[Ai] Soft launch of an accessible shopping experience at Big Bazaar stores across 17 cities, 29th to 31st October

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear all,

A beginning of an accessible shopping experience at Big Bazaar stores!
And you are invited for a soft launch on 29th, 30th and 31st October!

Blind Graduates Forum of India had approached Future Group to make
shopping experience at Big Bazaar stores accessible for persons with
disabilities. We were delighted when we heard from Vineet Kumar
Saraiwala who took this up with his CEO and the Big Bazaar team and
lead the initiative after a lot of effort! fruitful discussions for
long has led to the culmination of a great initiative from Big Bazaar.
With great enthusiasm, Big Bazaar has planned a PWD listening session
in 105 stores within 17 cities. The intention is to take feedback from
Persons with Speech/Hearing Disability and Persons with Visual
Disabilities on their shopping needs and providing them an enhanced
customer experience. Big Bazaar will extend the services for Persons
with other disabilities shortly because infrastructure changes are
currently underway and the invite will be extended once it's fully
ready.
soft Launch is a 3 day affair (29-31st October) and a lot of surprises
are underway. No other consumer Brand in India has ever done something
like this in such a scale. More details are provided below. So,  let’s
visit Big Bazaar stores to help them learn how to assist us better.

Come, visit the Big Bazaar stores and experience accessible shopping.
We want you to be independent in every sphere,whether its selecting
clothes,buying groceries,Gifting to a friend or celebrating occasions.
We have the largest assortment across Food,Fashion and Home and would
like you to experience our rich offerings. We want Persons with Visual
and hearing impairment to experience everything in close coordination
with our Trained shopping assistants.

We have not perfected this but are learning. The purpose of inviting
you is to learn from you and improve our services. We invite you to
shop
in Big Bazaar and rate our services on 29th, 30th and 31st October.
Please spread this word across the 17 launch cities. List of cities
along with address of  105 stores is provided below.

 The key features are:

1. Store Accessibility on Google maps- All Big Bazaar stores are
available on Google Maps and will greatly help a persons with Visual
Disability to shop.
2. Shopping Assistant-This is the most prominent feature at our store
where our visually and hearing challenged visitors can avail shopping
assistant    who would be like his friend-helping him find product,
recommend him clothes, Navigate the store section  & help him in
Billing wherever required. The Shopping Assistant is trained on how to
communicate with people with visual or hearing impairment and has a
basic understanding of their needs.

3. Priority Counter-All Big Bazaar stores have a dedicated priority
Counter for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) for easy billing.
4. Trained Staff-All Key touch points from the security to the cashier
to the customer sea Desk, All have been trained on how to handle
Person withvisual or hearing impairment. We also have an Accessibility
champion in every store who would handle any queries related to our
visually or hearing challenged visitors.
5. Special Assistance: Use the below link to prebook a shopping
Assistant, Wheel chair and even request assistance in reaching the
store from the mall's entrance. This feature gives relief to millions
of blind/Deaf user across the country who might require any kind of
navigational assistance. This is a closed link and can be accessed
only from here.
https://www.bigbazaar.com/aap-ke-liye/

6. Dedicated help from Big Bazaar call centre or calling at the store
contact centre (Toll Free number-18002002255- Our call centre is
sensitised on the needs of Persons with Disabilities and would help
you in reaching the store. It would also act as a booking platform for
the current period of 3 days.
7. Appointment of Accessibility Champion across every store to handle
any queries  To pre-book your Assisted Shopping Experience call us
toll free on 1800 200 2255, contact the Customer Seva Desk at your
store or visit
 https://www.bigbazaar.com/aap- ke-liye

Do come to your nearest Big Bazaar between 29th to 31st October to
experience the changes made especially for you. And do let us know
what you think.

Besides this, we are also creating a tactile map in one of the stores,
Creating Accessible changing rooms for wheel chair users, building
ramps and unisex washrooms in due course of time. The facilities are
currently being tested across 105 stores in these 3 days and would
require support from a lot of visually and hearing challenged
shoppers. We request you to spreadthe word.

Below is a list of over a 100 stores across 17 cities where you can
experience accessible shopping.

STORE NAME      STORE ADDRESS   CITY    CSD CONTACT NUMBER

BB-FC-BENGALURU-RAJAJINAGAR     5&6,WARD 14,INDUSTRIAL SUBURB, ADJ TO

SHELL PETROL BUNK, NEAR ISKON TEMPLE, RAJAJINAGAR, BENGALURU,

KARANATAKA      BENGALURU   

[Ai] Inviting experiences & stories for the Accessible Indian Currency Campaign.

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

  Hi All,

As we take the Accessible Indian Currency campaign further, we are
looking to co-late on ground stories from experiences of blind and
visually challenged individuals or entrepreneurs on how handling cash
on a day-to-day basis has led to a direct negative impact on the
livelyhood and independence of over 5.2 million blind citizens in
India.

We therefore invite you to share your stories or connect us with
others who might have experiences to share. You may do so by dropping
us an email on contact.b...@gmail.com or reach Payal Jethra via
call or whatsapp on 7303448295.

We’re glad to have you all with us as we run together the biggest
possible social media campaign and ensure our voice is heard and acted
upon immediately!

Thanks and regards,
Team Blind Graduates Forum of India.
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..



To check if the post reached the list or to search for old posting, reach:
https://www.mail-archive.com/ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/maillist.html
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[Ai] Congratulations! 2000 signatures on accessible Indian Currency petition! and a worrying development

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

Congratulations! We have crossed 2000 signatures through our
Accessible Indian Currency petition in less than 100 hours! This level
of support definitely has contribution of many of you and much needed
from each one of us. It is indeed an important milestone of achieving
10% of our targeted 20,000 signatures. In fact you can track the
number of signatures real time by clicking the below link. Worth
saving it in your favorites / bookmark to keep following the score! If
you haven’t still signed, why not right now by clicking the below
link. All you need to do is read the page, enter your name, email id,
and submit. You will receive an email from change.org and click on the
link provided in the mail. Do remember to make it public while sharing
on Facebook (in case you use Facebook).
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition

There is a worrying development. A recent Economic Times article says
that RBI is going to come up with new 100-rupee notes shortly. If they
go as per their original plan, the size difference between 50 and 100
and 200 will be just 2mm each. Factor 0.5mm error margin that they
have defined and additional 1mm due to shrinkage of note as people
keep folding the notes. Therefore, the size of these notes are going
to be so similar that it will be practically impossible for a blind
person to identify independently.
It becomes more important for us to intensify our campaign now and
spend lot more effort. It is time to involve your family members,
colleagues, online groups, social work groups, etc. We will be sharing
ready-made mails targeting different segments that you can keep
forwarding to your network. Just forwarding is not effective. Reach
out to your close ones in person and ask them to sign the petition,
share on Facebook and further spread the word.

In addition, we have just sent a comprehensive representation to RBI
and Finance Ministry highlighting all our issues with accessing notes,
coins, websites, mobile apps and ATMs. In addition, proposed specific
solutions based upon the comprehensive national and international
study that was done, including inputs from a few of you. The
representation will have lot more value if the same is endorsed by
many NGOs working for blind. That is when it will be seen as a problem
faced by not just one group, but the whole country. So if you are an
NGO and willing to take a lead, please share your email id and name of
the organization on this mail or drop a mail to contact.b...@gmail.com
We will share the representation with you within 3 days. All you would
need to do is sign and send. Of course, feel free to improvise. Also
do spread the word among persons with visual impairment connected with
your NGO.

Remember, it is our campaign and each one of us will have to lead it
to hope for a solution.

Thanks and regards,
Vishal
Blind Graduates Forum of India.


On 10/2/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> You can use the below message to forward to your contacts, all the
> WhatsApp groups and online groups to spread the word on accessible
> Indian currency.
>
> How would you feel if you unknowingly give away a 500-rupee note to
> the auto person instead of Rs 20 note and realize after he drives
> away? Frightening and disabling. isn’t it? Unfortunately, this
> scenario is becoming a day-to-day challenge for over 50 lakh blind
> people in India. Please support accessible Indian currency campaign by
> signing the below petition and sharing it on Facebook.
>
> Here are the three simple steps you need to follow:
> 1.Click on the below change.org petition and sign the petition by
> sharing your email id. Your message will automatically reach the
> authorities by an email as soon as you sign the petition. So get as
> many people as possible to sign this. Also, share the petition on your
> Facebook profile and remember to make it public.
> http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition
>
> Click on the below Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page. Like the
> page to get future Updates on this. You can share the petition on to
> your Facebook account from here as well if required.
> http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyFacebookPage
>
> 2.Click on the twitter page and retweet. You may directly tweet to
> 3.The authorities by picking the twitter handles on the page if you
> Wish. Ignore if you do not have a twitter account.
> https://twitter.com/accessibleinr
>
> Please forward this to your contacts and ask them to share it further.
> It will be good if you could get in touch with your close ones in
> person to support in making Indian currency accessible for the blind.
>
> In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!”
>
>
>
> On 10/2/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
>  wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Glad to have all of us united on raising our voice for Accessible
>> Indian Currency. The current new notes and coins and the 

[Ai] Congratulations! 2000 signatures on accessible Indian Currency petition! and a worrying development

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

Congratulations! We have crossed 2000 signatures through our
Accessible Indian Currency petition in less than 100 hours! This level
of support definitely has contribution of many of you and much needed
from each one of us. It is indeed an important milestone of achieving
10% of our targeted 20,000 signatures. In fact you can track the
number of signatures real time by clicking the below link. Worth
saving it in your favorites / bookmark to keep following the score! If
you haven’t still signed, why not right now by clicking the below
link. All you need to do is read the page, enter your name, email id,
and submit. You will receive an email from change.org and click on the
link provided in the mail. Do remember to make it public while sharing
on Facebook (in case you use Facebook).
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition

There is a worrying development. A recent Economic Times article says
that RBI is going to come up with new 100-rupee notes shortly. If they
go as per their original plan, the size difference between 50 and 100
and 200 will be just 2mm each. Factor 0.5mm error margin that they
have defined and additional 1mm due to shrinkage of note as people
keep folding the notes. Therefore, the size of these notes are going
to be so similar that it will be practically impossible for a blind
person to identify independently.
It becomes more important for us to intensify our campaign now and
spend lot more effort. It is time to involve your family members,
colleagues, online groups, social work groups, etc. We will be sharing
ready-made mails targeting different segments that you can keep
forwarding to your network. Just forwarding is not effective. Reach
out to your close ones in person and ask them to sign the petition,
share on Facebook and further spread the word.

In addition, we have just sent a comprehensive representation to RBI
and Finance Ministry highlighting all our issues with accessing notes,
coins, websites, mobile apps and ATMs. In addition, proposed specific
solutions based upon the comprehensive national and international
study that was done, including inputs from a few of you. The
representation will have lot more value if the same is endorsed by
many NGOs working for blind. That is when it will be seen as a problem
faced by not just one group, but the whole country. So if you are an
NGO and willing to take a lead, please share your email id and name of
the organization on this mail or drop a mail to contact.b...@gmail.com
We will share the representation with you within 3 days. All you would
need to do is sign and send. Of course, feel free to improvise. Also
do spread the word among persons with visual impairment connected with
your NGO.

Remember, it is our campaign and each one of us will have to lead it
to hope for a solution.

Thanks and regards,
Vishal
Blind Graduates Forum of India.


On 10/2/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> You can use the below message to forward to your contacts, all the
> WhatsApp groups and online groups to spread the word on accessible
> Indian currency.
>
> How would you feel if you unknowingly give away a 500-rupee note to
> the auto person instead of Rs 20 note and realize after he drives
> away? Frightening and disabling. isn’t it? Unfortunately, this
> scenario is becoming a day-to-day challenge for over 50 lakh blind
> people in India. Please support accessible Indian currency campaign by
> signing the below petition and sharing it on Facebook.
>
> Here are the three simple steps you need to follow:
> 1.Click on the below change.org petition and sign the petition by
> sharing your email id. Your message will automatically reach the
> authorities by an email as soon as you sign the petition. So get as
> many people as possible to sign this. Also, share the petition on your
> Facebook profile and remember to make it public.
> http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition
>
> Click on the below Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page. Like the
> page to get future Updates on this. You can share the petition on to
> your Facebook account from here as well if required.
> http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyFacebookPage
>
> 2.Click on the twitter page and retweet. You may directly tweet to
> 3.The authorities by picking the twitter handles on the page if you
> Wish. Ignore if you do not have a twitter account.
> https://twitter.com/accessibleinr
>
> Please forward this to your contacts and ask them to share it further.
> It will be good if you could get in touch with your close ones in
> person to support in making Indian currency accessible for the blind.
>
> In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!”
>
>
>
> On 10/2/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
>  wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Glad to have all of us united on raising our voice for Accessible
>> Indian Currency. The current new notes and coins and the 

Re: [Ai] Accessible Indian Currency social media campaign ! Get people to sign the petition, share and like

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

You can use the below message to forward to your contacts, all the
WhatsApp groups and online groups to spread the word on accessible
Indian currency.

How would you feel if you unknowingly give away a 500-rupee note to
the auto person instead of Rs 20 note and realize after he drives
away? Frightening and disabling. isn’t it? Unfortunately, this
scenario is becoming a day-to-day challenge for over 50 lakh blind
people in India. Please support accessible Indian currency campaign by
signing the below petition and sharing it on Facebook.

Here are the three simple steps you need to follow:
1.  Click on the below change.org petition and sign the petition by
sharing your email id. Your message will automatically reach the
authorities by an email as soon as you sign the petition. So get as
many people as possible to sign this. Also, share the petition on your
Facebook profile and remember to make it public.
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition

Click on the below Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page. Like the
page to get future Updates on this. You can share the petition on to
your Facebook account from here as well if required.
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyFacebookPage

2.  Click on the twitter page and retweet. You may directly tweet to
3.  The authorities by picking the twitter handles on the page if you
Wish. Ignore if you do not have a twitter account.
https://twitter.com/accessibleinr

Please forward this to your contacts and ask them to share it further.
It will be good if you could get in touch with your close ones in
person to support in making Indian currency accessible for the blind.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!”



On 10/2/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Glad to have all of us united on raising our voice for Accessible
> Indian Currency. The current new notes and coins and the probable new
> notes are going to be impractical for persons with impairment to
> identify. Indeed, we have a disaster in the making. It is too serious
> a matter for us not to work on this issue until we have a solution. So
> let us run together the biggest possible social media campaign and
> ensure our voice is heard and acted upon immediately!
> We have created an exclusive Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page,
> petition on change.org and a twitter handle. Let us target obtaining
> at least 20,000 signatures, hundreds of Facebook shares and twitter
> tweets. If each of us contribute with getting just fifteen people to
> join this campaign, we can do it! All you need to do is get at least 5
> relatives, 5 blind friends and 5 sighted friends to share the below
> Facebook page and sign the petition in the next one week. If each of
> us together do not spend 20 minutes every day for the next few days,
> we may have to live with inaccessible currency for the next ten odd
> years. It is a matter of our independence, livelihood, and dignity.
> Isn’t it?
>
> Here are the three simple steps you need to follow:
> 1.      Click on the below change.org petition and sign the petition by
> sharing your email id. Your message will immediately reach the
> authorities by email as soon as you sign the petition. Also post the
> petition on your Facebook profile and remember to make it public.
> http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition
>
> 2.      Click on the below Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page. Like
> the page to get future updates and coverage on this. If required you
> may share the petition on your Facebook account from here as well.
> http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyFacebookPage
>
> 3.      Click on the twitter page and retweet. You may directly tweet to
> the authorities by picking the twitter handles on the page if you
> wish. Ignore if you do not have a twitter account.
> https://twitter.com/accessibleinr
>
> A smart approach could be to forward this to people who have different
> set of connections and ask them to share it further. Remember, people
> may not act unless you personally request and follow up with them.
>
> In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!”
>
> Thanks and regards,
> Team Blind Graduates Forum of India.
>
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..



To check if the post reached the list or to search for old posting, reach:
https://www.mail-archive.com/ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/maillist.html
___


Ai mailing list
Ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in
http://accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/mailman/listinfo/ai

[Ai] Accessible Indian Currency social media campaign ! Get people to sign the petition, share and like

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

Glad to have all of us united on raising our voice for Accessible
Indian Currency. The current new notes and coins and the probable new
notes are going to be impractical for persons with impairment to
identify. Indeed, we have a disaster in the making. It is too serious
a matter for us not to work on this issue until we have a solution. So
let us run together the biggest possible social media campaign and
ensure our voice is heard and acted upon immediately!
We have created an exclusive Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page,
petition on change.org and a twitter handle. Let us target obtaining
at least 20,000 signatures, hundreds of Facebook shares and twitter
tweets. If each of us contribute with getting just fifteen people to
join this campaign, we can do it! All you need to do is get at least 5
relatives, 5 blind friends and 5 sighted friends to share the below
Facebook page and sign the petition in the next one week. If each of
us together do not spend 20 minutes every day for the next few days,
we may have to live with inaccessible currency for the next ten odd
years. It is a matter of our independence, livelihood, and dignity.
Isn’t it?

Here are the three simple steps you need to follow:
1.      Click on the below change.org petition and sign the petition by
sharing your email id. Your message will immediately reach the
authorities by email as soon as you sign the petition. Also post the
petition on your Facebook profile and remember to make it public.
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition

2.      Click on the below Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page. Like
the page to get future updates and coverage on this. If required you
may share the petition on your Facebook account from here as well.
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyFacebookPage

3.      Click on the twitter page and retweet. You may directly tweet to
the authorities by picking the twitter handles on the page if you
wish. Ignore if you do not have a twitter account.
https://twitter.com/accessibleinr

A smart approach could be to forward this to people who have different
set of connections and ask them to share it further. Remember, people
may not act unless you personally request and follow up with them.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!”

Thanks and regards,
Team Blind Graduates Forum of India.
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..



To check if the post reached the list or to search for old posting, reach:
https://www.mail-archive.com/ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/maillist.html
___


Ai mailing list
Ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in
http://accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/mailman/listinfo/ai

[Ai] Accessible Indian Currency social media campaign launched! Let's get people to share, like and sign the petition!

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

Glad to have all of us united on raising our voice for Accessible
Indian Currency. The current new notes and coins and the probable new
notes are going to be impractical for persons with impairment to
identify. Indeed, we have a disaster in the making. It is too serious
a matter for us not to work on this issue until we have a solution. So
let us run together the biggest possible social media campaign and
ensure our voice is heard and acted upon immediately!
We have created an exclusive Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page,
petition on change.org and a twitter handle. Let us target obtaining
at least 20,000 signatures, hundreds of Facebook shares and twitter
tweets. If each of us contribute with getting just fifteen people to
join this campaign, we can do it! All you need to do is get at least 5
relatives, 5 blind friends and 5 sighted friends to share the below
Facebook page and sign the petition in the next one week. If each of
us together do not spend 20 minutes every day for the next few days,
we may have to live with inaccessible currency for the next ten odd
years. It is a matter of our independence, livelihood, and dignity.
Isn’t it?

Here are the three simple steps you need to follow:
1.  Click on the below Accessible Indian Campaign Facebook page. Like
the change.org post in the page and Share it on your Facebook profile.
Remember to make the post public. Also, like the page to get future
updates on this. (We have already tagged Finance Minister, RBI, Prime
Minister and other relevant government departments to make it very
simple for you. This post need to have maximum shares and likes as the
authorities can see it directly.)
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyFacebookPage

2.  Click on the below change.org petition and sign the petition by
sharing your email id. Get as many people as possible to sign this.
http://tinyurl.com/AccessibleCurrencyPetition

3.  Click on the twitter page and retweet. You may directly tweet to
the authorities by picking the twitter handles on the page if you
wish. Ignore if you do not have a twitter account.
https://twitter.com/accessibleinr

A smart approach could be to forward this to people who have different
set of connections and ask them to share it further. Remember, people
may not act unless you personally request and follow up with them.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world!”

Thanks and regards,
Team Blind Graduates Forum of India.
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..



To check if the post reached the list or to search for old posting, reach:
https://www.mail-archive.com/ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/maillist.html
___


Ai mailing list
Ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in
http://accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/mailman/listinfo/ai

Re: [Ai] Representation to RBI for accessible Indian Currency, an update on meeting with RBI

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

Here is a brief update on our meeting with RBI authorities.
We had Kanchan Pamnani, Suhas Karnik, Amar Jain and myself Vishal
Kumar Jain attending the meeting. First of all thanks a lot for all
those who have supported with a lot of ground work and those who wrote
to the authorities which enabled us have this meeting in the first
place.

We discussed on each of the points highlighted in the representation.
The RBI team was relatively new to the subject and unfortunately they
were not updated with earlier conversations on it. Overall it was a
much needed discussion and the team was receptive to listen to our
suggestions. However the team avoided making any commitments. Below
are the key highlights:
1.  The longest conversation was on size variation which remains a
major issue. If RBI goes ahead with their plan, the size variation of
notes will come down from 10mm to around 4mm with the introduction of
new Rs. 100, Rs. 20 and Rs. 10 notes. More over the width of all the
notes is expected to be the same (66mm). This will make it close to
impossible for us to identify the notes. While the team understood our
concerns, they expressed their own challenge of maintaining variation
due to reduction in overall size of the notes.
2.  The team was taken aback to understand that the bleed line and
tactile markings are not perceivable. They accepted the fact and
confirmed to prioritize on finding a solution to make it perceivable.
They also expressed technical challenges in making it happen.
3.  Inputs on low vision friendly features was welcomed and they plan
to continue with contrast color, color variation, font size, etc.
4.  Fake notes issue was acknowledge and they thought of focusing on
perceptible tactile markings and keeping the texture of notes
different from normal paper.
5.  The team confirmed to pass on inputs related to issues other than
currency notes to relevant departments and discussion on accessible
websites and apps was in brief.
6.  Most importantly we discovered that RBI had interactions with NGOs
and teams like us in the past. However the inputs and suggestions have
not been valued given the fact they have gone ahead with lower size
variation and unperceivable tactile markings in the new notes.

So on the whole the meeting was productive in sensitizing the team on
our needs. At the same time it doesn’t assure of our issues getting
sufficiently addressed any time soon. Unless we intensify our voice
and raise the issue on all possible forums, we will end up having
notes with very little size variation making it highly inaccessible.
We will continue our effort on this. However we would need more active
involvement from each of you and your network to really get them to
act on our suggestions.

Thanks and regards,
Team BGFI.



On 9/18/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Dear all,
>
> Please find below the representation that we intend to share and
> discuss with RBI during our meeting in person. Have incorporate
> recommendations considering short term and long term needs of persons
> with visual impairment. The meeting is tomorrow, so please share your
> feedback if any by today night.
>
> ---
>
> To
> Governor
> Reserve Bank of India
> Mumbai.
> Subject: Representation to make Indian Currency notes easily
> identifiable for the blind citizens
>
> Respected sir,
> Blind Graduates Forum of India brings to your kind notice the issue of
> difficult-to-use Indian currency notes. We, the blind citizens face
> some genuine inconveniences in identifying various currency notes in
> circulation including the newly introduced ones. This has made daily
> living very difficult and has led to direct negative impact on
> livelihood for blind individuals across the country.
>
> Kindly consider the following recommendations to make Indian Currency
> accessible for the blind:
> 1.Define Indian Currency Accessibility Guidelines to be mandatorily
> factored in every new release of notes and coins.
> 2.Mandate adoption of available accessibility guidelines for mobile
> apps and websites meant for making financial transactions. Communicate
> the guidelines extensively to all the stakeholders.
> 3.Use both length and width of the notes to differentiate between
> each of the notes. The length of the new Rs. 2000, Rs. 500, Rs. 200
> and Rs. 50 is the same.
> 4.Categorize notes into two sets in terms of sizes, one for lower
> denominations and the other for higher denominations. Differentiate
> each set with a minimum of 10mm in length.
> 5.Maintain variation of at least 10mm in width between every note,
> for both lower and higher denominations. For instance the variation in
> length between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 is just 4mm which is extremely
> difficult to differentiate.
> 6.Incorporate easily perceptible tactile marking, embossed letters
> and / or bleed lines. These features should not fade away with use and
> should be very 

[Ai] Representation to RBI for accessible Indian Currency, share feedback if any by tonight

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear all,

Please find below the representation that we intend to share and
discuss with RBI during our meeting in person. Have incorporate
recommendations considering short term and long term needs of persons
with visual impairment. The meeting is tomorrow, so please share your
feedback if any by today night.

---

To
Governor
Reserve Bank of India
Mumbai.
Subject: Representation to make Indian Currency notes easily
identifiable for the blind citizens

Respected sir,
Blind Graduates Forum of India brings to your kind notice the issue of
difficult-to-use Indian currency notes. We, the blind citizens face
some genuine inconveniences in identifying various currency notes in
circulation including the newly introduced ones. This has made daily
living very difficult and has led to direct negative impact on
livelihood for blind individuals across the country.

Kindly consider the following recommendations to make Indian Currency
accessible for the blind:
1.  Define Indian Currency Accessibility Guidelines to be mandatorily
factored in every new release of notes and coins.
2.  Mandate adoption of available accessibility guidelines for mobile
apps and websites meant for making financial transactions. Communicate
the guidelines extensively to all the stakeholders.
3.  Use both length and width of the notes to differentiate between
each of the notes. The length of the new Rs. 2000, Rs. 500, Rs. 200
and Rs. 50 is the same.
4.  Categorize notes into two sets in terms of sizes, one for lower
denominations and the other for higher denominations. Differentiate
each set with a minimum of 10mm in length.
5.  Maintain variation of at least 10mm in width between every note,
for both lower and higher denominations. For instance the variation in
length between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 is just 4mm which is extremely
difficult to differentiate.
6.  Incorporate easily perceptible tactile marking, embossed letters
and / or bleed lines. These features should not fade away with use and
should be very easy to feel. The bleed lines newly introduced in the
new Rs. 2000 and Rs. 500 notes are absolutely not perceivable and are
of no help.
7.  Phase out all the new notes including Rs. 50, Rs. 200, Rs. 500 and
Rs. 2000 notes on priority as its size conflict with the old Rs. 10
and Rs. 20. This will be easier as the number of new notes under
circulation are relatively lower.
8.  Use different shapes or curved edges for both notes and coins to
differentiate.
9.  Use very distinct colors for people with low vision to identify.
The new notes released recently have been well differentiated by
colors. We appreciate and welcome the change incorporated.
10. Adopt contrast colors of the note and of the figures highlighting
the denomination.
11. Use large font size for the figures highlighting the denominations.
12. The texture of the notes should be different from normal paper.
Maintain the variation in texture in case any other material like
plastic is used in future.
13. Involve sufficient number of representative sample of blind
individuals for testing of prototype and final version of notes before
every release.
14. Review Indian Currency Accessibility guidelines every five years
and factor changes in material, technology, user feedback, market
trends and best practices globally.
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..



To check if the post reached the list or to search for old posting, reach:
https://www.mail-archive.com/ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/maillist.html
___


Ai mailing list
Ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in
http://accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/mailman/listinfo/ai

[Ai] September Session-A Talk by Nidhi Goyal at the Graduates and Readers Felicitation By BGFI!

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear all,

Greetings from Blind Graduates' Forum of India!

This month, we take pleasure in inviting you to...
An inspirational talk by Nidhi Goyal as we Celebrate Readers Day
and felicitate fresh visually challenged Graduates

About Nidhi Goyal:
NidhiGoyal is a disabled feminist from India, working at the
intersection of disability and gender through research, training,
advocacy, and art. Nidhi consults with a range of national and global
womens’ and human rights organizations. She has been appointed to the
UN Women Executive Director’s advisory group, sits on the advisory
board of “Voice and AWID. As India’s first female disabled standup
comedian. She uses humour to expand discourses around disability,
gender and sexuality.

Details of the event:
Date: Saturday, September 23, 2017.
 Time: 3 pm to 6 pm
Venue: Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan basement hall, Jagannathrao
Bosale Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 - opposite Mantralay.  The
venue can be conveniently reached by bus root number 138 from CST
station as well as 138/100 from Churchgate station.  Share taxi
services are also available from both these railway stations.

In this connection, we cordially invite all the new graduates to
continue to get in touch with us on any one of the mobile numbers
mentioned at the bottom of the mail.

Should you be aware of any new blind graduates who are not members of
the list, kindly provide information about them as well.

Santosh Salian can be reached on 9930775758 . Alternately, you
could connect with Payal Jethra on 7303448295.

We have also started a mentorship program. If the student requires we
will arrange for an appropriate mentor who can guide them for their
career.

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Blind-Graduates-forum-of-India-BGFI-1830653997215702/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blind_grads

We look forward to a wholehearted participation!

Regards,
The BGFI Team
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..



To check if the post reached the list or to search for old posting, reach:
https://www.mail-archive.com/ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/maillist.html
___


Ai mailing list
Ai@accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in
http://accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in/mailman/listinfo/ai

[Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind- via social media

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear all,

Thanks for your support and to those who have sent letters and e-mails
to work toward making Indian currency accessible for the blind.

> You must have noted the mail from Blind Graduates Forum of India on
> the action plan to make a unified effort for accessible Indian
> currency for the blind. Thank you for your suggestions and interest.

Taking the next step, we now extend the campaign on social media to
sensitize the Indian leadership and masses. We are sharing  the link
of the Facebook and Twitter posts with you.

All we need is for you to like, share, comment, tweet and retweet
through the following links

Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/blindgrads/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blind_grads

We will be posting more such messeges so do keep a watch by liking and
following the pages.

Additionally, do express your ideas on social media on the same
subject. Please feel free to share the link with us. So all of us can
spread the word.

We are the best people who can raise the issue and sensitize the
>> authorities, isn’t it? Shall we do it together then?

 Hoping for your active participation.
 Regards,
>>> Blind Graduates Forum of India
>>>

On 9/1/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Dear all,
>
> You must have noted the mail from Blind Graduates Forum of India on
> the action plan to make a unified effort for accessible Indian
> currency for the blind. Thank you for your suggestions and interest.
> Here is the first step, which is sensitizing the Indian leadership for
> which all of us can contribute. Remember the authorities are likely to
> consider only if they receive hundreds of letters and mails.
> Therefore, it is essential that all of us as individuals and
> organizations contribute by investing a few valuable minutes.
>
> To make it simple for you, we have drafted 3 letters (one each for
> Prime minister, Prime minister’s Office and RBI Governor). It is all
> ready made for you to use. Please follow the below mentioned steps:
> 1.Download the zip file which has 3 letters from the link given below
> 2.Ad / type your name and credentials at the end of each of the letters.
> 3.Take a printout and remember to put your signatures on all the letters.
> 4.Send the letters to the three postal address provided below.
> 5.Copy the content of the letter and send separate emails to the
> email IDs and grievance link provided below.
>
> Here is the link to download the letters:
>
>
> Below are the 3 postal addresses:
> 1.Honorable Prime Minister of India
> 7 Race Course Road
> New Delhi-110011.
>
> 2.Honorable Prime Minister of India
> Web Information Manager
> South Block, Raisina Hill
> New Delhi-110011.
>
> 3.Dr. Urjit R Patel
> Governor
> Reserve Bank of India
> Shaheed Bhaghatsingh Road
> Mumbai-41.
>
> Apart from sending the letter by post, it is essential also to send
> the request by mail. The mails can also be used as evidence in the
> court to prove that the blind people across the country need
> accessible Indian currency, in case required. So it will be good if
> you could mark BGFI in CC for records.
>
> Below are the email IDs:
> 1.RBI
> urjitpa...@rbi.org.in, gover...@rbi.org.in
> Copy the mail to BGFI on
> contact.b...@gmail.com
>
> 2.Prime minister’s Office
> conn...@mygov.nic.in
> CC the mail to BGFI on
> contact.b...@gmail.com
>
> 3.Send your message as grievance to the Prime minister by pasting the
> letter content in the below online form. This is also monitered
> separately.
> http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/interact-with-honble-pm/
>
>
> Feel free to change the content of the letters if you wish to
> improvise. Let us know in case of any queries or issues with the
> links. Will appreciate if you could drop us a line if you manage to
> successfully send the letters.
>
> We are the best people who can raise the issue and sensitize the
> authorities, isn’t it? Shall we do it together then?
> Thanks and regards,
> Blind Graduates Forum of India.
>
>
> On 8/30/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
>  wrote:
>> Dear All,
>>
>> The new currency notes of Rs. 50, Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 are not
>> accessible for the blind. This will make our daily living more
>> challenging. We would need to sensitize authorities and masses and
>> work with them to come up with accessible Indian currency. Blind
>> Graduates Forum of India team has initiated a few actions. Many
>> campaigns have failed as very few people talk about it and write to
>> authorities and hence we would need to unite to make it happen.
>>
>> Below are the problems identified and an action plan, would need your
>> contribution, suggestions and leadership to have a sustained effort on
>> this.
>>
>> Problems identified:
>> •   Length of all the new notes is the same, which
>> Increases difficulty to identify and count the notes. The only way for us
>> to
>> identify is by feeling the length and breadth of the 

Re: [Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind, sharing ready made letters for you

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Letter 3 of 3 – for Honorable Prime minister of India

Just print the letter below, put your signature and other credentials
at the end and send it to the below postal address:
Honorable Prime Minister of India
Web Information Manager
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi-110011.

There is no direct email id of the prime minister. If you write to PMO
as provided in the previous mail, that will be good enough.

The letter content starts below:
---

To
Honorable Prime Minister of India
7 Race Course Road
New Delhi.
Subject: An Appeal to make Indian Currency notes easily identifiable
for the blind citizens

Respected sir,
I am a proud Indian who happens to be blind. I am grateful to your
government administration under your leadership and guidance for
undertaking many initiatives such as Accessible India campaign and
other measures which would result in making a positive difference in
the lives of persons with disabilities.
It pains me immensely to bring to your kind notice the issue of
difficult-to-use Indian currency notes. We, the blind face some
genuine inconveniences in identifying various currency notes in
circulation including the newly introduced ones. Particularly:
•   The blind people feel the size, both length and width to identify
and count the notes. Length of all the new notes is the same (66 MM)
which compels us to identify the notes only based upon width.
•   The width of the notes has been reduced drastically making it
extremely difficult for us to perceive. Variation of minimum 10 MM in
width and in length between each of the notes is essential for the
blind to be able to differentiate and identify.
1.  The variation in width between the Rs. 200 note and the new Rs. 500
note is just 4 MM.
2.  The variation in width and length between the new Rs. 500 note and
the Rs. 20 note is 3 MM.
3.  the variation in length between the Rs. 200 note and the Rs. 20
note is just 1 MM and width just 3 MM.
4.  The variation in width between the new Rs. 50 note and Rs. 10 note
is just 2 MM.
•   The bleed lines on all the relevant notes including the new
Rs. 50, Rs. 200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 are too light to feel and are of
no help in identifying the notes. An average blind person cannot feel
the bleed lines readily and they get blurred with repeated use.
Relying on only the bleed lines is also not a practical solution to
count bundles of notes as the blind person has to feel every note in
the bundle.
•   Coexistence of old and new currencies makes it very confusing
and complex to count.

Sir, in earlier times, size of all the notes was sufficiently
different so that we the blind and other people did not face
significant challenge in identifying various notes and we could
conduct transactions with ease and independently. I strongly feel that
the bleed lines or any marking on the notes is not sufficient to
differentiate them, as it would get tactually imperceptible with the
passage of time. So, sufficient variation in size is the only
pragmatic and viable solution to the problem. This will not only help
the blind, but also will make it convenient for all other citizens.

Sir, India has recently passed Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
RPD Act, 2016 which mandates that all the services have to be provided
in an accessible manner to the persons with disabilities. Issuing
currency being the sovereign function of the government, may we
earnestly appeal you to make it accessible for the blind and all other
disabled citizens by introducing sufficient variations in their
dimensions for new notes to be printed at least. This will make our
life easier, safer and independent.  May we also request you to kindly
issue a directive to concerned committee within Ministry of Finance
and Reserve Bank of India for considering requirements of blind
citizens while they design new currency and consult various blind
citizens groups for arriving at pragmatic solutions which would be
useful to all. Sadly committee comprising of blind citizens with
respect to designing new currency notes and coins were formulated but
their pragmatic suggestions have been conveniently ignored.
Having firm faith in your benevolence.

Yours sincerely
Signature:

Date: 31st August, 2017
Phone:
Address:


On 9/3/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Letter 2 of 3 – for RBI Governor
>
> Just print the letter below, put your signature and other credentials
> at the end and send it to the below postal address:
> Dr. Urjit R Patel
> Governor
> Reserve Bank of India
> Shaheed Bhaghatsingh Road
> Mumbai-41.
>
> Also copy the body of the letter and email it to:
> urjitpa...@rbi.org.in, gover...@rbi.org.in
> CC the mail to BGFI on
> contact.b...@gmail.com
>
> The letter content starts below:
> ---
>
> To
> Dr. Urjit R Patel
> Governor
> Reserve Bank of India
> Mumbai.
> Subject: An Appeal to make Indian Currency notes easily identifiable
> for the blind citizens
>
> Respected sir,
> I am a 

Re: [Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind, sharing ready made letters for you

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Letter 2 of 3 – for RBI Governor

Just print the letter below, put your signature and other credentials
at the end and send it to the below postal address:
Dr. Urjit R Patel
Governor
Reserve Bank of India
Shaheed Bhaghatsingh Road
Mumbai-41.

Also copy the body of the letter and email it to:
urjitpa...@rbi.org.in, gover...@rbi.org.in
CC the mail to BGFI on
contact.b...@gmail.com

The letter content starts below:
---

To
Dr. Urjit R Patel
Governor
Reserve Bank of India
Mumbai.
Subject: An Appeal to make Indian Currency notes easily identifiable
for the blind citizens

Respected sir,
I am a proud Indian who happens to be blind. I am grateful to your
leadership for undertaking several initiatives such as mandating banks
to provide all the banking facilities for persons with disabilities.
This would certainly result in making a positive difference in their
lives.
It pains me immensely to bring to your kind notice the issue of
difficult-to-use Indian currency notes. We, the blind face some
genuine inconveniences in identifying various currency notes in
circulation including the newly introduced ones. Particularly:
•   The blind people feel the size, both length and width to identify
and count the notes. Length of all the new notes is the same (66 MM)
which compels us to identify the notes only based upon width.
•   The width of the notes has been reduced drastically making it
extremely difficult for us to perceive. Variation of minimum 10 MM in
width and in length between each of the notes is essential for the
blind to be able to differentiate and identify.
1.  The variation in width between the Rs. 200 note and the new Rs. 500
note is just 4 MM.
2.  The variation in width and length between the new Rs. 500 note and
the Rs. 20 note is 3 MM.
3.  the variation in length between the Rs. 200 note and the Rs. 20
note is just 1 MM and width just 3 MM.
4.  The variation in width between the new Rs. 50 note and Rs. 10 note
is just 2 MM.
•   The bleed lines on all the relevant notes including the new
Rs. 50, Rs. 200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 are too light to feel and are of
no help in identifying the notes. An average blind person cannot feel
the bleed lines readily and they get blurred with repeated use.
Relying on only the bleed lines is also not a practical solution to
count bundles of notes as the blind person has to feel every note in
the bundle.
•   Coexistence of old and new currencies makes it very confusing
and complex to count.

Sir, in earlier times, size of all the notes was sufficiently
different so that we the blind and other people did not face
significant challenge in identifying various notes and we could
conduct transactions with ease and independently. I strongly feel that
the bleed lines or any marking on the notes is not sufficient to
differentiate them, as it would get tactually imperceptible with the
passage of time. So, sufficient variation in size is the most
important pragmatic and viable solution to the problem. This will not
only help the blind, but also will make it convenient for all other
citizens.

Sir, India has recently passed Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
RPD Act, 2016 which mandates that all the services have to be provided
in an accessible manner to the persons with disabilities. Issuing
currency being the sovereign function ofRBI, may we earnestly appeal
you to make it accessible for the blind and all other disabled
citizens by introducing sufficient variations in their dimensions for
new notes to be printed at least. This will make our life easier,
safer and independent.  May we also request you to kindly issue a
directive to concerned committee and teams within RBI for considering
requirements of blind citizens while they design new currency. Also
kindly consult various blind citizens groups for arriving at pragmatic
solutions which would be useful to all. Sadly committee comprising of
blind citizens with respect to designing new currency notes and coins
were formulated but their pragmatic suggestions have been ignored.
Having firm faith in your benevolence.

Yours sincerely
Signature:

Date: 31st August, 2017
Phone:
Address:




On 9/3/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Letter 1 of 3 – for Prime Minister’s Office.
>
> Just print the letter below, put your signature and other credentials
> at the end and send it to the below postal address:
> Honorable Prime Minister of India
> 7 Race Course Road
> New Delhi-110011.
>
> Also copy the body of the letter into an email and send it to:
> conn...@mygov.nic.in
> CC the mail to BGFI on
> contact.b...@gmail.com
>
> The letter content starts below:
>
> To
> Honorable Prime Minister of India
> PMO
> New Delhi.
> Subject: An Appeal to make Indian Currency notes easily identifiable
> for the blind citizens
>
> Respected sir,
> I am a proud Indian who happens to be blind. I am grateful to your
> government administration under your leadership and guidance for
> 

Re: [Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind, sharing ready made letters for you

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Letter 1 of 3 – for Prime Minister’s Office.

Just print the letter below, put your signature and other credentials
at the end and send it to the below postal address:
Honorable Prime Minister of India
7 Race Course Road
New Delhi-110011.

Also copy the body of the letter into an email and send it to:
conn...@mygov.nic.in
CC the mail to BGFI on
contact.b...@gmail.com

The letter content starts below:

To
Honorable Prime Minister of India
PMO
New Delhi.
Subject: An Appeal to make Indian Currency notes easily identifiable
for the blind citizens

Respected sir,
I am a proud Indian who happens to be blind. I am grateful to your
government administration under your leadership and guidance for
undertaking many initiatives such as Accessible India campaign and
other measures which would result in making a positive difference in
the lives of persons with disabilities.
It pains me immensely to bring to your kind notice the issue of
difficult-to-use Indian currency notes. We, the blind face some
genuine inconveniences in identifying various currency notes in
circulation including the newly introduced ones. Particularly:
•   The blind people feel the size, both length and width to identify
and count the notes. Length of all the new notes is the same (66 MM)
which compels us to identify the notes only based upon width.
•   The width of the notes has been reduced drastically making it
extremely difficult for us to perceive. Variation of minimum 10 MM in
width and in length between each of the notes is essential for the
blind to be able to differentiate and identify.
1.  The variation in width between the Rs. 200 note and the new Rs. 500
note is just 4 MM.
2.  The variation in width and length between the new Rs. 500 note and
the Rs. 20 note is 3 MM.
3.  the variation in length between the Rs. 200 note and the Rs. 20
note is just 1 MM and width just 3 MM.
4.  The variation in width between the new Rs. 50 note and Rs. 10 note
is just 2 MM.
•   The bleed lines on all the relevant notes including the new
Rs. 50, Rs. 200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 are too light to feel and are of
no help in identifying the notes. An average blind person cannot feel
the bleed lines readily and they get blurred with repeated use.
Relying on only bleed lines is also not a practical solution to count
bundles of notes as the blind person has to feel every note in the
bundle.
•   Coexistence of old and new currencies makes it very confusing
and complex to count.

Sir, in earlier times, size of all the notes was sufficiently
different so that we the blind and other people did not face
significant challenge in identifying various notes and we could
conduct transactions with ease and independently. I strongly feel that
the bleed lines or any marking on the notes is not sufficient to
differentiate them, as it would get tactually imperceptible with the
passage of time. So, sufficient variation in size is the only
pragmatic and viable solution to the problem. This will not only help
the blind, but also will make it convenient for all other citizens.

Sir, India has recently passed Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
RPD Act, 2016 which mandates that all the services have to be provided
in an accessible manner to the persons with disabilities. Issuing
currency being the sovereign function of the government, may we
earnestly appeal you to make it accessible for the blind and all other
disabled citizens by introducing sufficient variations in their
dimensions for new notes to be printed at least. This will make our
life easier, safer and independent.  May we also request you to kindly
issue a directive to concerned committee within Ministry of Finance
and Reserve Bank of India for considering requirements of blind
citizens while they design new currency and consult various blind
citizens groups for arriving at pragmatic solutions which would be
useful to all. Sadly committee comprising of blind citizens with
respect to designing new currency notes and coins were formulated but
their pragmatic suggestions have been conveniently ignored.
Having firm faith in your benevolence.

Yours sincerely
Signature:

Date: 31st August, 2017
Phone:
Address:




On 9/3/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> A few of you are facing difficulty in downloading the letter. So we
> will be pasting the content of the 3 letters in 3 separate emails
> shortly. You may just pick directly from there.
>
> Thank you Raju Waghmare for coming forward to contribute on the legal
> front. Could you please share your contact number so that we can
> discuss on the specifics. You may send your number on
> contact.b...@gmail.com please.
>
> You are right Siddalingeshwar. Change.org is quite convenient. However
> it is not effective unless thousands of us contribute.  Many such
> petitions including on disability matters have failed in the past due
> to low response. Unfortunately we are not united enough. many of us

Re: [Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind, sharing ready made letters for you

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Hi all,

A few of you are facing difficulty in downloading the letter. So we
will be pasting the content of the 3 letters in 3 separate emails
shortly. You may just pick directly from there.

Thank you Raju Waghmare for coming forward to contribute on the legal
front. Could you please share your contact number so that we can
discuss on the specifics. You may send your number on
contact.b...@gmail.com please.

You are right Siddalingeshwar. Change.org is quite convenient. However
it is not effective unless thousands of us contribute.  Many such
petitions including on disability matters have failed in the past due
to low response. Unfortunately we are not united enough. many of us
talk of the issues, but are unable to write and talk to relevant
authorities. That’s the reason we have drafted the letters for
everybody’s benefit  and all we have to do is sign and send. Thank you
any ways for your suggestions.

Regards,
Team Blind Graduates Forum of India


On 9/3/17, Siddalingeshwar Ingalagi via Ai
 wrote:
> why did you not start petition on change.org?
> it is easy method to reach.
> 
> 
>   
>  href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
> target="_blank"> src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif;
> alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;"
> />
>   Virus-free.  href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
> target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com
>   
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Disclaimer:
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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..



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Re: [Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind, sharing ready made letters for you

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear all,

You must have noted the mail from Blind Graduates Forum of India on
the action plan to make a unified effort for accessible Indian
currency for the blind. Thank you for your suggestions and interest.
Here is the first step, which is sensitizing the Indian leadership for
which all of us can contribute. Remember the authorities are likely to
consider only if they receive hundreds of letters and mails.
Therefore, it is essential that all of us as individuals and
organizations contribute by investing a few valuable minutes.

To make it simple for you, we have drafted 3 letters (one each for
Prime minister, Prime minister’s Office and RBI Governor). It is all
ready made for you to use. Please follow the below mentioned steps:
1.  Download the zip file which has 3 letters from the link given below
2.  Ad / type your name and credentials at the end of each of the letters.
3.  Take a printout and remember to put your signatures on all the letters.
4.  Send the letters to the three postal address provided below.
5.  Copy the content of the letter and send separate emails to the
email IDs and grievance link provided below.

Here is the link to download the letters:


Below are the 3 postal addresses:
1.  Honorable Prime Minister of India
7 Race Course Road
New Delhi-110011.

2.  Honorable Prime Minister of India
Web Information Manager
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi-110011.

3.  Dr. Urjit R Patel
Governor
Reserve Bank of India
Shaheed Bhaghatsingh Road
Mumbai-41.

Apart from sending the letter by post, it is essential also to send
the request by mail. The mails can also be used as evidence in the
court to prove that the blind people across the country need
accessible Indian currency, in case required. So it will be good if
you could mark BGFI in CC for records.

Below are the email IDs:
1.  RBI
urjitpa...@rbi.org.in, gover...@rbi.org.in
Copy the mail to BGFI on
contact.b...@gmail.com

2.  Prime minister’s Office
conn...@mygov.nic.in
CC the mail to BGFI on
contact.b...@gmail.com

3.  Send your message as grievance to the Prime minister by pasting the
letter content in the below online form. This is also monitered
separately.
http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/interact-with-honble-pm/


Feel free to change the content of the letters if you wish to
improvise. Let us know in case of any queries or issues with the
links. Will appreciate if you could drop us a line if you manage to
successfully send the letters.

We are the best people who can raise the issue and sensitize the
authorities, isn’t it? Shall we do it together then?
Thanks and regards,
Blind Graduates Forum of India.


On 8/30/17, Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI)
 wrote:
> Dear All,
>
> The new currency notes of Rs. 50, Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 are not
> accessible for the blind. This will make our daily living more
> challenging. We would need to sensitize authorities and masses and
> work with them to come up with accessible Indian currency. Blind
> Graduates Forum of India team has initiated a few actions. Many
> campaigns have failed as very few people talk about it and write to
> authorities and hence we would need to unite to make it happen.
>
> Below are the problems identified and an action plan, would need your
> contribution, suggestions and leadership to have a sustained effort on
> this.
>
> Problems identified:
> •   Length of all the new notes is the same, which
> Increases difficulty to identify and count the notes. The only way for us
> to
> identify is by feeling the length and breadth of the notes on our
> hands.
>  •   The variation between the new Rs. 50 note and Rs. 10 note is
> just 3 MM. Also the variation between the new Rs. 50 note and the new
> Rs. 200 note is just 4 MM, which is extremely difficult for people
> with visual impairment to perceive.
> •   The bleed lines on all the relevant notes including the new
> Rs. 50, Rs. 200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 are of no help in identifying
> the notes. It is also not a practical solution to count bundles of
> notes. An average blind person cannot feel the bleed lines readily and
> they get blurred with repeated use.
> •   Coexistence of old and new currencies makes it very complex to
> count.
>
> Action Plan:
> •   Invite NGOs, individuals and informal teams to unite in
> strengthening the voice on the subject.
> •   Draft a letter for the Prime minister’s Office, the Prime minister
> and the RBI authorities by 31st August. We will share the letter
> template with you. You as an individual and organization can use the
> letter as template and send to the above authorities.
> •   Launch a campaign on social media by 2nd September to sensitize
> masses. We will share the link of the Facebook and Twitter posts with
> you, would need your support in sharing and spreading the word.
> •   Seek for support and guidance from competent legal experts and File
> a PIL by 30th September 

[Ai] Campaign for accessible Indian currency for the blind

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear All,

The new currency notes of Rs. 50, Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 are not
accessible for the blind. This will make our daily living more
challenging. We would need to sensitize authorities and masses and
work with them to come up with accessible Indian currency. Blind
Graduates Forum of India team has initiated a few actions. Many
campaigns have failed as very few people talk about it and write to
authorities and hence we would need to unite to make it happen.

Below are the problems identified and an action plan, would need your
contribution, suggestions and leadership to have a sustained effort on
this.

Problems identified:
•   Length of all the new notes is the same, which
Increases difficulty to identify and count the notes. The only way for us to
identify is by feeling the length and breadth of the notes on our
hands.
 •   The variation between the new Rs. 50 note and Rs. 10 note is
just 3 MM. Also the variation between the new Rs. 50 note and the new
Rs. 200 note is just 4 MM, which is extremely difficult for people
with visual impairment to perceive.
•   The bleed lines on all the relevant notes including the new
Rs. 50, Rs. 200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 are of no help in identifying
the notes. It is also not a practical solution to count bundles of
notes. An average blind person cannot feel the bleed lines readily and
they get blurred with repeated use.
•   Coexistence of old and new currencies makes it very complex to count.

Action Plan:
•   Invite NGOs, individuals and informal teams to unite in
strengthening the voice on the subject.
•   Draft a letter for the Prime minister’s Office, the Prime minister
and the RBI authorities by 31st August. We will share the letter
template with you. You as an individual and organization can use the
letter as template and send to the above authorities.
•   Launch a campaign on social media by 2nd September to sensitize
masses. We will share the link of the Facebook and Twitter posts with
you, would need your support in sharing and spreading the word.
•   Seek for support and guidance from competent legal experts and File
a PIL by 30th September with a view to find a long-term solution on
making Indian currency accessible.
•   Circulate contact details of Man Ki Baat for people to send their
message on accessible currency to the Prime Minister one week before
the next broadcast.
•   Collaborate with an agency or educational institute to Conduct a
detail research on accessibility issues with Indian currency and
propose design solutions. Please connect with us if you have an expert
research and design team.
•   Post questions on PRS Legislative Research website and encourage
parliamentarians to ask questions on accessible currency during the
parliament sessions.

Hoping for your active participation.
Regards,
Blind Graduates Forum of India
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..



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[Ai] Graduates and Readers Felicitation By BGFI!

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear all,

Greetings from Blind Graduates' Forum of India!

On Saturday, September 23rd, 2017, the Blind Graduates' Forum of India
will host the Annual Graduates & Readers / Scribes Day to felicitate
fresh blind graduates in Mumbai who have
graduated in the academic year 2016-2017.  In this connection, we
cordially invite all the new graduates to get in touch with us on or
before September 9th, 2016 on any one of the mobile numbers mentioned
at the bottom of the mail.
Should you be aware of any new blind graduates who are not members of
the list, kindly provide information about them as well.

Continuing our tradition of celebrating the Readers Day annually, we
also invite blind individuals to bring along their readers / scribes
who will be felicitated on that day. Please inform us of the names of
the readers or scribes whom you wish to bring along on or before the
above mentioned date on the mobile numbers given below.

Santosh Salian can be reached on 9930775758 . Alternately, you
could connect with Payal Jethra on 7303448295.

Note: it would be preferred if one graduate brings one reader/ scribe along.

We have also started a mentorship program. If the student requires we
will arrange for an appropriate mentor who can guide them for their
career.

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Blind-Graduates-forum-of-India-BGFI-1830653997215702/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blind_grads

We look forward to a wholehearted participation!

Regards,
The BGFI Team
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..



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[Ai] BGFI’s Visit to the Nehru Science Centre on Saturday, 22nd July, 2017!

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via Ai]

Dear All,

How will you feel if a skeleton sitting on a bicycle starts imitating
you when you start paddling your bicycle?
This is an exhibit in the Human & Machine gallery at Mumbai’s Nehru
Science Centre, which gives exciting experience to visitors.

Come & Enjoy the thrill!
After our  interesting visits to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu
Sangrahalaya and the Nehru Planetorium last year,  This July, Blind
Graduates Forum of India(BGFI) invites you to join us as we walk
through the Exhibition Gallery at Mumbai’s Nehru Science Centre. The
Science Centre incorporates innovative ways to communicate science to
enthuse, entertain, initiate, excite and bring the developments of
science
& technology to the doorstep of common people for prosperity,
awareness, and improving the quality of life.

Do you have a love of science and want to learn more about the growth
of science and technology and their applications? This might just be
your opportunity to understand the landmarks in the development of
science, technology and industry.

•   Please whatsapp or call Santosh Salian on 9930775758 to register
yourself and your volunteer on or before Thursday, 20th July, 2017.
•   Registeration is manditory since volunteers need to be arranged for.
•   There is no entrey fee for Visually challenged members. However, we
encourage participants to come with their escorts if possible. There's
an entry fee of 50 rupees for every escort.

Details of the event:

Date: Saturday, 22nd July, 2017.
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Tentitive time of tour (depending upon intrest of members): Between 2
to 4 hours.
Meeting place: Main entrence of the Science Centre.
•   Canteen facility is available within the centre.

How to Reach Nehru Science Centre?

The Centre can be reached by public transport i.e. train, bus, taxi or
private vehicles.
It is situated on Dr. E. Moses Road between Mahalaxmi Rly. Station on
the South and Worli Naka on the North at a distance of about 1 km from
either end.

The nearest bus stop is Jijamata Nagar.
The nearest railway stations - Mahalaxmi (Western Rly.), Byculla
(Central Rly.);
Bus Routes - 50, 80 (Ltd.), 91(Ltd.), 124, 154, 164, 165, 168, 172, 351.

This experience is certainly going to be one you wouldn’t want to miss!

Like us on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Blind-Graduates-forum-of-India-BGFI-1830653997215702/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blind_grads

We look forward to having you with us

Regards,

The BGFI Team
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..



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[Ai] Launch of BGFI Mentorship programme and a special session on Mentorship, 13th May, at 2:45 pm

[Blind Graduates' Forum of India (BGFI) via AI]

Dear all,

  The Blind Graduates Forum of India (BGFI) is coming up with a
  Mentorship program! Want to know more? Join us for a session on
  mentorship by our well known speakers Hari Raghavan, Sameer Latey and
  Kartik Sawhney on 13th May, 2:45 to 5:30 pm. Listen to the thought
  provoking and enlightening life stories of our speakers and discover
  how mentors can shape ones future! The BGFI Mentorship Programme aims
  at guiding blind individuals in choosing appropriate path on
  education, career, etc. BGFI will connect the needy to the mentor
  suitable to their interests and aspirations.

  About our speakers:

  Hari Raghavan: Hari Raghavan is currently the Global Alliance Manager
  at Del. Hari has over 13 years work experience across sales and
  channel management functions spanning industries like financial
  services, media and IT. He has won the sales eminence award from IBM
  for 3 consecutive years from 2010 to 2012 as well as the Bravo award
  in 2007. Hari has done MBA in Marketing from Institute of Management
  Studies, Mumbai.

  Sameer Latey: Sameer is one of the first Chartered Accountant among
  blind in India and has done Diploma in HR from Wellingkars' Management
  Institute, Mumbai. With more than 11 years of work experience in the
  corporate sector, he is currently working with Reliance Industries
  Ltd. as Manager (Accounts) in the Consolidation (Group Companies)
  team. He was awarded "Most Valuable Player" at Financial Technologies
  (India) Ltd. Sameer was in-charge of the entire Accounting, Finance,
  Taxation & MIS function & reported directly to the company's Managing
  Director at with Chowgule Construction Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.

  Kartik Sawhney: Currently a fourth year Computer Science student at
  Stanford University in the United States, Kartik Sawhney challenged
  the status quo and became one of the first blind students in India to
  opt for Science and engineering. Karthik co-founded NextBillion.org, a
  global mentorship program for students with disabilities interested in
  tech and empowered 60 mentees and mentors from 10 countries. Kartik
  was invited to speak at the 70th session of the prestigious UN General
  Assembly last year. He was recognized for excellence in computer
  science by Google as one of the thirteen Google lime scholars across
  the US and Canada. He completed his internship at Microsoft where he
  won eight awards for his work during the hackathon. He was invited to
  speak at the 70th session of the UN General Assembly last year. In
  light of his achievements and work, Kartik won the prestigious Queen’s
  Young Leaders award 2016, presented to him by Her Majesty The Queen at
  the Buckingham Palace.

  Details of the program:
  Date: Saturday, May 13th, 2017
   Time: 2:45 pm-5:30 pm
   Venue: Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan basement hall, Jagannathrao
  Bosale Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021 - opposite Mantralay.

   The Venue can be conveniently reached by bus root number 138 from CST
   Station as well as 138/100 from Churchgate station.
  For more information, call Santosh Salian on 9930775758

  BGFI is on face book & twitter now!
   Like us on facebook and stay updated on our activities
https://www.facebook.com/Blind-Graduates-forum-of-India-BGFI-1830653997215702/
   Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blind_grads

   This session is certainly going to be one you wouldn’t want to miss!

  Regards,
   The BGFI Team

___


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