Giving the differently-abled a fair deal
VERY rightly, those who were at one time
labelled as 'disabled' are today described as the differently-abled.
This is mainly on account of the vast capabilities and talents of this
section of our population.
In fact the magnitude of their capabilities are such that they put
those who are considered able and "normal" to shame through the display
of their numerous skills.
For some time now, some sections among the differently-abled have
been unobtrusively but effectively championing their cause for
recognition by the wider public and for their full integration into the
latter.
We have been wholeheartedly backing their cause in these pages out of
the realisation that humanity must prevail and that these persons must
be given every opportunity to realise their potential as persons and as
citizens.
However, if the differently-abled are to be given the opportunity to
contribute towards the common good, they must be provided the facilities
and empowering measures to realise the potential within them.
For example, if the differently-abled cannot enter public buildings
easily, they cannot prove their capabilities.
For instance, if the wheelchair-bound are provided ramps and other
facilities in public buildings they could offer up their labours for a
reasonable wage or salary and contribute towards the advancement of the
relevant institutions.
It is widely known that there is an institution for the blind in this
country which is run entirely by the blind themselves.
Accordingly, the administrative skills of the differently-abled are
as sound as those of "normal" and able persons.
Therefore, there is no getting away from the need to provide the
differently-abled all the opportunities and facilities to rise and
shine. Their cry for full integration into society cannot be ignored.
May the State and the private sector take cognizance of this call and
respond to it generously, now at a time when man-made causes are adding
to the number of differently-abled persons among us.
We observe that some private sector banks have launched enabling
facilities, such as ramps, in their buildings to facilitate the
movements of the wheel-chair bound.
Such efforts at relieving the lot of our differently-abled should be
intensified and increased if these citizens are to be given a better
deal.
A prime challenge is to fight the perception that the differently-abled
should be relegated to the margins of society and not be integrated into
mainstream life.
The perception should also be fought that these persons are a
hindrance to what is considered normal life. Such attitudes would
prevent the State and the public from meting out justice to the
differently-abled.
We urge that facilities of numerous kinds be established in all
public places to make life easy for the differently-abled. Besides,
prejudices and misconceptions about the differently-abled should be
fought by the State on a sustained basis. |
Freakonomics - A new economic perspective
For sometime now the buzzword in North American
academia in the realm of economics, politics and law has been "Freakonomics".
This word came about as a result of a book carrying "Freakonomics"
as its title released in 2005 by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J.
Dubner.
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Celebrating a hundred years of Montessori:
Should 'traditions' continue into the next century?
Dr. Maria Montessori, the creator of what is
called "The Montessori Method of Education," based a new dimension
to children's education on her scientific observations of their
behaviour nearly a hundred years ago.
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A better world: What must be done to achieve it
The fear always persists in the minds of people
today that we are on the brink of a third world war with nations
driven with suspicion, a false sense of superiority, mutual mistrust
and poised in a militarily competitive spirit and armed to their
teeth.
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Federalism without disarmament equals secession
As an answer to the problem of terrorism in Sri
Lanka many solution have been offered most, if not all, of them
being political. The GOSL has been advised by all and sundry to
invite the terrorists to the negotiating table and have discussions
with them,
Full Story |
