Ability Forum

[srividyaa]

Support Groups: For Dementia Caregivers:
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At the ARDSI Conference on September 26 and 27 at the Indian Institute of Science, there is a special session for caregivers

http://dementia bangalore.com

Dementia Helpline of ARDSI: 9342730936 / 9342730959

Nightingales Medical Trust: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) Sandhya Kirana, 412484489

NIMHANS: Caregivers meet first, third and fourth Saturdays between 2 and 3 pm 26995540-46

St. John’s Medical College: Thursday afternoons at 2 pm 25530724 / 22065000

M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital: 23608888/23609999

Source: http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/09/18/stories/2008091851160100.htm

------------
Regards
Srividyaa

Support Groups: For Dementia Caregivers:
-----------------------------------------------------
At the ARDSI Conference on September 26 and 27 at the Indian Institute of Science, there is a special session for caregivers

http://dementia bangalore.com

Dementia Helpline of ARDSI: 9342730936 / 9342730959

Nightingales Medical Trust: (9:00 am to 9:00 pm) Sandhya Kirana, 412484489

NIMHANS: Caregivers meet first, third and fourth Saturdays between 2 and 3 pm 26995540-46

St. John’s Medical College: Thursday afternoons at 2 pm 25530724 / 22065000

M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital: 23608888/23609999

Source: http://www.hindu.com/mp/2008/09/18/stories/2008091851160100.htm

------------
Regards
Srividyaa

[Adverts]

[srividyaa]

BANGALORE:

A dementia centre was launched here by the Dignity Foundation, a forum working for the cause of senior citizens. It was formally opened by actor Ramesh Aravind, who is the brand ambassador of the Foundation, by releasing a pamphlet on the Dementia Centre on Friday.

Ramesh Aravind appealed to the public to utilise the services of the foundation in treating dementia-affected persons.

He lauded the foundation for the services it offers.

Dementia specialist Muralidhara said that in India three million people are affected by dementia.

“Worldwide, over four per cent of people aged above 60 suffer from this ailment where memory folds up completely. The victims forget all or most of the facts and the cause for the disease is yet to be ascertained. Depression, loneliness, stress and negligence by the family members may also lead to memory loss in patients,” Dr. Muralidhara said. Dignity Foundation with its four centres across the country provides care to dementia-affected persons by professionally trained staff.

The Day Care Centre of Bangalore is functioning at the foundation premises, 41st Cross, Jayanagar 8th Block. Call Ph: 41511307, 41661122 and 41661076 for details.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092761480400.htm

-----------------
Regards
Srividyaa

BANGALORE:

A dementia centre was launched here by the Dignity Foundation, a forum working for the cause of senior citizens. It was formally opened by actor Ramesh Aravind, who is the brand ambassador of the Foundation, by releasing a pamphlet on the Dementia Centre on Friday.

Ramesh Aravind appealed to the public to utilise the services of the foundation in treating dementia-affected persons.

He lauded the foundation for the services it offers.

Dementia specialist Muralidhara said that in India three million people are affected by dementia.

“Worldwide, over four per cent of people aged above 60 suffer from this ailment where memory folds up completely. The victims forget all or most of the facts and the cause for the disease is yet to be ascertained. Depression, loneliness, stress and negligence by the family members may also lead to memory loss in patients,” Dr. Muralidhara said. Dignity Foundation with its four centres across the country provides care to dementia-affected persons by professionally trained staff.

The Day Care Centre of Bangalore is functioning at the foundation premises, 41st Cross, Jayanagar 8th Block. Call Ph: 41511307, 41661122 and 41661076 for details.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/27/stories/2008092761480400.htm

-----------------
Regards
Srividyaa

[srividyaa]

Bangalore:
Autism is a lifelong development disorder that prevents individuals from understanding what they see and hear and poses severe problems in communication and behaviour.

It occurs in one out of 500 children, according to global estimates, and is twice as common as blindness.

But a suitable model to address the needs of children with autism spectrum disorder has not been developed in India and there is limited awareness about the disorder among doctors and parents alike.

Moreover, each child has different needs and may require tailor-made programmes targeted towards behaviour modification and improving communication skills.

Therefore, success with all children through a particular programme may not be achieved, say experts.

But now there seems to be a ray of hope for children in “Communication-DEALL (Development Eclectic Approach to Language Learning)”’ programme.

A pioneering project developed by Pratibha Karanth, a speech language pathologist, Communication-DEALL is an early intervention programme aimed at the cognitive, social and behavioural aspect of the child’s development. Dr. Karanth told presspersons here on Wednesday that the Com-DEALL Trust would open this programme for replication at its two-day national meet to be held from December 12.

Aimed at integrating autistic children into the mainstream and creating awareness among their parents and caregivers about early intervention, the meet is being held to mark the trust’s eighth anniversary, she said.

The children were given specialised education and intensive speech language therapy and taught communicative and socialising skills with the primary aim of integrating them into regular school by the time they reached the schooling age.

Pointing out that she wanted to write this programme as an intervention package so that the model could be replicated by others and used widely, Dr. Karanth said this would help bring autistic children into the mainstream and help them deal with the demands of the world.

Over 150 professionals, including child psychologists, neurologists, paediatricians, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, educators and parents would participate in the meet.

Assessment and intervention manuals for toddlers would be released during the meet.

Poonam Natarajan, chairperson of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities will inaugurate the meet.

Details can be had on ph: 25800826/27. Bangalore code is 080

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121254790800.htm

---------
Regards
Srividyaa

Bangalore:
Autism is a lifelong development disorder that prevents individuals from understanding what they see and hear and poses severe problems in communication and behaviour.

It occurs in one out of 500 children, according to global estimates, and is twice as common as blindness.

But a suitable model to address the needs of children with autism spectrum disorder has not been developed in India and there is limited awareness about the disorder among doctors and parents alike.

Moreover, each child has different needs and may require tailor-made programmes targeted towards behaviour modification and improving communication skills.

Therefore, success with all children through a particular programme may not be achieved, say experts.

But now there seems to be a ray of hope for children in “Communication-DEALL (Development Eclectic Approach to Language Learning)”’ programme.

A pioneering project developed by Pratibha Karanth, a speech language pathologist, Communication-DEALL is an early intervention programme aimed at the cognitive, social and behavioural aspect of the child’s development. Dr. Karanth told presspersons here on Wednesday that the Com-DEALL Trust would open this programme for replication at its two-day national meet to be held from December 12.

Aimed at integrating autistic children into the mainstream and creating awareness among their parents and caregivers about early intervention, the meet is being held to mark the trust’s eighth anniversary, she said.

The children were given specialised education and intensive speech language therapy and taught communicative and socialising skills with the primary aim of integrating them into regular school by the time they reached the schooling age.

Pointing out that she wanted to write this programme as an intervention package so that the model could be replicated by others and used widely, Dr. Karanth said this would help bring autistic children into the mainstream and help them deal with the demands of the world.

Over 150 professionals, including child psychologists, neurologists, paediatricians, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, educators and parents would participate in the meet.

Assessment and intervention manuals for toddlers would be released during the meet.

Poonam Natarajan, chairperson of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities will inaugurate the meet.

Details can be had on ph: 25800826/27. Bangalore code is 080

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/12/stories/2008121254790800.htm

---------
Regards
Srividyaa

[srividyaa]

Bangalore: After years of struggle, C.N. Vijayaraj’s efforts have finally paid off. He has managed to get the State Government to sanction a pre-university college, especially for the hearing impaired.

Mr. Vijayaraj, founder-secretary of Swayamwaraa Trust, said that the college (which will be managed by the trust) would start functioning from June 8, as per the calendar set by the Department of Pre-University Education. The college would function at the New Brilliant High School, Udaynagar (Behind Tin Factory).

“We approached the department in May 2007 and requested it to grant permission to start the college for the 2008-09 academic year. We were finally permitted to do so for the 2009-10 academic year,” he said.

Over the past three years, the trust has coached and helped 68 hearing impaired candidates to clear the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination. “We work with them intensely for three months before the SSLC examination. This gave us the confidence we needed to request the Government to grant us permission to start a PU college for the hearing impaired.”

SSLC results


Mr. Vijayaraj said that of the 32 candidates who appeared for the SSLC examination this year, 29 cleared it with flying colours. “This year, we had a special candidate – R. Srinivas (19), who is both hearing and visually impaired. We helped him find a scribe and he cleared the examination with second class.”

Though there are about 40 schools for the hearing impaired in the State, there is no college.

“The only viable option they had earlier was to join ITIs. It is difficult for hearing impaired candidates to study at regular colleges, as communication is a challenge,” he said.

He said that to start with, the college would offer one combination each in the Arts (History, Economics, Sociology and Political Science) and Commerce (History, Economics, Business Studies and Accountancy) streams.

“Of the 40 schools in the State for hearing impaired, very few are English medium. At our college, we will teach students from Kannada medium schools basic English. The medium of instruction will be in English at our college,” he said, adding that special measures would be taken to teach the students.

Mr. Vijayaraj said, “So far, we have received five applications. We will accept applications till May 20.”

For applications and more details, contact Mr. Vijayaraj at the trust, 135, 18th Cross, Lakshmipuram, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560008, or call (080) 25252020, 9980305877.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/11/stories/2009051151650500.htm

Bangalore: After years of struggle, C.N. Vijayaraj’s efforts have finally paid off. He has managed to get the State Government to sanction a pre-university college, especially for the hearing impaired.

Mr. Vijayaraj, founder-secretary of Swayamwaraa Trust, said that the college (which will be managed by the trust) would start functioning from June 8, as per the calendar set by the Department of Pre-University Education. The college would function at the New Brilliant High School, Udaynagar (Behind Tin Factory).

“We approached the department in May 2007 and requested it to grant permission to start the college for the 2008-09 academic year. We were finally permitted to do so for the 2009-10 academic year,” he said.

Over the past three years, the trust has coached and helped 68 hearing impaired candidates to clear the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination. “We work with them intensely for three months before the SSLC examination. This gave us the confidence we needed to request the Government to grant us permission to start a PU college for the hearing impaired.”

SSLC results


Mr. Vijayaraj said that of the 32 candidates who appeared for the SSLC examination this year, 29 cleared it with flying colours. “This year, we had a special candidate – R. Srinivas (19), who is both hearing and visually impaired. We helped him find a scribe and he cleared the examination with second class.”

Though there are about 40 schools for the hearing impaired in the State, there is no college.

“The only viable option they had earlier was to join ITIs. It is difficult for hearing impaired candidates to study at regular colleges, as communication is a challenge,” he said.

He said that to start with, the college would offer one combination each in the Arts (History, Economics, Sociology and Political Science) and Commerce (History, Economics, Business Studies and Accountancy) streams.

“Of the 40 schools in the State for hearing impaired, very few are English medium. At our college, we will teach students from Kannada medium schools basic English. The medium of instruction will be in English at our college,” he said, adding that special measures would be taken to teach the students.

Mr. Vijayaraj said, “So far, we have received five applications. We will accept applications till May 20.”

For applications and more details, contact Mr. Vijayaraj at the trust, 135, 18th Cross, Lakshmipuram, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560008, or call (080) 25252020, 9980305877.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/11/stories/2009051151650500.htm

[srividyaa]

Bangalore:
On the occasion of Helen Keller Day, Narayana Nethralaya and city-based NGOs IDL Foundation and IDL Blind Band came together to launch a unique project called “Hellen Keller Natural Eyes for the Blind” for the benefit of the visually impaired in the State.

The project was inaugurated by the former Lokayukta N. Venkatachala on Saturday. It includes eye screening and fixing of custom-made “ocular prosthesis” (artificial eye to replace a natural eye).

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman and Managing Director of Narayana Nethralaya K. Bhujang Shetty said the project involved extending medical help to the visually challenged in the State. “The project is mainly for the visually challenged belonging to economically weaker sections of society. Though the cost of each eye varies between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5,000, depending upon the treatment and medical attention, we are providing free treatment,” Dr. Shetty said.

“The plan is to cover one lakh people under this project. We are concentrating only on Karnataka initially. Later we will launch the project in other States also,” he said.

Hadi M. Khazaei, Head of Department, Orbit-Oculoplasty-oncology service at the hospital, said that seven members of IDL Blind Band were given custom-made ocular-prosthesis under the project.

For details, call the hospital at 66660656 or 9342530290.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/28/stories/2009062858080200.htm

Bangalore:
On the occasion of Helen Keller Day, Narayana Nethralaya and city-based NGOs IDL Foundation and IDL Blind Band came together to launch a unique project called “Hellen Keller Natural Eyes for the Blind” for the benefit of the visually impaired in the State.

The project was inaugurated by the former Lokayukta N. Venkatachala on Saturday. It includes eye screening and fixing of custom-made “ocular prosthesis” (artificial eye to replace a natural eye).

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman and Managing Director of Narayana Nethralaya K. Bhujang Shetty said the project involved extending medical help to the visually challenged in the State. “The project is mainly for the visually challenged belonging to economically weaker sections of society. Though the cost of each eye varies between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 5,000, depending upon the treatment and medical attention, we are providing free treatment,” Dr. Shetty said.

“The plan is to cover one lakh people under this project. We are concentrating only on Karnataka initially. Later we will launch the project in other States also,” he said.

Hadi M. Khazaei, Head of Department, Orbit-Oculoplasty-oncology service at the hospital, said that seven members of IDL Blind Band were given custom-made ocular-prosthesis under the project.

For details, call the hospital at 66660656 or 9342530290.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/28/stories/2009062858080200.htm

[srividyaa]

Bangalore:
The Department of Public Instruction seems to have finally acknowledged the needs of dyslexic students in the State. In a recent circular, it has allowed dyslexic candidates to drop mathematics and general science and take up optional subjects such as Indian Political Science, Indian Economics, Indian History, Hindustani Music or Carnatic Music.

Also, from this academic year (2009-10), the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination marks cards of dyslexic candidates will recognise them as having Specific Learning Disability. Until now, the marks cards of such candidates recognised them as “Dyslexia/ Spastic”.

Parental pressure


K.S. Gopalan, president of the Malleswaram Dyslexia Association, who has for long been pressing for these concessions, said that the candidates can now opt for arts subjects instead of mathematics and science. “Many parents are still now aware of the concessions allowed for their wards. We want the department to include Home Science also. However, the syllabus is not ready yet and we are trying to get the same from the National Institute of Open Schooling,” he said.

The department had earlier allowed dyslexic children studying in government-recognised schools to use simple calculators during examinations and have a scribe read out the question paper to them. The department had also instructed evaluators to condone small and minute spelling mistakes, except in the case of proper nouns, nouns and pronouns.

The pattern of examination has also been changed. While students of classes 1 and 2 would have only oral examinations, those in third and fourth standards would have 75 per cent oral assessment. Students of classes 5, 6 and 7 would have 50 per cent oral and 50 per cent written assessment, while those in eighth and ninth standards would have 30 per cent oral and 70 per cent written assessment. The 10th standard students will be required to appear for an entire written examination.

Red tape


An earlier circular (issued on February 21) required that the students had to be certified as dyslexic by the district surgeon. “Many district surgeons were reluctant to issue these certificates.

The association again intervened and got the department to name a few certifying agencies. Now, NIMHANS and AIISH; any psychiatrist working in a government hospital; a clinical psychologist with a minimum M.Phil. qualification and the association, may issue these certificates,” he said.

Dyslexic students appearing for SSLC this year are required to submit the original certificate by August 6.

For the next academic year, original certificates have to be submitted on the first day of admission to class 9 and along with application for the SSLC examination.

Making changes


The marks card issued for the examination conducted in March 2009, it is specified as dyslexic/spastic. Students, who want to change this to Specific Learning Disability, should submit the original marks card with a fee of Rs. 200 payable to Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board to respective schools after which the board will issue new marks card specifying Specific Learning Disability.

The Malleswaram Dyslexia Association can be contacted on Ph:  ( 080 ) 23446058, 9341919101, or mda_blr@yahoo.com

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/24/stories/2009072457370500.htm

Bangalore:
The Department of Public Instruction seems to have finally acknowledged the needs of dyslexic students in the State. In a recent circular, it has allowed dyslexic candidates to drop mathematics and general science and take up optional subjects such as Indian Political Science, Indian Economics, Indian History, Hindustani Music or Carnatic Music.

Also, from this academic year (2009-10), the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination marks cards of dyslexic candidates will recognise them as having Specific Learning Disability. Until now, the marks cards of such candidates recognised them as “Dyslexia/ Spastic”.

Parental pressure


K.S. Gopalan, president of the Malleswaram Dyslexia Association, who has for long been pressing for these concessions, said that the candidates can now opt for arts subjects instead of mathematics and science. “Many parents are still now aware of the concessions allowed for their wards. We want the department to include Home Science also. However, the syllabus is not ready yet and we are trying to get the same from the National Institute of Open Schooling,” he said.

The department had earlier allowed dyslexic children studying in government-recognised schools to use simple calculators during examinations and have a scribe read out the question paper to them. The department had also instructed evaluators to condone small and minute spelling mistakes, except in the case of proper nouns, nouns and pronouns.

The pattern of examination has also been changed. While students of classes 1 and 2 would have only oral examinations, those in third and fourth standards would have 75 per cent oral assessment. Students of classes 5, 6 and 7 would have 50 per cent oral and 50 per cent written assessment, while those in eighth and ninth standards would have 30 per cent oral and 70 per cent written assessment. The 10th standard students will be required to appear for an entire written examination.

Red tape


An earlier circular (issued on February 21) required that the students had to be certified as dyslexic by the district surgeon. “Many district surgeons were reluctant to issue these certificates.

The association again intervened and got the department to name a few certifying agencies. Now, NIMHANS and AIISH; any psychiatrist working in a government hospital; a clinical psychologist with a minimum M.Phil. qualification and the association, may issue these certificates,” he said.

Dyslexic students appearing for SSLC this year are required to submit the original certificate by August 6.

For the next academic year, original certificates have to be submitted on the first day of admission to class 9 and along with application for the SSLC examination.

Making changes


The marks card issued for the examination conducted in March 2009, it is specified as dyslexic/spastic. Students, who want to change this to Specific Learning Disability, should submit the original marks card with a fee of Rs. 200 payable to Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board to respective schools after which the board will issue new marks card specifying Specific Learning Disability.

The Malleswaram Dyslexia Association can be contacted on Ph:  ( 080 ) 23446058, 9341919101, or mda_blr@yahoo.com

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/24/stories/2009072457370500.htm