My disability activism in 2017

#YearInReview: My humble steps in disability advocacy in 2017. 12 months, around 60 mentions in media/newspaper articles(as far as I could recollect), a few successes, many struggles, but I hope it helped in sensitisation on disability issues which otherwise remain out of view of mainstream media.Quite a few of the successful efforts never made it any media report but they helped someone.

"मै एक मज़दूर हूँ। जिस दिन कुछ लिख न लूँ, उस दिन मुझे रोटी खाने का कोई हक नहीं।" ~ मुंशी # प्रेमचंद  

January 2017

1. The Wire. Rights Activists Seek Action Against DDA Vice-Chairman For Insulting Disabled Officer. 13 Jan 2017. https://thewire.in/99781/rights-activists-seek-action-dda-v-c-insulting-officer-disability/

2.The Better India. Here’s how hospitals are trying to improve accessibility for visually impaired patients. https://www.thebetterindia.com/79854/accessible-india-campaign-aim-accessibility-all/

3.The Hindu. DDA asks official to rejoin ‘if he wishes’. 14 Jan 2017. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/DDA-asks-official-to-rejoin-‘if-he-wishes’/article17038570.ece

Feburary 2017

4.The Wire. Budget Has Little to Offer Persons with Disabilities. 2 Feb 2017 https://thewire.in/104992/budget-has-little-to-offer-persons-with-disabilities/

5.Dainik Jagran. Pyar hai (Man mein bas gayi who muskan) 11 Feb 2017

6.Times of India. No physiatrist in PGI since 2009. 16 Feb 2017 http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31973&articlexml=No-physiatrist-in-PGI-since-2009-16022017103009

7.The Wire. Disability Activists and EC Work to Make Assembly Polls More Accessible. 21 Feb 2017 https://thewire.in/110842/disability-activists-and-ec-polls-accessible/

8.The Hindu. Vigyan Bhawan, AIIMS, Feroz Shah Kotla… can’t go anywhere. 27 Feb 2017 www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/vigyan-bhawan-aiims-feroz-shah-kotla-cant-go-anywhere/article17378276.ece

March 2017

9.IMPACT: The Hindu. AIIMS, PNB admit gaps in inclusive accessibility. 2 Mar 2017. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/aiims-pnb-admit-gaps-in-inclusive-accessibility/article17391069.ece

10.The Wire. When It Comes to Rehabilitation Facilities, India’s Medical Community Remains Grossly Lacking. 4 Mar 2017

11.Pallium India. No Rehabilitation Facilities in majority of the states. 8 Mar 2017. http://palliumindia.org/2017/03/no-rehabilitation-facilities-in-majority-of-the-states/

12.The Wire. Disability Activists Slam Regressive Clause in New Act That Allows Discrimination. 24 Mar 2017 https://thewire.in/118792/disability-sector-aghast-silence-draft-rules-controversial-clause-rights-pwds-act-2016/

13.IMPACT: The Wire. Only Specifically Trained Doctors to Treat Children with Disabilities, Says MCI. 29 Mar 2017 https://thewire.in/119765/only-specifically-trained-doctors-to-treat-children-with-disabilities-says-medical-council-of-india/

April 2017

14.The Pioneer. Activists express concern over gaping loopholes. 11 Apr 2017 www.dailypioneer.com/nation/activists-express-concern-over-gaping-loopholes.html

15.Navbharat Times. 'दिव्यांगों के अधिकार' से जुडे़ कानून के नियमों पर विवाद 14 Apr 2017 https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/india/conflict-on-a-bill-regarding-right-for-specially-abled-people/articleshow/58185549.cms

16.The Lancet. Accounting for polio survivors in the post-polio world. 15 April 2017 http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)30999-6/fulltext

17.NDTV. Access is right of people with disabilities. 18 Apr 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDwUNBDo11w

18.The Wire. UP Minister Could Become First to Be Tried Under New Disability Law. 21 Apr 2017 https://thewire.in/126598/satyadev-pachauri-persons-with-disabilities-act-uttar-pradesh/

19.Times of India. Delhi University doctor stands up for UP government employee’s rights. 23 Apr 2017 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/new-disability-law-du-doc-stands-up-for-up-govt-employees-rights/articleshow/58321074.cms?from=mdr

20.The Wire. Activists Slam Modi Government’s Plan for Central University for Persons with Disabilities. 27 Apr 2017 https://thewire.in/129496/activist-modi-governments-plan-for-central-university-for-persons-with-disabilities/

May 2017

21.Times of India. Activists against ‘exclusive’ varsity. 1 MAY 2017 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/activists-against-exclusive-varsity/articleshow/58450635.cms?from=mdr

22.Singh S. Perseverance Pays. In:  Halder, S and Assaf, L (Eds.), Inclusion, Disability and Culture: an Ethnographic Approach Traversing Abilities and Challenges. Springer; 2017 (in press). ISBN 978-3-319-55223-1

June 2017

23.The Wire. Disability Activist Slams Termination of New Recruit Over Partial Visual Impairment. 7 Jun 2017 https://thewire.in/144548/disability-activist-slams-termination-of-new-recruit-over-partial-visual-impairment/

24.Foreword in ‘Defying Deviance’ (Handbook on Sexuality and Disability) by Raajendra Maurya of Cross the hurdles.

25.The Wire. Para-Athlete’s Ordeal a Reminder of How Disabled-Unfriendly the Railways Is. 12 Jun 2017 https://thewire.in/146790/suvarna-raj-indian-railways/

26.The Pioneer. Activists term tax cut on divyang devices eyewash. 22 Jun 2017 http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/activists-term-tax-cut-on-divyang-devices-eyewash.html

27. National Herald. GST: Jaitley’s tax on physical disability raises eyebrows. 29 Jun 2017. https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/economy/gst-jaitleys-tax-on-physical-disability-raises-eyebrows

July 2017

28.IMPACT: Times of India. HC asks railways why it’s insensitive to plight of disabled.8 Jul 2017 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/hc-asks-railways-why-its-insensitive-to-plight-of-disabled/articleshow/59496949.cms

29.The Economic Times. Government claim on GST benefit on disability aids incorrect, misleading: Disability organisations. 10 Jul 2017 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/government-claim-on-gst-benefit-on-disability-aids-incorrect-misleading-disability-organisations/articleshow/59533203.cms

30.The Hindu. ‘Colour blindness shouldn’t kill dream of being a doctor’. 17 Jul 2017 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/colour-blindness-shouldnt-kill-dream-of-being-a-doctor/article19290947.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication&dgcid=raven_md_feed_email

31.The Pioneer. PMR depts still non-existent or scanty 30 Jul 2017

August 2017

32.Times of India. Poor facilities for disabled at station: Tweet prompts probe. 13 Aug 2017

33.The Wire. Despite Clear Guidelines, University Denies Medical Course Admission to Student with Disability 31 Aug 2017 https://thewire.in/172668/despite-clear-guidelines-university-denies-medical-course-admission-student-disability/

September 2017

34.Indian Express. At Teachers’ Day event, no ramp for differently abled to reach stage. 6 Sept 2017 http://indianexpress.com/article/education/at-teachers-day-event-no-ramp-for-differently-abled-to-reach-stage-4830650/

IMPACT: Access audit ordered by DEPwD

35.The Wire. Student Who Fought Muscular Dystrophy to Become MD May Lose Government Job to Colour Blindness. 18 Sept 2017 https://thewire.in/178857/student-who-fought-muscular-dystrophy-to-become-md-may-lose-government-job-to-colour-blindness/

October 2017

36.Indian Express. Delhi govt hospitals have no physical medicine and rehab department, reveals RTI. 12 Oct 2017. http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-govt-hospitals-have-no-physical-medicine-and-rehab-department-reveals-rti-4885956/

37.The Wire. Bureau of Civil Aviation and Security Allows for X-Ray Scanning for PwDs as Measure of Last Resort. 13 Oct 2017 https://thewire.in/187239/bureau-civil-aviation-security-accepts-recommendations-x-ray-pwd-last-resort/

38.Times of India. Student with blood disorder to wait longer for MBBS seat as university challenges HC order. 24 Oct 2017 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/student-with-blood-disorder-to-wait-longer-for-mbbs-seat-as-university-challenges-hc-order/articleshow/61192815.cms?

November 2017

39.Times of India. Delhi’s UT status coming in way of disability rights. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-ut-status-coming-in-way-of-disability-rights/articleshow/61327080.cms

December 2017

40.India Today. Indian doctor honoured with disability service award in US. 5 Dec 2017 http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-doctor-honoured-with-disability-service-award-in-us/1/1103862.html

41.Business Standard. Indian doctor honoured with disability service award in US. 5 Dec 2017 http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indian-doctor-honoured-with-disability-service-award-in-us-117120501218_1.html

42.NDTV. Doctor Who Helped People with Disabilities In 2014 Election Wins Prestigious US Award. 5 Dec 2017 https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/doctor-who-helped-people-with-disabilities-in-2014-election-wins-prestigious-henry-viscardi-achievem-1784044

43.Punjab Kesari. अमेरिका में भारतीय डॉक्टर को विकलांगता सेवा पुरस्कार 5 Dec 2017 http://www.punjabkesari.in/international/news/disability-service-award-for-indian-doctor-in-usa-717655

44.NRI Khabar. Indian Doctor Received Disability Service Award in USA. 6 Dec 2017 http://nrikhabar.com/indian-doctor-received-disability-service-award-usa/

45.Times of India. Disability Rights Activist awarded in US. 7 Dec 2017 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/disability-rights-activist-awarded-in-us/articleshow/61954373.cms

46.Medical Dialogues. First: UCMS Physiology Associate Professor honoured with disability service award in US. 7 Dec 2017 https://medicaldialogues.in/first-ucms-physiology-associate-professor-honoured-with-disability-service-award-in-us/

47.Dainik Bhaskar. दिव्यांगों की बेहतरी के लिए अमेरिका में सम्मानित 9 Dec 2017

48.Prabhat Khabar. Dhanbad: 3 साल की बिटिया के लिए सुमित ने छेड़ी जंग, सीएम ने दिव्यांग बच्ची को दिलाया सम्मान 9 Dec 2017 https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/news/dhanbad/father-wins-the-battle-against-de-nobili-school-for-admission-of-her-disabled-girl-child-in-dhanbad/1095895.html

49.Newz Hook. Indian disabled right activist gets prestigious award in the United States. https://newzhook.com/story/15084

50.IMPACT: दैनिक आवाज़: डि-नोबिली में हुआ नामांकन, मुख्यमंत्री रघुवर दास ने कहा- झारखण्ड की बेटी 10 Dec 2017

51.Youth Ki Awaaz. How Twitter Advocacy Led to The School Admission of a Child With Disability. 11 Dec 2017. https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2017/12/successful-twitter-advocacy-lead-to-admission-of-a-child-with-disability/

52.Viscardi Center. 2017 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards https://www.viscardicenter.org/2017-henry-viscardi-achievement-awards/

53.Global Accessibility News. 2017 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Announced. http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/2017/12/06/2017-henry-viscardi-achievement-awards-announced/

54.Youth Ki Awaaz. Nine Leaders in Global Disability Sector Receive 2017 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. 11 Dec 2017 https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2017/12/nine-leaders-in-global-disability-sector-receive-2017-henry-viscardi-achievement-award/

55.The Island Now. Viscardi Center honors 9 leaders with achievement awards. 12 Dec 2017 https://theislandnow.com/news-98/viscardi-center-honors-9-leaders-achievement-awards/

56. Navbharat Times. अमेरिका में भारतीय डॉक्टर को मिला दिव्यांग सेवा पुरस्कार https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/world/america/indian-doctor-honoured-with-disability-service-award-in-us-new-york/articleshow/61936568.cms

57.Reflective MedEd. Be the Light – A Chanukah (and Medical Education) Reflection. 14 Dec 2017 https://reflectivemeded.org/2017/12/14/be-the-light-a-chanukah-and-medical-education-reflection/

58.Business Standard. Disability activist Dr Satendra Singh is putting up a good fight. 22 Dec 2017 http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/disability-activist-dr-satendra-singh-is-putting-up-a-good-fight-117122201163_1.html

59.Indian Express. Haj guidelines say lunatic and cripple, show bias: Activists. 28 Dec 2017 http://indianexpress.com/article/india/haj-guidelines-say-lunatic-and-cripple-show-bias-activists-5001862/

60.Youth Ki Awaaz. This New ‘Rule’ Prohibits Academic Research On Persons With Disabilities. 29 Dec 2017. https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2017/12/controversial-rule-on-research-on-people-with-disability-in-new-act/#.Wkcb55f9aSg.twitter

  

Twitter Advocacy Led to Admission of a Child with Disability #जीत_जीतिशा_की

#जीत_जीतिशा_की
Impact of Twitter Advocacy
Nothing can be as gratifying as the 'thank you' on phone from the three-year old little Jitisha. The happiness of Sumit Khaitan and his wife was palpable as they called me. Special mention to Mr Deepak Ambastha, Editor of Awaz with whom I was in touch constantly as we fought for the right of Jitisha to get admission into DeNobili, CMRI, Dhanbad.. Thank you Hon'ble minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das ji for swift action. Hope the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Rules 2017 will be drafted and implemented soon by the Govt.

This is the best gift on the #HumanRightsDay as we mark 70th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights #UDHR today. Article 26 of the UDHR clearly states that 'Everyone has the right to education.' The most significant human right treaty for the people with disabilities (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) #UNCRPD also mentions our rights in article 5 (Equality and non-discrimination) and article 7 (Children with disabilities).

Read full coverage on my post on Youth ki Awaaz

https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2017/12/successful-twitter-advocacy-lead-to-admission-of-a-child-with-disability/

#StandUp4HumanRights #ADay4ll #SDG4 #Disability #मानवाधिकारदिवस

अमेरिका में भारतीय डॉक्टर को विकलांगता सेवा पुरस्कार

Dainik Bhaskar

न्यूयॉर्क। शारीरिक रूप से अशक्त लोगों के अधिकारों को लेकर जागरूकता फैलाने और उनकी जीवन की गुणवत्ता सुधारने के लिए एक भारतीय डॉक्टर एवं विकलांगता अधिकार कार्यकर्ता को मंगलवार को अमेरिका में प्रतिष्ठित हेनरी विस्कार्डी अचीवमेंट अवॉर्ड दिया गया। 40 साल के डॉ. सत्येन्द्र सिंह नई दिल्ली स्थित यूनिवर्सिटी कॉलेज ऑफ मेडिकल साइंसेज में फिजियोलॉजी (शरीर विज्ञान) के एसोसिएट प्रोफेसर हैं। वे यह सम्मान हासिल करने वाले पहले भारतीय हैं। यह अंतरराष्ट्रीय पुरस्कार पहली बार मार्च 2013 में दिया गया था। विस्कार्डी सेंटर ने एक बयान में कहा कि अमेरिकी विकलांगता अधिकार नेता और विस्कार्डी सेंटर एवं न्यूयॉर्क के हेनरी विस्कार्डी सेंटर के अध्यक्ष एवं मुख्य कार्यकारी जॉन डी केंप ने पुरस्कार दिए।

2014 के भारतीय लोकसभा चुनाव को शारीरिक रूप से अशक्त लोगों के लिए सुगम्य बनाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाने वाले सिंह ने कहा कि मैं यह पुरस्कार दुनियाभर में भेदभाव से लड़ रहे शारीरिक रूप से अशक्त हर व्यक्ति के दृढ़ संकल्प को समर्पित करता हूं। मुझे यहां अमेरिका में यह पुरस्कार हासिल करते समय अपने सीने पर भारतीय झंडे का बैज लगाते हुए बेहद गर्व महसूस हुआ। (भाषा)

Source: http://hindi.webdunia.com/nri-news/disability-service-award-117120600028_1.html

2017 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Announced

NEW YORK, NY: The Viscardi Center — an Albertson-based non-profit organization providing a lifespan of services that educate, employ, and empower people with disabilities — announced nine recipients of the 2017 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards at a special ceremony held on December 4 at the Mutual of America building in New York City.

First bestowed in 2013, the awards honor exemplary leaders in the disability community who, through the example of their professional accomplishments and advocacy efforts, are reshaping societal perceptions and making significant changes in the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Drawing nominations from cities throughout the U.S. and countries around the world, this year’s cohort are an accomplished and diverse group representing Bangladesh, India, Israel, Pakistan, South Africa, and the United States. Recipients come from a variety of distinguished backgrounds, including academia, healthcare, sports, government, technology, non-profit, and corporate sectors.

“Tonight, we recognize nine individuals from around the globe who we believe not only motivate all of us to reach higher, but who are today’s leaders, mentors, and role models for their peers and our next generations,” said John D. Kemp, President and CEO of The Viscardi Center. “These individuals have been catalysts for change and are making a positive impact on how people with disabilities view themselves and the world.”

The Henry Viscardi Achievements Awards were established to commemorate the vision of the Center’s founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who himself wore prosthetic legs. As a premier disability advocate, he served as an advisor to eight presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, and implemented groundbreaking employment and education programs for people with disabilities.

The 2017 Selection Committee was co-chaired for the fifth consecutive year by Robert Dole, former U.S. Senator, along with Sherwood “Woody” Goldberg, Esq., retired U.S. Army Colonel and current Senior Advisor for Asian Affairs at the Center for Naval Analysis.

The 2017 Award Recipients

Vashkar Bhattacharjee, Access to Information (a2i) Program, Bangladesh

Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Ministry of Social Development, South Africa

Justin Constantine, The Constantine Group, New York, NY

Col. Gregory D. Gadson, U.S Army Veteran/Patriot Strategies, Alexandria, VA

Matt King, Facebook, Menlo Park, CA

Dr. Satendra Singh, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India

Yuval Wagner, Access Israel, Israel

Thomas J. Wlodkowski, Comcast, Philadelphia, PA

Asim Zafar, Saaya Association/Community Based Inclusive Development Network, Pakistan

For more information, go to viscardicenter.org.

Doctor Who Helped People With Disabilities In 2014 Election Wins Prestigious US Award

Dr Satendra Singh, 40, has become the first Indian to get the international award.

The Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards, first bestowed in 2013, recognise exemplary leaders within the disability community and their extraordinary societal contributions, while remembering the spirit and legacy of The Viscardi Center's founder, Dr Henry Viscardi, Jr, who himself wore prosthetic legs.

"I dedicate this award to the perseverance and the resilience of each and every person with disability around the globe who is fighting discrimination," Dr Singh told news agency Press Trust of India.

He has become the first Indian to get the international award.

Full report at: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/doctor-who-helped-people-with-disabilities-in-2014-election-wins-prestigious-henry-viscardi-achievem-1784044

As a first Indian Satendra Singh received Henry Viscardi Achievement Award

New Delhi: A Delhi University doctor and disability rights activist was honoured on Tuesday with the prestigious Henry Viscardi Achievement Award in the US for raising awareness and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. Dr Satendra Singh, associate professor of physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, become the first Indian to get the international award which was first bestowed in March 2013 in the US.

John D Kemp, the American disability rights leader and the president and chief executive of the Viscardi centre and the Henry Viscardi School in New York gave away the awards. Singh, who played an integral role in making India's 2014 general elections in New Delhi accessible to people with disabilities, said: "I dedicate this award to the perseverance and the resilience of each and every person with disability around the globe who is fighting discrimination. I felt very proud to sport the Indian flag badge on my chest while receiving the award here in the US."

The Viscardi awards are given to exemplary leaders within the disability community and their extraordinary contributions to the society.

Source: Times of India, 7 Dec 2017