By George

Getting a good scribe has always been a major issue for blind students writing examinations. It is extremely unfair that for many years now the rules dictate that scribes should be from a class junior and with less than 50 per cent marks. I believe the blind student is as it is at a disadvantage in the classroom because of inadequate support systems; substandard scribes just add to the woes.

Talking about scribes, the convention of rights of a person with disability just adopted by the UN General Assembly is now out for signature. At least 20 member countries need to sign for the convention to be enforced. I hope India will be one of them. The real challenge, however, would be the subsequent ratification of the convention by the country. This ratification will impact the laws of the land, including the PWD Act of 1995. While the convention is a great document that is potentially capable of changing the situation of the disabled, its success would entirely depend on how seriously and sincerely the implementing agencies within the country respond.

It is very important for disability activists, NGOs and disabled persons’ organisations to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the convention does make an impact on the lives of people in the country. The effective adoption and implementation of the convention would be a major challenge to disability activists at every level.

I also believe that the 11th Five Year Plan, which is currently on the drawing board, has a great opportunity to take cognisance of the convention and make provisions in terms of policy and resources for its successful implementation. Further, the Planning Commission should take a look at Article 32 and give inclusive development a serious thought.

Image of George Abraham's signature

George Abraham
Editor, beyond the I

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