While COVID-19 has hit education around the world, Odisha’s only Braille printing press in Berhampur is busy in its efforts to provide Braille textbooks to visually challenged Class XI students in the coming academic year.
In my last column when I raised a question on whether the media really cares about the disabled population, I didn’t know two weeks later, we would face a more pertinent issue of whether the country is bothered about anyone with a disability in this time of crisis.
The novel coronavirus outbreak has forced millions of people around the world to limit what and who they touch and stay in place for the time being -- all methods to try to tamp down on the spread of the virus in the absence of a vaccine or treatment.
But for the blind community, in particular, these restrictions create additional obstacles that may contribute to their already vulnerable state, experts said.
Our guest columnist this week is Vineet Saraiwala, an avid trekker, marathoner, and endurance cyclist. Vineet, who is visually impaired, is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Bangalore.
From paying for his milk supplies to booking flight tickets, the PayTM app is a go-to resource for well-known disability rights activist George Abraham.
PayTM is a digital payments platform that allows users to transfer cash into the integrated wallet via online banking, debit cards, credit cards, and by depositing cash through select banks and partners. This way it claims all users can comfortably buy a number of goods without cash.
Well, not all, at least not any longer.
The Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry on Monday asked all States and Union Territories to make information about measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 accessible to Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
5 tips for the blind to stay safe from Coronavirus pandemic
Blindness in the time of Coronavirus could be dangerous for some, especially if they live in a densely populated country like India.
What makes it even more of a risk is the fact that it won’t be always possible to avoid physical contact.
The ableism and ageism being unleashed is its own sort of pestilence.
Like many people all over the world, I am not leaving the house now. For me, though, staying home is nothing new. I am in bed as I write this, propped up by my usual heap of cushions, talking to other sick and disabled people all day on my laptop about how the hell we’re going to care for one another in the coming weeks with a gnawing feeling of dread in my belly.
This captivating documentary focuses on the extraordinary bond between blind climber Jesse Dufton and his wife and climbing partner Molly Thompson.
By Our Reporter
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