Thursday, December 22, 2005
Petition to Ministry of Human Resources and Development
Hello Readers !
Below is attached the letter what we wrote to MHRD , India and took several hundred signatures while we did the "Walk for Autism" at Dadar , Mumbai.
Govt. of India has got enough time to press for reservation of SC/ST/OBC in the private education institute of our country through the Education Amendment Bill , but has little time to think about the most weaker sections of the society as they may not be able to contribute in terms of vote banks.
Keep reading.................................
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20th November, 2005
To
Mr. Arjun Singh
Minister for Human Resource Development
Government of India
New Delhi.
Dear Sir,
Forum for Autism is a parent support group registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1950 for persons with autism and comprises of parents, caregivers, Individuals with autism and professionals from various fields who deal with autism. We have gathered here at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, on the 20th of November 2005 for awareness walk on autism organized by Forum for Autism. On this occasion, we wish to press for the following demands, which would enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals with autism and their families –
1.Recognize Autism as a disability and include it under the Persons with Disabilities Act.
Today, even though the National Trust recognizes autism as a disability, the Persons with Disabilities Act, which includes persons with mental retardation and/or physical handicaps, does not recognize autism as a disability. Although many people with autism do suffer from other disabilities mentioned in the Act, it is a known fact that they are often of normal and above normal intelligence, yet cannot lead an independent life due to this being a socio-communicative disorder. Such persons with autism cannot avail of the facilities, reservations and other concessions, which are available to persons covered by the Persons with Disabilities Act.
2. Include and integrate all children with any special needs, specifically autism, in schools (both Special Schools and mainstream schools).
The Government launched the IEDC [Integrated Education of Disabled Children] scheme in December 1974. However, educational administrators have been slow in grasping the value of Integrated Education (IE). IEDC met with limited success only a little more than one lakh CWSN [Children With Special Needs] have been covered. We must understand that Special needs people are an integral part of any society.
When the process of integration starts at young age, at the school level, both special persons and others / peers emerge as more complete human beings who are better equipped to face the ups and downs of life together. Only by such a process can special needs persons be truly integrated into society as adults.
3. Extension of concession for students with autism while appearing for the board examinations
Suitable concession may be extended after deciding the same through consensus approach similar to those allowed for students having dyslexia, learning disability and so on. The concession may be in the form of allowance of more time, exemptions of certain subjects, exemptions from answering subjective answers as well as concession of marks for passing etc. The aide may also be allowed to sit along with the students in the same manner to the amanuensis being allowed for LD, Dyslexic students.
4. Setting up Vocational Centers, Residential Home and Reservation of Jobs for Individuals with Autism.
A) Suitable policies and requisite funds must be created by central government including formation of Inter ministerial group (IMG) may be formed involving Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law so as to address the issues relating to Vocational Centers, Residential Homes and to bring necessary legislation for that purpose. The National Trust Act, 1999 should be given more powers to address various issues that will help people with autism to live with respect and dignity in our society.
B) Inter ministerial group (IMG) as mentioned above must also formulate policies to assist the Parents Support Groups ( PSGs ) to set up Vocational Training Centers (VTCs ), Residential Home (RH) and implement the jobs reservation for Individuals with Autism in to the public as well as private enterprises for all ilk of employment sector.
The four demands, although simple, will go a long way in promoting the cause of persons with autism in India and in providing them a life of dignity and self esteem which is the birthright of any Indian. We trust that you will put your capacities to use and fulfill them.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Sd/-
Parul Kumtha
(President)
Mumbai, India.
Date: 20th Nov. 2005
cc : Dr. Manmohan Singh , Prime Minister , India
cc : Ms Sonia Gandhi , President All India Congress Party, India
cc : Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam , President , India
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Below is attached the letter what we wrote to MHRD , India and took several hundred signatures while we did the "Walk for Autism" at Dadar , Mumbai.
Govt. of India has got enough time to press for reservation of SC/ST/OBC in the private education institute of our country through the Education Amendment Bill , but has little time to think about the most weaker sections of the society as they may not be able to contribute in terms of vote banks.
Keep reading.................................
****************************************************************
20th November, 2005
To
Mr. Arjun Singh
Minister for Human Resource Development
Government of India
New Delhi.
Dear Sir,
Forum for Autism is a parent support group registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1950 for persons with autism and comprises of parents, caregivers, Individuals with autism and professionals from various fields who deal with autism. We have gathered here at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, on the 20th of November 2005 for awareness walk on autism organized by Forum for Autism. On this occasion, we wish to press for the following demands, which would enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals with autism and their families –
1.Recognize Autism as a disability and include it under the Persons with Disabilities Act.
Today, even though the National Trust recognizes autism as a disability, the Persons with Disabilities Act, which includes persons with mental retardation and/or physical handicaps, does not recognize autism as a disability. Although many people with autism do suffer from other disabilities mentioned in the Act, it is a known fact that they are often of normal and above normal intelligence, yet cannot lead an independent life due to this being a socio-communicative disorder. Such persons with autism cannot avail of the facilities, reservations and other concessions, which are available to persons covered by the Persons with Disabilities Act.
2. Include and integrate all children with any special needs, specifically autism, in schools (both Special Schools and mainstream schools).
The Government launched the IEDC [Integrated Education of Disabled Children] scheme in December 1974. However, educational administrators have been slow in grasping the value of Integrated Education (IE). IEDC met with limited success only a little more than one lakh CWSN [Children With Special Needs] have been covered. We must understand that Special needs people are an integral part of any society.
When the process of integration starts at young age, at the school level, both special persons and others / peers emerge as more complete human beings who are better equipped to face the ups and downs of life together. Only by such a process can special needs persons be truly integrated into society as adults.
3. Extension of concession for students with autism while appearing for the board examinations
Suitable concession may be extended after deciding the same through consensus approach similar to those allowed for students having dyslexia, learning disability and so on. The concession may be in the form of allowance of more time, exemptions of certain subjects, exemptions from answering subjective answers as well as concession of marks for passing etc. The aide may also be allowed to sit along with the students in the same manner to the amanuensis being allowed for LD, Dyslexic students.
4. Setting up Vocational Centers, Residential Home and Reservation of Jobs for Individuals with Autism.
A) Suitable policies and requisite funds must be created by central government including formation of Inter ministerial group (IMG) may be formed involving Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Law so as to address the issues relating to Vocational Centers, Residential Homes and to bring necessary legislation for that purpose. The National Trust Act, 1999 should be given more powers to address various issues that will help people with autism to live with respect and dignity in our society.
B) Inter ministerial group (IMG) as mentioned above must also formulate policies to assist the Parents Support Groups ( PSGs ) to set up Vocational Training Centers (VTCs ), Residential Home (RH) and implement the jobs reservation for Individuals with Autism in to the public as well as private enterprises for all ilk of employment sector.
The four demands, although simple, will go a long way in promoting the cause of persons with autism in India and in providing them a life of dignity and self esteem which is the birthright of any Indian. We trust that you will put your capacities to use and fulfill them.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Sd/-
Parul Kumtha
(President)
Mumbai, India.
Date: 20th Nov. 2005
cc : Dr. Manmohan Singh , Prime Minister , India
cc : Ms Sonia Gandhi , President All India Congress Party, India
cc : Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam , President , India
*******************************************************************************
