Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes?

[bhawani shankar verma]

if it is, only on new notes.

- Original Message - 
From: "Misbah" 
To: "AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues concerning 
the disabled." 

Sent: Monday, November 14, 2016 12:07 PM
Subject: Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 
currency notes?




there is no GPS chip as such on Rs 2000 notes. there are also no
braille dots on both 500 and 2000 notes. the only so called accessable
feature is that the print of these denominations are slightly raised
so that we can touch and identify the currency.

On 11/14/16, bilal ahmed  wrote:

hello to all
I have seen the note of 2000 rs yester day in my branch
and I found 7 lines at the left corner of the back
I suppose it is partialy accessable for vi puple
but not much accessable for us
I have not seen the new note of 500 rs yet



On 11/11/16, B. R. Nautial  wrote:

Oh! i have seen both of these notes and I only can say, the quality of
paper

and the size of the notes are not excited. Specially, its quite 
difficult

for visually impaired to recognize these notes. The width of the 2000
note
is like 100 note but a little bit of lengthy. Its like american dollars
only.
- Original Message -
From: "Lyngdoh" 
To: "AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues
concerning

the disabled." 
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2016 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000
currency notes?



Hi

Has anyone amongst this group touched the new 2000 note?
Yesterday I got to feel it and I do not get what special features it
has relating to visually impaired persons as stated by RBI. Of course
I noticed that the length is more and the breadth is little short as
compared to the previous note.
So, can someone in this list help me read a 2000 note. I am eager to
know. And why only special features in 2000 and not in 500 note?

On 11/9/16, rajendra dhurve  wrote:

What about Rs500 noat? No identity?

On 11/9/16, rajesh singhal  wrote:

On 11/9/16, Vamshi. G  wrote:

Dear friends,

Any information about the accessibility features in the newly
launched
Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes?  It seems there is a chip
connected with GPS in the 2000 note.  But is there accessibility? 
As

soon as I get it in my bank, I will write about it.

--
G. Vamshi
Mobile: +91 9949349497
Skype: gvamshi81

WWW.VIBEWA.ORG
EQUALITY AND DIGNITY


Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing
accessibility
of
mobile phones / Tabs on:
http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


Search for old postings at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

To unsubscribe send a message to
accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
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


Disclaimer:
1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the 
thinking

of
the
person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
veracity;

2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
mails
sent through this mailing list..
Is not include currency in "Sugmya Bharat Yojana".



Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing
accessibility
of
mobile phones / Tabs on:
http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


Search for old postings at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

To unsubscribe send a message to
accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
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


Disclaimer:
1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
of
the
person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
veracity;

2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
mails
sent through this mailing list..




Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing 
accessibility

of
mobile phones / Tabs on:
http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


Search for old postings at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

To unsubscribe send a message to
accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
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


Disclaimer:
1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
of

the

Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes?

[Misbah]

there is no GPS chip as such on Rs 2000 notes. there are also no
braille dots on both 500 and 2000 notes. the only so called accessable
feature is that the print of these denominations are slightly raised
so that we can touch and identify the currency.

On 11/14/16, bilal ahmed  wrote:
> hello to all
> I have seen the note of 2000 rs yester day in my branch
> and I found 7 lines at the left corner of the back
> I suppose it is partialy accessable for vi puple
> but not much accessable for us
> I have not seen the new note of 500 rs yet
>
>
>
> On 11/11/16, B. R. Nautial  wrote:
>> Oh! i have seen both of these notes and I only can say, the quality of
>> paper
>>
>> and the size of the notes are not excited. Specially, its quite difficult
>> for visually impaired to recognize these notes. The width of the 2000
>> note
>> is like 100 note but a little bit of lengthy. Its like american dollars
>> only.
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Lyngdoh" 
>> To: "AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues
>> concerning
>>
>> the disabled." 
>> Sent: Friday, November 11, 2016 3:24 PM
>> Subject: Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000
>> currency notes?
>>
>>
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> Has anyone amongst this group touched the new 2000 note?
>>> Yesterday I got to feel it and I do not get what special features it
>>> has relating to visually impaired persons as stated by RBI. Of course
>>> I noticed that the length is more and the breadth is little short as
>>> compared to the previous note.
>>> So, can someone in this list help me read a 2000 note. I am eager to
>>> know. And why only special features in 2000 and not in 500 note?
>>>
>>> On 11/9/16, rajendra dhurve  wrote:
 What about Rs500 noat? No identity?

 On 11/9/16, rajesh singhal  wrote:
> On 11/9/16, Vamshi. G  wrote:
>> Dear friends,
>>
>> Any information about the accessibility features in the newly
>> launched
>> Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes?  It seems there is a chip
>> connected with GPS in the 2000 note.  But is there accessibility?  As
>> soon as I get it in my bank, I will write about it.
>>
>> --
>> G. Vamshi
>> Mobile: +91 9949349497
>> Skype: gvamshi81
>>
>> WWW.VIBEWA.ORG
>> EQUALITY AND DIGNITY
>>
>>
>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing
>> accessibility
>> of
>> mobile phones / Tabs on:
>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>>
>>
>> Search for old postings at:
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>>
>> To unsubscribe send a message to
>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
>> 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
>>
>>
>> Disclaimer:
>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
>> of
>> the
>> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
>> veracity;
>>
>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
>> mails
>> sent through this mailing list..
>> Is not include currency in "Sugmya Bharat Yojana".
>
>
> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing
> accessibility
> of
> mobile phones / Tabs on:
> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>
>
> Search for old postings at:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>
> To unsubscribe send a message to
> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
> 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
>
>
> Disclaimer:
> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
> of
> the
> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
> veracity;
>
> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
> mails
> sent through this mailing list..
>


 Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility
 of
 mobile phones / Tabs on:
 http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


 Search for old postings at:
 http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

 To unsubscribe send a message to
 

Re: [AI] links not opening

[Sandeep Singh]

Thank you all so much for your help. My friend has now installed
Google Chrome and is able to open all the links.
Sandeep
.

On 11/11/16, Amiyo Biswas  wrote:
> I have faced the same problems. Some web pages do not function properly in
> old browsers, particulary IE8 etc. Try latest version of firefox or google
> chrome. It seems, web  pages or web applications are changing too fast for
> screen-readers to keep up with.
>
> With best regards,
> Amiyo Biswas
> Cell: +91-9433464329
>
> - Original Message -
> From: "Sandeep Singh" 
> To: "AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues concerning
>
> the disabled." 
> Sent: Friday, November 11, 2016 12:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [AI] links not opening
>
>
>> Hey folks,
>> Thanks for your responses. But unfortunately my friend's problem
>> continues. He hasn't yet used Mozilla in place of IE, but rest of the
>> suggestions have not worked. Redoing settings and shift+ enter are not
>> working. Any more suggestions please?
>> Thanks and regards,
>> Sandeep"
>> B. R. Nautial" , "AccessIndia: a list for
>> discussing accessibility and issues concerning the disabled."
>> 
>>
>>
>> On 11/10/16, B. R. Nautial  wrote:
>>> Just put cursor on the link and press Shift/Enter
>>> - Original Message -
>>> From: "Sandeep Singh" 
>>> To: "AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues
>>> concerning
>>>
>>> the disabled." 
>>> Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2016 1:38 PM
>>> Subject: [AI] links not opening
>>>
>>>
 Dear friends,
 Have a strange problem. A friend works in an office. Problem is that
 when he clicks with a mouse, the links open instantly, but when he
 uses enter key or right click and open links option, links don't open.
 Things to notice here is that these links are recognized by Jaws.
 Kindly give your valuable suggestions to solve this problem.
 Waiting in anticipation.
 Thanks and regards,
 Sandeep


 Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility

 of

 mobile phones / Tabs on:
 http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


 Search for old postings at:
 http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

 To unsubscribe send a message to
 accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
 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


 Disclaimer:
 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
 of
 the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
 veracity;

 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
 mails

 sent through this mailing list..
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility
>>> of
>>> mobile phones / Tabs on:
>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>>>
>>>
>>> Search for old postings at:
>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>>>
>>> To unsubscribe send a message to
>>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
>>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>> Disclaimer:
>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of
>>>
>>> the
>>> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;
>>>
>>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
>>> mails
>>> sent through this mailing list..
>>>
>>
>>
>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of
>>
>> mobile phones / Tabs on:
>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>>
>>
>> Search for old postings at:
>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>>
>> To unsubscribe send a message to
>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
>> 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
>>
>>
>> Disclaimer:
>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of
>> the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
>> veracity;
>>
>> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails
>>
>> sent through this mailing 

Re: [AI] request for the following book. public administration written by mohit battacharya.

[pankaj Singh kushwaha]

Hello Lakshmi, the book has been attached on your personal I.d..

On 11/13/16, lakshmi siragam  wrote:
> hai friends my name is lakshmi please any one can provide me the
> following book public administration written by  mohit battacharya
>
>
> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of
> mobile phones / Tabs on:
> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>
>
> Search for old postings at:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>
> To unsubscribe send a message to
> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
> 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
>
>
> Disclaimer:
> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the
> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;
>
> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails
> sent through this mailing list..
>


-- 
Pankaj Singh Kushwaha,  Ph.D.:  Research Scholar,
Centre for European Studies,
School of International Studies "SIS",
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Dehli 110067.
Mobile no: +919868610216.
Email: justicewith...@gmail.com or pankaj.jnu11@gmail.


Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of 
mobile phones / Tabs on:
http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


Search for old postings at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

To unsubscribe send a message to
accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
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


Disclaimer:
1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the 
person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;

2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent 
through this mailing list..

Re: [AI] Previous Version of Jaws

[bilal ahmed]

sir there is no links in the mail

On 11/6/16, B. R. Nautial  wrote:
>
>
> Hello friends!
>
> Have a nice day to all of you.
>
> I am sorry to say, due to some technical reasons,nun of my links could open
> with you.
>
> Now, the issue has been resolved and these are the download links of
> Previous version of Jaws along with the OCR and Lekha Vocalizer
>
> Jaws 10 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 10 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 11 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 11 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 12 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 12 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 13 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 13 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 14 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 14 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 15 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 15 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 16 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 16 64 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 17 32 Bit Final Release
>
> Jaws 17 64 Bit Final Release
>
> FSOCR14.0.851ENU
>
> VocalizerExpressive-1.0.20.101-hii-Lekha-PremiumHigh-enu
>
> With regards
> B. R. Nautial
> Mobile: 9915073368
> WORK HARD TO GET SUCCESS
>
> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of
> mobile phones / Tabs on:
> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>
>
> Search for old postings at:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>
> To unsubscribe send a message to
> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
> 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
>
>
> Disclaimer:
> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the
> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;
>
> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails
> sent through this mailing list..
>


Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of 
mobile phones / Tabs on:
http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


Search for old postings at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

To unsubscribe send a message to
accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
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


Disclaimer:
1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the 
person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;

2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent 
through this mailing list..

Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes?

[bilal ahmed]

hello to all
I have seen the note of 2000 rs yester day in my branch
and I found 7 lines at the left corner of the back
I suppose it is partialy accessable for vi puple
but not much accessable for us
I have not seen the new note of 500 rs yet



On 11/11/16, B. R. Nautial  wrote:
> Oh! i have seen both of these notes and I only can say, the quality of paper
>
> and the size of the notes are not excited. Specially, its quite difficult
> for visually impaired to recognize these notes. The width of the 2000 note
> is like 100 note but a little bit of lengthy. Its like american dollars
> only.
> - Original Message -
> From: "Lyngdoh" 
> To: "AccessIndia: a list for discussing accessibility and issues concerning
>
> the disabled." 
> Sent: Friday, November 11, 2016 3:24 PM
> Subject: Re: [AI] Any accessibility features in new Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000
> currency notes?
>
>
>> Hi
>>
>> Has anyone amongst this group touched the new 2000 note?
>> Yesterday I got to feel it and I do not get what special features it
>> has relating to visually impaired persons as stated by RBI. Of course
>> I noticed that the length is more and the breadth is little short as
>> compared to the previous note.
>> So, can someone in this list help me read a 2000 note. I am eager to
>> know. And why only special features in 2000 and not in 500 note?
>>
>> On 11/9/16, rajendra dhurve  wrote:
>>> What about Rs500 noat? No identity?
>>>
>>> On 11/9/16, rajesh singhal  wrote:
 On 11/9/16, Vamshi. G  wrote:
> Dear friends,
>
> Any information about the accessibility features in the newly launched
> Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 currency notes?  It seems there is a chip
> connected with GPS in the 2000 note.  But is there accessibility?  As
> soon as I get it in my bank, I will write about it.
>
> --
> G. Vamshi
> Mobile: +91 9949349497
> Skype: gvamshi81
>
> WWW.VIBEWA.ORG
> EQUALITY AND DIGNITY
>
>
> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing
> accessibility
> of
> mobile phones / Tabs on:
> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>
>
> Search for old postings at:
> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>
> To unsubscribe send a message to
> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
> 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
>
>
> Disclaimer:
> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
> of
> the
> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
> veracity;
>
> 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
> mails
> sent through this mailing list..
> Is not include currency in "Sugmya Bharat Yojana".


 Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility
 of
 mobile phones / Tabs on:
 http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in


 Search for old postings at:
 http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/

 To unsubscribe send a message to
 accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
 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


 Disclaimer:
 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking
 of
 the
 person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its
 veracity;

 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the
 mails
 sent through this mailing list..

>>>
>>>
>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility
>>> of
>>> mobile phones / Tabs on:
>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in
>>>
>>>
>>> Search for old postings at:
>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/
>>>
>>> To unsubscribe send a message to
>>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in
>>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>> Disclaimer:
>>> 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of
>>>
>>> the
>>> person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;
>>>
>>> 2. AI cannot be 

[AI] Agrima Bhasin writes: The Manipur initiative: Education and freedom at a school for children with disability

[avinash shahi]

The Hindu magazine November 12 2016
http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/agrima-bhasin-finds-out-why-special-children-at-this-manipur-school-enjoy-learning/article9334577.ece?homepage=true

 Morning assembly at the school. Photo: Agrima Bhasin


The Malsawm Initiative School. Photo: Agrima Bhasin


 The Malsawm Initiative School. Photo: Agrima Bhasin

Sir Thang and the children sharing a joke. Photo: Agrima Bhasin


 Sir Thang and the children sharing a joke. Photo: Agrima Bhasin





























TOPICS


India


Manipur


education


health


human interest


With imagination and heart, this school shows how to make the
participation of children with disabilities not an exception but the
rule

“My attitude is based on how you treat me,” reads a sticker outside
the school’s braille room. Inside, Pau, the braille instructor, and
his student, Elizabeth, both visually impaired, are spelling numbers.
Elizabeth reads aloud, “One Zero - Ten; Two Zero - Sixty!” Pau adjusts
the braille card and asks her to try again. At this, teachers next
door break into affectionate laughter, aware that Elizabeth, who
occasionally teases Pau, would soon give the right answer.






Across the airy corridor, in the physiotherapy room, Tina, a
five-year-old with cerebral palsy, is working on her balance. “Give me
a high five, Tina,” smiles Angie, the physiotherapist. Tina delights
at the clap of their palms, while balancing herself on her knees. It
is a weekly session that Tina refuses to miss, even if unwell.

In other classrooms, Tina’s friends are spelling alphabets into a
wooden mud-tray or learning nursery rhymes in sign language. Outdoors,
a group of children have encircled their favourite teacher, Thang.
They hug him, tug at his shirt and giggle naughtily as he jokes with
them.

Elizabeth, Tina and their friends are students at The Malsawm
Initiative, a school for children with disabilities in the tribal
district of Churachandpur, 60 km south of Manipur’s capital city,
Imphal. The school brings together children with various categories of
disabilities — be it autism, cerebral palsy, Hydrocephalus, Down’s
syndrome, hearing, visual and locomotor impairments.

For the current batch of 30 children, aged five to 14, who until a few
years ago were leading an overprotected and isolated life at home, the
school is a space with a promise of freedom — to learn, think, play,
make mistakes and not be judged. It combines education and therapeutic
care (physiotherapy, speech therapy and mobility training) such that
the children can develop their cognitive, communication, social and
daily living skills.

Dondouching and Pauzagin Tonsing founded the school in 2011, after a
six-year-long struggle to find a school where their son Malsawm could
study. A handsome boy with a sharp ear for music, Malsawm lost his
eyesight in 2005 to Optic Nerve Atrophy, a condition that impairs the
optic nerve.

“We thought if our son goes to school, he would start learning the
basics and his social skills would improve. But he was not learning
anything — the special schools in the town had more holidays than
working days and the teachers at the private school he attended were
clueless but too polite to kick him out,” says Malsawm’s mother,
Dondouching, who actually feels sorry for the teachers. “He needed
time and thought, but the teachers were only baby-sitting him; they
wanted to help but could not.”

Dejected, the couple pulled Malsawm out of school, enrolled themselves
for a distance-learning Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme and
began meeting other parents. “At first the parents were reluctant and
ashamed to meet us since talking about disability was a taboo here,”
says Pauzagin, founder of the Churachandpur-based Centre for Community
Initiative (the parent organisation that set up the school). Pauzagin
discovered that most parents and caregivers had been living with a
sense of guilt, having internalised the social stigma associated with
birthing or raising a child with disability.

This changed with frequent meetings, where parents shed their
discomfort and formed a group to advocate for the rights of persons
with disabilities. This was before an educationist known for his love
of playgrounds for children, offered the couple a portion of his
school’s land for free. In response, the couple and parents of
fourteen other children, pooled in their faith and imagination to set
up The Malsawm Initiative (which initially was a one-room thatch and
bamboo structure, and today, is a yellow and red building amidst a
green thicket on a low-lying hill slope).

In the life of the school, the parents or caregivers of children with
disabilities have always played a pivotal role. Once, when a landslide
blocked roads around the school, parents and teachers formed a human
chain and cleared the rubble. Dondouching explains, “Children spend
the maximum time with their families. So we expect the caregivers to
be fully involved. We also encourage