OTHER EFFORTS

Inclusive Education

Opening Up of Science Stream for Visually Challenged

As a model and nodal unit demonstrating the effectiveness of inclusive education, the XRCVC has been involved with several efforts over the past few years to ensure that our education systems open up.

In addition to all the support we provide to visually impaired students themselves, a key component of our work as been to liaison with Educational Boards and bodies.

In our latest efforts towards this the XRCVC has submitted a representation to the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education highlighting the key concerns currently faced by students and suggesting proactive steps to resolve the same.

You can read the representation submitted HSC Board representation by XRCVC

As a response to the XRCVC’s representation one of the first steps that the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has taken, is to issue a circular for procedures for examination for visually impaired students pursuing science in the 11th Standard. The circular can be read HSC Board Circular for Science Stream Blind Students

Psychology Finally a Reality for Visually Challenged at University of Mumbai

Scores of visually challenged students fascinated by the study of Psychology have always had to settle for the lesser of their dreams at the T.Y.B.A level. A full major was out of reach for these students who had to be satisfied with a double major. Why? The reason being that the University of Mumbai did not have rules that permitted visually challenged students to give practical examinations in the subject and hence automatically excluded them from being admitted.

We took this matter to the University of Mumbai with extremely proactive mindset and support from Board of Studies (Psychology) we were able to get a circular issued for the first time making Psychology studying for the visually challenged a reality. The circular issued by the University of Mumbai comes into effect from the academic year 2010-2011 which makes clear the methods of conducting practical examinations for visually challenged students.

This has been a very welcome step for inclusive education and the University of Mumbai has taken a positive step in this direction. We hope that with this positive step the University of Mumbai in the coming years will also begin work with a range of its other courses currently not open to the visually challenged. This is a great example to show that with the appropriate will setting up systems is not a challenge

Hence for the future generation of visually challenged students becoming a Psychologist is now a real career option and not a mere dream

Below two links have this circular in two formats:

1. Original copy in image pdf format - University of Mumbai Circular on Psychology Studies for Visually Challenged_original

2. Accessible copy without authorized signature in pdf format- University of Mumbai Circular on Psychology Studies for Visually Challenged_accessible

Air Accessibility

It may come as a surprise to many people but often a simple thing like taking a flight can turn out to be a nightmare for persons with disability. Many passengers over the last few years have been denied boarding rights despite having valid tickets, on grounds of their safety.

One of the missing links in even having an inclusive environment for visually impaired travellers has been in terms of access to material on board. One of the key material has been the In-Flight Air safety booklets and manuals.