Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Accessibility
  • ,
  • Independent Living
  • Open Letter to Ms. Meera U Menon : Your basic Right has been violated by IGNOU, Kochi and we join you in seeking justice.

Open Letter to Ms. Meera U Menon : Your basic Right has been violated by IGNOU, Kochi and we join you in seeking justice.

Accessibility,Independent Living November 6, 2020
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
Dear Meera,
Thank you for reaching out to us and showing us the extent of apathy and ignorance that still persists. We extend to you our whole hearted support in addition to an apology for having to go through this ordeal alone. It has taken years of struggle to get persons with disabilities to be recognized as equal citizens and their needs seen as rights. These emails from such an esteemed organization are taking things back 20 years or more where one is being told to “ask” for a basic need such as a toilet.
We are in the process of filing RTIs to find out the extent of the accessibility issues. However, before we do that we would like you to go through  the RPWD (Kerala) Rules, 2020.  In this, Chapter VII , Section 27 (f) in specific talks about the duty of the State “to take steps for a barrier free atmosphere for persons with disabilities and to provide accessibility campaigns and prioritize it for public services and buildings;”. Also, attached is the RPWD, 2016 and you will understand the extent of violation that is ongoing in each of the emails you are receiving from Dr.Dorothy.
Providing accessible toilet facilities, having signage boards to indicate the same is the basic duty of any authority and not to be considered as a favour or humane gesture done on empathetic grounds. It is the right of every citizen and not something one has to ask for. It is not a charitable exercise done by anyone. Your repeated mention about the locked handicapped toilet and staff not being aware of an alternative when asked, is being ignored. Also, there is no reason given as to why the examination was not conducted on the ground floor for you. Allowing you to have two biscuits which you brought from your home during the exam to cope with your diabetes is yet again your right. The other examinees were surely not preschoolers who would have a problem with another student eating biscuit. And well, even if they were, it is still your right to be able to avail the accommodation.  It is appalling to see how that is being highlighted. Asking you to indicate your need to use a toilet, in writing, prior to an exam, is taking ignorance of the law to a new level. We are shocked that this is happening in our 100% literate state.
We are confident that Biju Prabhakar Sir will do the needful at the earliest as he is one of the most proactive officers we’ve had the privilege to associate with in our TWC journey thus far. We have faith that there will be stringent action taken.
We are aware that the social welfare officer has visited the venue and found that the toilet continues to be locked. We are confident that his report will be in your favour. Positively awaiting a reply to you from IGNOU authorities where they accept responsibility for the mistake that happened and acknowledge that you have been wronged and a law violated.
Thank you for taking this up and not letting it be like scores of others who give up the fight. We are with you for any support you might need. We can and Together We Can build a society that is sensitive to the needs of each of its citizens.
Wishing you more strength Meera.
RPWD 2016 : http://deoc.in/the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilitiesrpwd-act/#:~:text=The%20RPWD%20Act%20was%20enacted,%2C%20economic%2Ccultural%20and%20political.
Regards,
Seema Lal
Co-Founder and Executive Trustee
Researcher – Mental Health, Inclusion and Diversity

This is a NH Voice post and the images and content in this post belong to the author of the article. If you feel that any content posted in the article is a violation of copyright, please write to us at info@newzhook.com and we will take it down. There has been no commercial exchange by NewzHook for the publication of this article.

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

TogetherWeCan

We started 2015 in the wake of significant malpractices within the disability sector which has become a business industry now en cashing into the vulnerabilities of families of children with disabilities.

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.