Institutions

Chennai: Centre for the disabled at Loyola...

A resource centre for the disabled has been set up at Loyola College. The Chairman, Madras Institute of Development Studies, M Anandakrishnan, inaugurated the centre, established by the college in association with Vidya Vrikshah, a Non-Governmental Organisation.

Delivering the keynote address, Madras University Vice Chancellor, S P Thyagarajan said that there were many schemes and grants specifically aimed for the disabled floated by both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University of Madras, which should be put to use by various educational institutions.

He said that the needs of the physically challenged are very different from others so they need to address their problems in such a way so as to take their well being into consideration. He felt that disability should not hamper the development of any individual.

To drive home the point, he told the crowd - predominantly visually impaired - about himself, who despite having only partial vision in his left eye, had made it to the position of Vice-Chancellor of one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the country.

Anandakrishnan said that over the years, the Indian society had undergone a significant transformation: from a general feeling of neglect and distaste to participatory initiative to help the disabled. He felt that though there was a lot of support in the form of resources and assistance but it was not sufficient.

So more private initiative should be mobilized to ensure that the disabled were not left behind in this fast-paced world. The Ann Foundation from the USA donated two copies of 'JAWS', software specifically developed for blind students.

A multi-lingual editor, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras was also donated to the center. Student volunteers and faculty would be trained to use these softwares for the benefit of the 48 visually impaired students in the college.

Source: Centre for differently-abled at Loyola. India Express, Chennai, 17th January.