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Govt Eye banks to be connected with nat’l cornea distribution network’

Wed, 10/07/2020 - 10:34 -- geeta.nair

Health Minister Banna Gupta today said that the state-run Eye Banks will be connected with the nationwide cornea distribution system so that other eye banks in the State, where there is a long queue of cornea-related visually challenged people waiting for eye transplant can get cornea. This will help make available cornea to the visually impaired in time and their vision can be restored.

District administration plans to establish a new public library in DLF Phase-1

Tue, 10/06/2020 - 10:10 -- geeta.nair

Having renovated the old district library in Civil Lines in 2019, the district administration is now planning to set up a second public library in DLF Phase-1. From having a collection of more than 50,000 books for general readers, students and the elderly, the library will also have an employment desk and audio classes for the visually impaired.

Watch out for blurred vision, survivors told

Tue, 10/06/2020 - 09:51 -- geeta.nair

Critically-ill patients who were administered steroids can be at risk of developing ocular complications.

Retina and cornea consultants have urged people to watch out for eye-related complications after recovering from COVID-19.

Specialists from L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) said that critically-ill COVID patients who were administered steroids to mitigate complications in lung and other organs can be at risk of developing steroid related ocular complications.

Postman and Multi Tasking Staff (MTS)

Mon, 10/05/2020 - 15:08 -- geeta.nair

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, INDIA
O/o Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle,
Mumbai - 400001.

ONLINE EXAMINATION FOR DIRECT RECRUITMENT FOR THE POSTS OF POSTMAN (PM)/ MAIL GUARD (MG) AND MULTI TASKTNG STAFF (MTS) IN MAHARASHTRA POSTAL CIRCLE.

Highlights of the advertisement are given below, for complete details visit:  https://www.maharashtrapost.gov.in/300920%20Notification%20PM%20MG%20MTS...

Invisible Disabilities: Missing from any Discourse on Disability

By Shruti Pushkarna

Lately, I have found myself unwinding to reruns of old favourite TV shows (now easily available on OTT platforms). The extensive amount of work unleashed by the pandemic, both on the professional as well as home front, leaves me utterly exhausted. So I treat myself to a nightcap in the form of yesteryear soap operas.

Sighted Confessions of a Visual-aholic

By Shruti Pushkarna

I’ve been writing this column for a little over nine months now. I have attempted to state facts, voice certain pertinent issues, identify gaps, highlight the absence of empathy and compassion towards anyone who is labeled as the ‘other’. I’ve even criticised the media for ignoring matters pertaining to persons with disabilities. So I thought it’s a good time to pause and ruminate on my own self. Point the finger inwards for a change.

Let’s rewind to 2016.

Yes! Technology can be a gamechanger for students with disabilities

By Shruti Pushkarna

Before you label this column (or the columnist) as being unnecessarily critical of everything (and everyone), let me dish out a few positive thoughts. I know I haven’t been an ardent supporter of the present-day leadership, and I’ve repeatedly highlighted the ignorance (and convenient oversight) of several stakeholders including our dear friends in the media, vis-à-vis issues faced by the disabled population. But I’m not a pessimist. If anything, I anticipate a better tomorrow.

Need to factor in Access for Disabled at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir

By Shruti Pushkarna

I have worked in television newsrooms for most part of my journalistic career. Despite several misgivings, I enjoyed the energy in that space, especially while handling major coverage like the elections, Union Budget or any special programming. The increased tabloidisation of news may have compelled me to quit, but as they say, old habits die hard. The mind is still drawn to TV channels on ‘big news days’.

Do we see an opportunity for the disabled in the new normal?

By Shruti Pushkarna

In times ridden with conflicting opinions about almost everything under the sun, I think we can safely agree that Covid-19 has changed how we interact with the environment. And I’m not just referring to the natural surroundings but also the environment where daily professional and social engagements take place.

The world is rapidly changing. And yet one thing remains the same. The intrinsic need to validate our existence. In the absence of physical interactions, we still want to be ‘seen’ and ‘heard’.

Is the academic triumph of disabled students not sexy enough for the media?

By Shruti Pushkarna

CBSE Class XII results were declared earlier this week. As always news reports flowed in, citing the best performing schools and students across the country. For students and teachers who have worked hard through the year, this is their moment of glory. Top scorers hog the media limelight, sharing their tall tales of rigorous preparations.

After COVID-19, Open Book Exam Emerges as the Latest Challenge for the Blind

By Shabnam Durani

The Delhi University’s (DU) decision to conduct an Open Book Examination (OBE) for those in their final year has created a sense of panic among the blind and visually impaired students. There are approximately 800 students with vision impairment studying in DU, out of which around 350 will appear for their final exams this year.

Is the media guilty of making assumptions about the disabled?

By Shruti Pushkarna

Last Thursday I attended an online session (thanks to Covid, we are all high on Zoom) where a renowned journalist and television news anchor was in conversation with a group of around eighty visually impaired people. It was a heterogeneous mix with regards to the participants’ geography and demography.

 

And no the talk was not about blindness. Or Disability. Or any of the safely assumed stereotypes that are fluttering in your mind as you imagine a person with dark glasses and a white cane.

 

Is the media guilty of making assumptions about the disabled?

By Shruti Pushkarna

Last Thursday I attended an online session (thanks to Covid, we are all high on Zoom) where a renowned journalist and television news anchor was in conversation with a group of around eighty visually impaired people. It was a heterogeneous mix with regards to the participants’ geography and demography.

And no the talk was not about blindness. Or Disability. Or any of the safely assumed stereotypes that are fluttering in your mind as you imagine a person with dark glasses and a white cane.

Is the Battle for Inclusion being fought with an Exclusive Mindset?

By Shruti Pushkarna

In the past, I have written a few pieces on accessibility and the rights of persons with disabilities to be part of all that is mainstream. As I began to pen down my thoughts, I realized that ‘disability’ is always looked at as a ‘separate’ domain. By governments, by businesses, by non-profits, by educationists, and even by advocates of ‘disability’. When all stakeholders are guilty of looking at the subject as separate from the rest of the society, then how can we single out anyone and pin the onus of change?

Is our understanding of ‘accessibility’ limited by an ableist approach?

By Shruti Pushkarna

Four years ago, when I started working with visually impaired people with the objective of including them into the mainstream, I was introduced to a whole set of new terminologies. It took me a few weeks, maybe months to become abreast with the domain lingo and issues. I guess this happens in every profession where you are working within a niche. Back in the days of journalism as well, there was a fair bit of ‘education’ involved every time one was expected to write on a new subject.

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