Latest news with #Braille
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Welfare aids worth ₹52.91 lakh distributed to 251 differently abled persons in Nagapattinam
In a welfare initiative for persons with disabilities, the Department for the Welfare of Differently-Abled Persons, in collaboration with the District Administration, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), and Indian Oil Corporation, distributed assistive devices worth ₹52.91 lakh to 251 beneficiaries at a function in Nagapattinam District Collectorate on Tuesday. Nagapattinam District Collector P. Akash handed over the devices to the recipients. Kilvelur MLA V.P. Nagai Mali participated in the event. The distribution followed six special medical assessment camps held across the district in February 2025. Expert teams evaluated eligible individuals, based on which a wide range of assistive devices were provided. These included motorised three-wheeled vehicles, joystick-operated wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs for children and adults, crutches, smart canes, learning aids, artificial limbs, and hearing aids. Additionally, one beneficiary received a smartphone and another a Braille kit. The aids ranged in value from ₹450 to ₹60,000. Notable among them were 122 hearing aids valued at ₹5.49 lakh and various prosthetic and mobility aids worth ₹6.38 lakh. The initiative aims to significantly enhance mobility, independence, and overall quality of life for the recipients. Chief Educational Officer M.G.C. Subashini, Indian Oil Corporation General Manager Bindu, and ALIMCO Junior Manager Rishabh Mahendra were among the officials present. EOM/
Hans India
4 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
ESI Hospital ready for inauguration
Rajamahendravaram: A state-of-the-art Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Hospital, constructed at a cost of Rs 56 crore in Rajamahendravaram, is ready for inauguration. Built to match the standards of corporate hospitals, the facility is expected to significantly enhance healthcare services for insured workers across the region. The Central government approved funding for the hospital project on August 19, 2020. Built on 5.83 acres, the construction was delayed and completed on December 30, 2024, with the hospital handed over to the Andhra Pradesh government in June 2025. Originally a 50-bed facility established in 1987 during the TDP regime, the hospital has been expanded to 100 beds, though formal approval for this upgrade is still pending. A report detailing necessary medical equipment, human resources, and operational funds has been submitted to the state government. Former MP Maganti Murali Mohan initiated the project in 2018, and the foundation was laid then. Minister Vasamsetty Subhash visited twice for progress reviews, but essential medical equipment is still awaited. The upgraded hospital includes 32 outpatient (OP) rooms, a casualty unit, minor operating theatre, pharmacy, and emergency ward on the ground floor, while the second floor is dedicated to mother and child healthcare, featuring an ICU, PICU, and third floor has six wards, a library, and administrative offices. Equipped with four lifts, centralized air conditioning, 50 CCTV cameras, and Braille signage, every bed has oxygen and ventilator facilities. Currently, the old 50-bed hospital operates with 30 staff members, but the new facility will require at least 300 personnel, including 100 doctors. The hospital plans to offer 26 types of medical services, including general medicine and surgery, although details on super-specialty services remain unclear. Officials are optimistic that once fully equipped, it will be a vital secondary care facility for the region's workforce.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Chandigarh launches inclusive education policy for kids with disabilities
The Chandigarh Administration on Friday rolled out its first comprehensive Education Policy for Children with Special Needs – 2025, aimed at ensuring barrier-free, dignified, and quality education for children with benchmark disabilities. The policy was launched at Punjab Raj Bhavan by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who called it 'a strong initiative towards inclusiveness and the spirit of equality guaranteed by the Constitution'. Kataria underlined the social significance of the step, stating, 'the measure of the true progress of any society is how it empowers its weakest sections. This policy is not just limited to opening the doors of schools, it is also a means to bring out the inherent talent and potential of the children. Chandigarh is proud that we are strengthening the spirit of equal opportunity and inclusion in the field of education'. Framed in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the policy guarantees free and compulsory education in government and aided schools for children with disabilities up to the age of 18. For those unable to attend regular classes, home-based education will be provided, supported by a transport allowance and auxiliary services. Admissions have been made entirely non-discriminatory, with all inclusive neighbourhood schools required to admit disabled children. A three per cent reservation has also been set aside for them within the 25 per cent quota for economically weaker sections under the Right to Education Act. Private schools will now be obliged to admit students with special needs and provide tailored educational support. The framework mandates the appointment of trained special educators for inclusive classrooms, adapted curricula, Braille and large-print textbooks, sign language resources, and modified evaluation systems. Collaboration with special schools and integrated education centres will support children with severe disabilities, while vocational and skill training from Class 9 onwards will prepare them for independent livelihoods. To foster a sensitive learning environment, the policy calls for regular training and awareness programmes for teachers, parents and classmates. A grievance redressal committee in every school and a state-level monitoring body will oversee its implementation. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, Principal Secretary to the Governor Vivek Pratap Singh, Education Secretary Prerna Puri and Director of School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, were present at the launch. Officials said the new policy represents 'an inspirational effort to strengthen the values of social justice, inclusion and compassion' and carries the message that 'disability is not a limitation; with the right environment and opportunities, every child can make society proud with their talent'.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Visually impaired students join voter awareness drive under SVEEP in Kolkata's Rashbehari constituency
A special awareness campaign was organized at LightHouse for the Blind, Lighthouse for the Blind West Bengal government sponsored school, a renowned institution for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), as part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, under the jurisdiction of the Rashbehari Assembly Constituency on Tuesday. The program was conducted by the Office of the Electoral Registration Officer, 160-Rashbehari, under the guidance of the District Election Officer-Kolkata South. The event witnessed participation from visually impaired students of various age groups, including a significant number of youth aged 17+ and 18+, many of whom attended a voter awareness program for the first Chief Electoral Officer-West Bengal Arindam Niyogi, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer-West Bengal Subrata Pal and District PwD Icon for Kolkata South Sudipendu Dutta participated in the programme. Their interactive sessions with the students inspired and motivated the young participants to embrace their role in the world's largest democracy, WB-CEO's office said in a statement. Several programmes, including distribution of Braille Leaflets, specially designed Braille materials containing comprehensive information on voter enrolment and facilities available for PwD electors were handed over to the students to ensure accessible and inclusive communication, were undertaken, an official said. 'Two bright young students shared their insights on how to strengthen democracy, increase participation of PwD Electors in the Electoral Process and highlighted the importance of informed participation and the need for inclusivity in democratic processes,' it said.A lively quiz session on interesting facts and details about India's electoral system was organized where the students, which enhanced understanding of the voting Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were handed over to some newly enrolled young electors, marking a significant step in their electoral campaign was a resounding success, culminating in the collection of 17 new Form 6 applications for voter enrolment from young, visually impaired students, ready to contribute actively to the democratic process.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Visually impaired students join voter awareness drive under SVEEP in Kolkata's Rashbehari constituency
A special awareness campaign was organized at LightHouse for the Blind, Lighthouse for the Blind West Bengal government sponsored school, a renowned institution for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), as part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, under the jurisdiction of the Rashbehari Assembly Constituency on Tuesday. The program was conducted by the Office of the Electoral Registration Officer , 160-Rashbehari, under the guidance of the District Election Officer-Kolkata South. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Others others Degree Finance MBA CXO Public Policy Project Management Operations Management healthcare Product Management Cybersecurity PGDM Design Thinking MCA Technology Data Science Data Analytics Digital Marketing Healthcare Leadership Data Science Management Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details The event witnessed participation from visually impaired students of various age groups, including a significant number of youth aged 17+ and 18+, many of whom attended a voter awareness program for the first time. Additional Chief Electoral Officer-West Bengal Arindam Niyogi, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer-West Bengal Subrata Pal and District PwD Icon for Kolkata South Sudipendu Dutta participated in the programme. Their interactive sessions with the students inspired and motivated the young participants to embrace their role in the world's largest democracy, WB-CEO's office said in a statement. Several programmes, including distribution of Braille Leaflets, specially designed Braille materials containing comprehensive information on voter enrolment and facilities available for PwD electors were handed over to the students to ensure accessible and inclusive communication, were undertaken, an official said. 'Two bright young students shared their insights on how to strengthen democracy, increase participation of PwD Electors in the Electoral Process and highlighted the importance of informed participation and the need for inclusivity in democratic processes,' it said. A lively quiz session on interesting facts and details about India's electoral system was organized where the students, which enhanced understanding of the voting process. PVC Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) were handed over to some newly enrolled young electors, marking a significant step in their electoral journey. The campaign was a resounding success, culminating in the collection of 17 new Form 6 applications for voter enrolment from young, visually impaired students, ready to contribute actively to the democratic process.
