Dear All, We are happy to share with you an important order of the CCPD concerning the problems being faced by the visually impaired in the recruitment processes of the Staff Selection Commission. AICB had brought these issues to the notice of the CCPD by filing a public interest matter in March, 2010.
As you may be aware that a substantial number of recruitments for groups B, C and D services of the Central Government are made through the Staff Selection Commission. The visually impaired persons face considerable problems while taking the skill tests for these posts because screen reading softwares are not provided and/or allowed by the S.S.C. Instead, a reader is allowed to read out the screen to them which negatively impacts their typing performance. This year, the S.S.C. has insisted on using only inscript keyboard whereas a large number of blind persons have learnt typing on other keyboards. As the skills tests are to begin during this fortnight, the CCPD was requested to hear the matter on an urgent basis. The hearing took place on 5th January, 2012. After hearing the arguments of our Advocacy Chair, Dr. Anil Aneja, important directions have been given to the S.S.C. regarding accessibility provisions for the visually impaired while taking the skill tests. The choice of keyboard has been allowed rather than insisting on a specific keyboard. Also, the Staff Selection Commission has been directed to either provide appropriate screen reading softwares on the computers for the test or allow the visually impaired candidates to use their own computers during the test. This order of Mr. P.K. Pincha, CCPD will significantly ease testing conditions for the visually impaired resulting in their better performance. AICB will continue its fight to ensure full accessibility in all testing processes relating to employment and education. As the skill tests of the S.S.C. are to commence very soon, you are requested to give wide publicity to this information so that the concerned visually impaired candidates can avail of the benefit of this order by producing it at the testing centres. If you wish to have a copy of the order, please send a mail to : [email protected] Sincerely Yours, M Muthu Selvi Secretary, AICB. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
