For Web.FH10

From the Consulting Editor
A
new beginning, looking ahead with hope and anticipation... That is what the New Year
means to us! It is also a time to retrospect – to identify what we did wrong, the targets we failed
to achieve in the year gone by; and what we did right, the new milestones in our ‘successfully
accomplished’ list.
The New Year is a time to pledge our commitment to improve, to serve better, to bring light in the lives of persons
with disabilities and their families. The smiles that we get from our children and adults are what motivate and compel
us to strive harder to take IICP to new heights.
Though there was never a dull moment at IICP with activities galore all through 2012, the spate of happenings gained
momentum during the last quarter. As November approached, it was time once again to commemorate the beginning
of our journey that started 38 years ago with just two young children, and acknowledge all those who have helped us
on the way.
Preparations for the Founder’s Day have always given as much joy to the participants as the celebrations itself. ‘The
Elements’ was the theme of this year’s three-day exhibition and the entire premises of IICP seemed to transform into
an exquisite world where the four essential elements in our lives – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – were celebrated. Attractive
panels and displays offered constructive and practical information for the visitors. Students in colourful costumes depicted
how the four elements in our environment nurture and strengthen us with endearing spontaneity. Their gorgeous smiles
reflected a sense of happiness that came from within... smiles that all of us at IICP will constantly strive to ensure never
fade away. Behind each child there is a team of committed members of staff, some visible and others who work behind
the scenes. Some of these unsung heroes are in the photograph below cutting the delicious chocolate cake donated by
Kookie Jar. Thank you, Lovey Burman!
Finally, thank you ABP, our contributors, the Deepshikha production team and Dilip Printing House.
Founder’s Day 18 November, 2012:
At the celebratory lunch
for the team and well wishers,
the cake is cut by Deben Das,
Ramit Chowdhury, Sanat Mondal and
Rabindranath Darjee
02
Work-Ability
Dr Reena Sen reports on the challenges facing persons with disability with skills and ability to work hard
and earn a living
A
t the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in London, Stephen Hawking, famous scientist with motor neuron
disease said, “The Paralympic Games is about transforming our perception of the world. We are all different, there is no such thing
as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, but we share the same human spirit." This is the guiding theme of this report
– to be committed to look beyond what appears to be to what is… at human beings who are different, no doubt, but
human nonetheless and thus deserving of respect and dignity and the right to live life to its fullest.
The Global and National Scenario
Despite growing opportunities for quality vocational training,
employability and livelihoods remain a major area of concern
in the context of persons with disability. This is true all over
the world as evident in this quote from the World Report
on Disability 2012. “The first ever World report on disability,
produced jointly by WHO and the World Bank, suggests that
more than a billion people in the world today experience disability.
People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower
education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher
rates of poverty than people without
disabilities. This is largely due to the
lack of services available to them and
the many obstacles they face in their
everyday lives.”
As a signatory to the UN
Convention on the Rights of
Pe r s o n s w i t h D i s a b i l i t y
(UNCRPD), India has
committed to removing all
barriers that prevent persons with
disability from accessing their constitutional rights to
medical care, health, education, employment and all other
aspects of life. The challenges are huge.
A 2003 International Labour Organisation publication
(India Country Profile 2003: The Impact of Legislation)
however, states that of the 16 million persons with disability
identified in the census of 1991, more than 11 million did
not participate in the labour force.
Efforts are being made by the Ministry of Human Resource
Development to make vocational education at the Higher
Secondary level more relevant and viable in terms of
employability and employment. This step is equally applicable
for both persons with disability and the general population.
Our Experience
IICP has been offering Vocational Training in printing,
catering and computer applications for persons with cerebral
palsy, intellectual disabilities, partial sightedness, learning
disabilities and hearing impairment since 1992. More
recently, from 2010, with the
support of the Jamsetji Tata Trust,
it has enhanced and upgraded
training initiatives in these three
trades and added modular courses
on Office Assistance. Linkages
have been established with a range
of companies, SMEs, placement
agencies and NGOs including
Enable India, Bangalore that works
exclusively on livelihood and has
placed over 1,800 persons with
disability.
At the end of almost three years of this project, IICP has
trained around 180 persons with disabilities. Around 25
are earning a livelihood, although for some the earnings
are only token amounts. Saurabh Bhattacharya, Placement
Officer and Head of Vocational Training with the technical
team has been successful in placing people with disabilities
in companies and SMEs including Outsource Biz, TMILL,
Archii Printing and Packaging, Dilip Printing House,
AEGIS, Hatari Restaurant and KFC.
03
Lessons learnt:
Adequate preparation of the trainee, to withstand
work related pressures and stress and be aware of
the realities of long hours and distances to be travelled,
is necessary. Alongside, there is a great need for
consideration of workplace solutions and ergonomic
adaptations. Let us recognise that Professor Stephen
Hawking would not have been who he is without
his wheelchair and his hi-tech voice output
communication device. Thus the productivity and
competence of a person with disability cannot be
assessed accurately without assistive technology and
necessary adaptations in the workplace.
The panel was moderated by Aloke Mookherjea, Chairman,
Flakt India and CII Sub-Committee on Education and Skill
Development; speakers comprised Sudha Kaul, Vice Chair,
IICP and Founder Trustee, IICP and Sayom Deb Mukherjee,
Radio Jockey, 91.9 Friends FM, ABP.
In the case of cerebral palsy (CP), multiple disabilities are
associated with the condition. A person with CP will have
problems of balance and coordination and many use
wheelchairs for mobility; they may have associated
communication difficulties and many do not have functional
speech and use augmented communication. Thus in the
context of the barriers in the physical environment and lack
of universal access, employment opportunities for persons
with CP have proved to pose greater challenges.
Sayom Deb Mukherjee who conducts ‘Haal Chherona
Bondhu’ (Don’t Give Up Friend) a daily motivational
cum music programme emphasised the role of
knowledge, work ethics and accountability as the
cornerstones of employment. He felt that as a
wheelchair user and a person who for 25 years of his
life did not have functional speech, the “calculated
risks” taken by his employers on the basis of conviction
and faith in his abilities, the opportunities for skill
building he had received and the recognition of his
abilities were critical cogs in his success.
Aloke Mookherjea set the right tone by stating that an
economy without equity and ecology was a ‘myth’ and
studies were not needed to prove persons with disability
were capable. Dr Kaul opined that equity, rights and respect
were notions oft cited but not followed in action. She urged
the ‘inclusiveness dilemma’ be solved by CII by bringing
their business acumen to the fore to build up a focused plan
for employment.
Panel Discussion with CII
A partner and critical stakeholder in all issues related to
livelihoods and employment, the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) has played a seminal role in recognising,
showcasing and creating awareness about the abilities of
persons with disability. A consultation was organised with
CII Eastern Region on 4 December. Around 40 people
participated – employers associated with IICP, persons with
disability, representatives of companies who are members of
CII, NGOs working in disability and mental health and the
Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (VRC).
Partha Bhattacharyya, Chairman CII SubCommittee on Social Development and
Community Affairs’ wrote on the letter
of invitation, “The objective of this
consultation will be to get representatives
of the entire gamut of livelihood options
to pool ideas regarding the employment
and employability training of persons
with disability. A second objective is to
explore ways to maximise productivity
regardless of disability and provide equal
opportunities to complement prevailing
concepts of corporate social responsibility
and affirmative action.”
04
An interactive session generated the following ideas –
l
Success stories of persons with disabilities should be
documented by CII
l
Mapping of job profiles with templates of matched skills
is a must
l
People with disabilities are not a homogenous group;
there are those who cannot speak but can work with the
help of assistive technology
l
Outsourced work done at home is a viable option
l
Entrepreneurship enterprises by persons who have fragile
mental health need to be supported
l
‘Good’ employees are what employers require – disability
is not a factor, it’s ABILITY that counts
The focus of training should be on high levels of soft
skills, life skills and stress management
Explore needs, find the person and then work on the
adaptations
Industry is afraid of liabilities and risk of accidents but
how many accidents involve persons with disabilities?
l
l
l
The meeting ended with a commitment from CII that in
partnership with NGOs, it would build up a focused plan
for sustainable livelihoods for persons with disability.
38th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
18 November 2012
Welcoming the Chief Guest,
Smt Padmini Narayanan,
wife of Shri M K Narayanan,
Governor of West Bengal
I am overwhelmed with what I have seen today. This institute gives so much to the
people (children) and I salute the organisers, the caregivers, and all the friends of IICP.
Wish it will spread its wings far and wide and serve more children to make them self sufficient.
Padmini Narayanan
Raj Bhavan, Kolkata
The exhibition is inaugurated
The grand finale by Ankur, Advocacy Group
At the Senior Academic Class
A small token of appreciation and thanks
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38th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
19 November 2012
Guest of Honour, Professor A K
Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, Kalyani
University at the Computer Class
Education is a human right and through a process it tends to provide a relatively
permanent change. What I have seen is a challenge to make the kids with
cerebral palsy to transform them towards natural and normal peer group. The
institute is doing a fantastic job to a great social problem. The problem not
always taken into consideration, as is required. They need much more support.
Prof Alok K Banerjee
Vice-Chancellor, Kalyani University, Kalyani
Sheba Naaz introduces
the theme of the
Exhibition
Welcome to our Class!
The Guest of Honour speaks
06
From IICP
– with thanks
38th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
20 November 2012
Guest of Honour Jane
Thompson, Early
Interventionist and wife
of the US Consul General
Dean Thompson
Thank you for your tireless work to give all people access to society. You
actually live out the message of equal rights to all people, when so many
others just say the words. The message is spreading and is being heard.
Jane Thompson
US Consulate, Kolkata
07
38th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Glimpses of the Exhibition
08
38th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Glimpses of the Exhibition
Saroj Sood and
Soumeta Medhora of
Indian Society for
Sponsorship and
Adoption go around
the exhibition
Dressed to kill!
Products made at the
Adult Day Centre
At the Catering Unit of the
Vocational Training Centre
A dance on The Elements
09
38th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Friends!
“Don't walk behind me;
I may not lead. Don't
walk in front of me; I may
not follow. Just walk beside
me and be my friend.”
– Albert Camus
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A
BIG Thank You!
For making our 38th Anniversary so special
n
Sanjay and Minu Budhia
n
Amit and Upaneeta Sen
n
Kantanand Sinha
n
Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM)
n
Kookie Jar
For support through the year
Our CLASS Sponsors
n
Balmer Lawrie and Co Ltd
n
CIPLA Charitable Trust
n
Coal India Ltd
n
Dadina Foundation
n
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
n
SREI
n
Well-wishers
The smiles say it all!
Our Individual Sponsors and all friends of IICP
IN FOND REMEMBRANCE
Jo Millar, donor and well-wisher passed away on 3 December 2012.
Jo, with her husband Brian, visited IICP and provided financial
support for the construction of the hydrotherapy pool, the adult
day centre and the three apartments for the respite services. Miblou,
Switzerland, represented now by Marika, Jo and Brian Millar’s
daughter, now supports ‘Sangam’ – IICP's project offering services
in urban slums of Kolkata.
11
Reaching Out
Rabi Ghosh, Assistant Coordinator, Badhte Kadam, shares highlights of the awareness programme held
during November and December 2012
F
or the last three years, the National Trust
has organised ‘Badhte Kadam’, an awareness
programme, in the districts of different states at the
Block and Panchayat level. The initiative aims to
reach out to people with disabilities at the grass root
level. In 2012, the venue was Malda Town and the
programme was organised in collaboration with the
District Magistrate and District Social Welfare
Department, Government of West Bengal (GoWB).
The ‘flag off’ ceremony was inaugurated by Sabitri
Mitra, Minister of Family & Social Welfare (GoWB)
in the presence of Mita Banerjee, Commissioner
Disabilities (GoWB) and other dignitaries. There
was a five-member team from IICP, a State Nodal
Agency Centre (SNAC) of the National Trust.
A drawing competition for children with disabilities set the programme in motion. This was followed by a rally through
the busy roads of Malda Town where students from mainstream schools also participated. Besides displaying decorative
banners and placards, key rings and leaflets were distributed throughout the rally route to create awareness. After the
dignitaries addressed the public who had assembled for the function, wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids and mobility
canes were distributed to persons with disabilities.
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Another gathering was organised in the local community hall at Manikchak, a remote village in Malda. Though all the
persons with disabilities who were present could not be given mobility aids due to inadequate stock, a coupon was issued
to them with the assurance by the Minister and District Magistrate that the aids would be provided within a month.
Melas (community fairs) were held in 14 districts of West Bengal. While IICP members attended five melas in five
districts, representatives from our district partners attended 11 other melas. Our district partners in turn invited other
NGOs and government organisations. Almost 1,000 people attended all the melas from various parts of the different
districts. Participants from different organisations were given individual stalls to highlight their products and cultural
activities. With the participation and assistance of ICDS, Asha workers and members of society, the melas were a big
success. Each mela included performances and stalls and there were many visitors.
The closing ceremony held on 2 December at Asansol in Burdwan district was in collaboration with an organisation
called ‘Sangam’. The function was attended by a four-member team from IICP.
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Students with one of the many performers during the visit to Raj Bhavan
News and Events
At Raj Bhavan, IICP Chairperson Uma Ahmad with the gracious hosts
Shri MK Narayanan, Governor of West Bengal and
Smt Padmini Narayanan. Thank you, Oindrilla Dutt!
Sujata Parekh, Chairperson Disability Activists’ Forum shows the way at the Walk organised on 3 December 2012
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Children’s Day
Annual adventure at the Himalayan Nature Camp
Lead-ability : a unique leadership training programme conducted
by persons with disability. The four trainers were Madhuri Kapur,
Shradha Khator, Jeeja Ghosh and Dipak Ghosh
IICP was represented by Arijit Ghosh, Head, CBR
and M B Chhetri, Deputy Director
Popular Tollywood star Jeet spends
time with his young fans at IICP
on his birthday, 30 November
Lead-ability: Transfer of leadership training skills to project partners
Wheelchair donation by Inner Wheel
Reena Sen speaks at the Community Health Partners’ Meet at Lucknow organised by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust & Allied Trusts
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Consulting Editor: Anjana Jha
Editors: Reena Sen, Subhra Chatterjee l Editorial Assistance: Tanvi Bhagat
Photographs: Avijit Baral, Abin Dutta, Shreya Goswami, Tessa Hamblin
Published by: Reena Sen, Executive Director, Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy
P35/1 Taratala Road Kolkata 700 088
Ph: 2401 3488/0240/2347/2348 l E-mail: [email protected] l Website: www.iicpindia.org
Designed and Printed by Dilip Printing House, Kolkata 700 029. Ph: 2329 9136 l E-mail: [email protected]