Edna to be of my student do it, I suppose I can knock the price mentally stable. The director went to Edna and said, down to $10,” “Marvellous,” says the man, “Book my “I have some good news and some bad news. The good wife for next Tuesday.” news is that you’re being discharged because you responded so rationally to a crisis by jumping in the J A Stanford research group advertised for pool to save the life of another patient. Your action participants in a study of obsessive-compulsive displays sound mindedness. The bad news is that Jim, disorder. They were looking for therapy clients who the patient you saved, hung himself in the bathroom had been diagnosed with this disorder. The response with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am was gratifying; they got 3,000 responses about three so sorry, but he’s dead.” Edna replied, “He didn’t hang days after the ad came out. All from the same person. himself. I put him there to dry. How soon can I go home?”

Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death. Harold Wilson 39 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

ife Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has is paid on maturity introduced a unique plan for the benefit of and balance 80% is utilised to provide an immediate Ldisabled dependents. Under this plan, an annuity (Pension) on life of a disabled dependent individual or member of Hindu Undivided Family can take on assurance on his/her own life to provide for Choice of Annuity payment of lump sum and an annuity to the disabled * Annuity for whole life dependent. The proposer can even create a Trust under * Annuity for 5, 10 or 15 years and for life thereafter M.W.P. Act. It provides risk cover on the life of bread winner and regular income to the disabled dependents. Death Benefits: On the death of a person whose life was assured during Main features of the term of the policy, basic sum assured + guaranteed Jeevan Vishwas plan bonus + loyalty addition is payable immediately as per This is an Endowment Assurance plan designed for the ratio 20:80. benefit of the disabled dependents Premiums: Premiums are payable quarterly, half-yearly In the event of a disabled person or dependent and yearly or in single premium lump sum payment predeceasing the life of the assured person, the person Guaranteed Additions/Bonus: The policy provides whose life was assured will have the option to surrender guaranteed bonus at the rate of Rs.60 / 1000 sum assured or keep it in force by paying further premiums and have Extra Loyalty Additions: Besides guaranteed bonus, option to go for the benefits in lump sum or bifurcate the LIC also provides an extra loyalty addition from 5th year sum in 20% lump sum and effect annuity on his own life onwards. for the balance of 80%. Who can take this policy: Parents or guardian of a disabled person or any individual or member of Hindu For more information contact Gavender Singh, Abhiyan Undivided Family or any concerned relative. Helpline at 9899794400 or WZ-1598/2A, Nagal Raya {Behind Nagal Raya DDA shopping Complex) New Plan Parameters Delhi or [email protected] n Age at entry : Min 20 yrs Max. 65 yrs n Maturity age : Max. 75 yrs (Abhiyan helpline is the multi- facet information center n Sum assured : Min. 50,000 Max. No limit and is providing information about special education, n Term : Min. 10 years Max. 40 years vocational training, govt/corporate scholarships for n Mode of payment : YLY/ HLY/ QLY/ SP education , physiotherapy, Disability Act, various n Accidental benefits : Allowed only for annual concessions available in rail/ air/ accommodation/ petrol/ premiums policy bus, registration with employment exchanges , loans and financial support from government/NGOs, manufacturers Maturity Benefits of orthosis and prosthesis, wheelchairs, motorised Basic sum assured + guaranteed bonus + loyalty vehicle, etc courses in special education and therapy, additions life insurance for disabled dependents, and other 20% of Basic sum assured + bonus + loyalty additions beneficial information about disability)

No state in India is free from Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Regular consumption of iodized salt is the only way to ensure regular intake of iodine in required amounts. Food & Nutrition Board, Ministry of Human Resource Development 40 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

experience of facing red tapism. It is an effort to make people in the field understand how things work so to make it easier for them. It is an attempt to conserve energy and spirit of altruism. In that sense the handbook is commendable by its very nature. As the law is such that one gets overwhelmed by the legal language, the number of forms one has to fill and the subtle differences among the Form A, B or C for the same kind of things, this is a book which one will appreciate while working on such a Ever Forward- An essential handbook for project. Disability Studies -Rubina Mohan [email protected] Author: Bipasha Gupta Printer: Ever Forward Fanaa Publications, K- 29, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi- Producers: Aditya 220076 Chopra and Yash Telefax: 29942269; Chopra e-mail: Director: Kunal [email protected]; Kohli website: www.disability4u.in Cast: Aamir Khan Price: Rs. 400/- and Kajol Pages: 439 Music: Jatin Lalit Ever Forward- An essential handbook… by Bipasha Fanaa is a special love affair with a poetic effect to its Sengupta as the title suggests is a hand book with ready narration. The lead is played by Aamir Khan and Kajol. information and practical tips for NGOs and professionals Kajol plays a visually impaired girl and regains her vision in the realm of disability. The book is a rich source of in the later half of the movie. The movie also has a good information regarding project planning, writing, presentation supporting cast in Lilette Dubey, Rishi Kapoor and Kirron and funding avenues and procedures. The author has gone Kher apart from some special appearances by Tabu, to the extent of providing sample projects highlighting the Abhishek Bachhan Shiney Ahuja and Lara Dutta. perspective of the funding agency. For many of the professionals, this is an important aspect to learn; it is not The movie seems like a slow flowing breeze. Sometimes only good intentions but the practicality and sustainability it catches up with its audience in its freshness and vivacity which are also equally important, the book brings these but there are some huge gaps left in its narration. The views into focus. efforts in the movie seem very vivid and smooth in their approach, but the slow pace of the movie goes against it. Another important part of the book is that the author has The story is woven around the issues of Kashmir and the not only stated the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act , lifestyle of its inhabitants. It must be accepted that it 1976, but has analysed it and given handy suggestions like proves to be a perfect background for the description of a list of documents required with each form and tips on turmoil in the lives of the two characters in the story. Some filling these forms. It is almost like a kunji to understand superb cinematography by Ravi Chandran adds a charm funding for NGOs. to the excellent locations chosen for the song sequences. The plethora of the bioscope is varied. The range travels The book also has an exhaustive glossary to facilitate the from the streets of old Delhi to the vastness of the removal of discrepancies in the usage of terms and their Presidential House, from the ruins of the Qutab interpretations. Ever Forward also enlists Braille presses monuments to the serene valleys of Kashmir (apparently in India, manufacturers and suppliers of assistive the locations for the Kashmir shoot were shot in Poland), technology, funding agencies in India, foreign funding the range is enormous and breathtaking. agencies and agencies that will not be treated as foreign source under FCRA,1976. Though marred by the controversies before its release, Fanaa managed to hold the interest of the audience. The The effort seems to have its genesis from a personal music is effervescent as it boasts of some great tracks

Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, you will have to remain to life long follow-up with your Ophthalmologist National Programme for Control of Blindness, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare 41 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D with sensuous touch. The song dekho naa turns a new Kim Sharma page in the way songs are picturised in Bollywood. Overall Music: Himesh Reshammiya the movie is a great entertainer, complete in all aspects. Another flaw of the movie—a girl regaining her vision The movie is the story woven around the three characters after retina transplant; when would Bollywood start who have physical disabilities- Tom (Dino Morea) is hearing dealing such issues practically. impaired, Dick (Anuj Sawhney) is visually impaired and Harry (Jimmy Shergill) is speech impaired. The director PYAARE MOHAN has made a story of a weak script with some loose acting Producers: weakening the attempt further. The movie does nothing of Ashok Thakeria the streak of comedies preceding the genre. and Indra Kumar The storyline continues sagging from one end to the other. Director: Indra The actors like Rakesh Bedi, Kunika add a touch of true Kumar humor to the plot. Gulshan Grover (Suprano, the villain) Cast: Vivek along with Shehzad Khan (Suprano’s assistant) prove to Oberoi, Fardeen be the perfect cast for such a comedy movie. Except for Khan, Boman Irani, Esha Deol, Amrita Rao these actors, the main star cast just fails to make a mark. Music: Anu Malik Every comedy just clicks because of its timing and its delivery and in this case both the features have been totally Pyaare Mohan is neither an out-and-out comedy, nor an erratic creating a chaos. action movie. Even the villain in the movie is so badly detailed that it seems like a character out of place. The The directors attempt to make a complete movie for the lead is played by Fardeen Khan, who is visually impaired multiplex audience and the common man has been a and Vivek Oberoi, hearing impaired. The female leads disappointing attempt. are played by Esha Deol and Amrita Rao. Boman Irani plays the role of don. The narration fails to impress with -Sanil Kumar some really casual acting ruining the feel of the movie. [email protected]

The only saving grace in the movie is when the heroes’ ATMA JYOTI : An absorbing mythological love for their better halves is rejected by the heroines on drama the grounds that they are disabled. Eventually at the need Atma Jyoti, an inspiring dance drama based on the of the hour, when the girls are rejected by all their relatives mythology attached to the 12 Jyotirlingas in different parts and only the heroes come to their rescue. This realisation of India, was a revelation of the inner light that guides that the persons with disabilities are not a concern when disabled people beyond their physical limitations. it comes to the matters of heart is intended to be the highlight of the movie, which eventually is underplayed Organised by Suniye, a voluntary organisation dedicated during the course of the movie. to the hearing impaired, on Jan. 27, 2006, to celebrate their 10th Foundation Day Ceremony, the one hour programme The ability starts from the soul and pervades all around... at the Delhi Tamil Sangam Auditorium, was a treat to watch. Tom, Dick and Harry Producer: Sudhir 40 children in the age group of 4 to 24 years, exuding Kumar, Surendra contentment, confidence and joy, performed in perfect Bhatia, Avinash rhythm and harmony with soulful music from flute, veena Bhatia and mridangam, as also vocal music. It seemed Director: Deepak unbelievable that in real life none of the youngsters could Tijori hear even their own voices except with the help of behind- Star: Dino Morea, the-ear hearing aids (BTEs), which were not visible from Jimmy Shergill, a distance. Celina Jaitley, Anuj Sawhney, The audience was spell-bound by the quality of the Gulshan Grover, performance. The question of any disability seemed to

You can’t have everything. Where would you put it? Steven Wright 42 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D vanish into thin air once the programme started. Sonia Sharma, the star performer who played the difficult role Suniye provides a happy curriculum for its little learners of Shiva — the destroyer and the restorer, the benevolent by arranging regular outings and educational trips to the herdsman and the wrathful avenger – was admired for Crafts Museum, Meteorological Dept., Post Office, Banks, her precise and graceful movements. She was hailed as a Metro Rail, and other places of interest. It also ensures promising artiste. Sonam Agarwal, a profoundly hearing that all hearing impaired children entering its portals emerge impaired girl, drew special applause for clearly enunciating well-equipped with speech and language, along with self- her woes and pleading with Lord Shiva to protect her. confidence, pride and pleasure in life around. All children (Few of us, without any hearing impairment realize how coming to its support school – which offers free services difficult it is for a person born without the concept of sound, – learn to read, write, understand and talk. to learn to speak clearly and correctly.) Over 100 children from Suniye are now integrated “Most of the children have not received training in any successfully in regular schools in a normal healthy performing art. Even if they are able to move on the stage environment. This is particularly important since going to in a synchronous and cohesive manner to a set pattern of special schools would have exposed them to limited stage performance, that itself is a great achievement and knowledge and experience of other hearing impaired a satisfying experience,” said the choreographer, children, multiplying their disability several-fold. Jayalakshmi Eshwar, an accomplished dancer from Kalakshetra, Chennai, and presently Head of Department Some of the Suniye children have performed outstandingly of Bharatnatyam at the Triveni Kala Sangam, New well in several fields like software engineering, Delhi. She had taken up the challenge of working with photography, electronics, arts and computer assembly. hearing impaired children for the fourth year in succession. Kumud Mohan is a reputed freelance writer, and has Many of the children belonged to different faiths. But all contributed over 400 features in national and mothers and grandmothers eagerly absorbed the deeper international publications. nuances of Hindu philosophy embedded in the story and [email protected] conveyed it to their wards with enthusiasm.

At the important happenings in the past six months at Family Of Disabled Ü During the last six months, 28 (Male-21, Female- Ü Apna Rozgaar Scheme which was till now confined 27) disabled people availed the benefit of Apna Rozgaar to Delhi has crossed the capital’s borders and has entered Scheme (ARS) taking the total number of ARS neighbouring state of Haryana. FOD has collaborated entrepreneurs to 268. with Indian Handicapped Welfare Association (IHWA) in district of Gurgaon. Parveen Bahl, president, IHWA has been representing IHWA for all the discussions and deliberations for this collaboration.

Ü Tata Teleservices Ltd. has also come forward to help disabled people under ARS. It is providing STD/PCO facility to the disabled people recommended by FOD, for their economic rehabilitation. While few existing ARS entrepreneurs were assisted to supplement their income, some were identified and enrolled for the first time under Surjeet Kaur (helped under ARS during this the Scheme. period), stitching clothes to earn her daily living Waist circumference in children and adolescents predicts insulin resistance, risk factor for diabetes and this is independent of Body Mass Index (BMI), a height to weight ratio used to determine how thin or fat an individual is. Journal of Pediatrics 43 Jan-June 2006 The VOICE of FOD F O D

Ü Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped Ü FOD participated (FORTH ), provided succour to 3 disabled people by in Abilities Mela sponsoring them under ARS. Considering the ever organised by Business shooting prices of products, FORTH thoughtfully offered & Community more seed money per prospective entrepreneur, so that Foundation on the he could have a little more margin of profit. premises of Blind Relief Association on April 2 and 3. A variety of products made by disabled artists/artisans, especially paintings in a variety of sizes were displayed and retailed to showcase their FOD Stall at Abilities Mela skills.

ÜArpita Mandal, 15, won gold Babita, having polio in right lower limb, was one medal in poster designing and of the seven disabled people given various aids painting (water colour) and and appliances according to their specific needs, Arveend Budh Singh, 42, won during the passed six months silver medal in poster designing Ü at Regional Abylimpics FOD organised a magic show, on April 29, for the organised by Amar Jyoti benefit of 120 disabled children attending a 10-day Charitable Trust and Research personality development camp at Prerna Niketan Sangh, Centre from June 7-9. an NGO in Dwarka, New Delhi. The show, through its Arpita Mandal various components, also threw some light on the Ü precautions that should be taken to avoid disability like 10 paintings made by artists with different polio. Children were overjoyed to witness the show and disabilities have been selected for translation into New cheered lustily after every item. Year greeting Ü Exploring and cards for 2006. encouraging opportunities of These self employment among cards are disabled individuals, for their promoted economic rehabilitation is through one of the main objectives different of FOD. Major Dharam avenues to Chand (Retd.) who joined generate FOD as project co- funds for ordinator during this period the projects has been a big asset to the run by FOD organisation and working Major Dharam Chand for benefit selflessly on the same. In addition, he has been great of its target help in conducting other organisational matters too. group. q

Whenever I hear, ‘It can’t be done,’ I know I’m close to success. Michael Flatley