Breakthroughs

Blind students to opt for the subject of their choice now

Hundreds of visually challenged CBSE students were earlier forced to study alternative subjects like music or history simply because they could not attempt the visual element (nearly 40% of questions are diagram or visual-based) of question papers in Maths and Science, besides being unable to handle the 'practical'.

But that is history. Besides the English and Social Science papers, even the Science and Maths papers of class X now carry alternate questions for the visually challenged. This is also a great relief for dyslexic students. The CBSE Board also allows them 60 minutes extra to complete each external exam.

Separate question papers that do not require visual inputs like diagrams and charts have been introduced for Maths and Science. Suitably equipped examination centers have been identified and special teachers have been designated as invigilators to give psychological support to the examinees. The remuneration for writers/scribes has also been raised.

Moreover, the visually challenged can take their exams on the computer or typewriter. Software is available to convert any text into Braille at the press of a key. In addition, there is a choice of excellent speech-recognition software available.

So please encourage your children to pursue whatever subject they fancy.

Source: Enabling Education. The Tines of India, Daily, New Delhi, 28 August 2006.

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Disabled Friendly Cabs

Even as city roads are pockmarked with potholes, the administration in trying to improve its public mode of transport, this time by introducing disabled-friendly cabs. The prowess of the first such cab will be demonstrated at the Regional Transport Office this week.

The Maruti Versa, which would ply the physically challenged passengers, would be wheelchair compatible. The wheelchairs are automatically pilled inside the taxi by a pulley as they get slide on a ramp. There will be special locking arrangements that will keep the wheelchairs stable throughout the journey.

"The cabs would be enabled to take special care of senior citizens. There will also be special trained attendants and female attendants for female passengers, senior citizens and women with children for moderate rates," said a government official.

Based on the passenger's spending habit, the Mumbaikar can chose if he wants to travel in a small van, midsize one or a luxury taxi. This proposal mooted by the stage government under the development project has received support from 100 taxi drivers.

"For implementing the Mumbai Fleet taxi Scheme 2006, an agreement had to be entered into with consent from 100 taxi men. This scheme endorsed by the chief minister has been approved by the state government," said Arun Sabnis, managing trustee of the city-based NGO 'Fulora Foundation'.

A private limited company has been formed with 100 members from the taxi drivers, companies offering GPRS/ GIS and banks would be equity holders. Over 3,500 taxi drivers have come forward and registered themselves with this company to get the new Esteem model.

"The taxi drive has to surrender his old model to take the new Esteem without paying a single rupee for the first shift."

Source: Disabled can now wheel into taxis. DNA, Daily, Mumbai, 21 August 2006.

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