National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled raisng funds for disabled victims of the violence

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Update on Relief/Rehabilitation Work

The NPRD had given a call for volunteers to assist in making an assessment of the impact on disabled as also those who may have acquired an impairment leading to a disability consequent to the communal violence in Delhi in February end, 2020.

A few other disability rights organisations and activists had a meeting on March 3 and decided to work together in providing assistance, rehabilitation etc. A loose coordination amongst disability organizations was worked out to collectively respond to the needs of children and persons with disabilities as well as those who may acquire a disability as a result of the violence.

In the field visits conducted by our volunteers during the course of the past eight days, over thirty people, mostly those with a pre-existing condition have been identified who would be needing various forms of support. Two of them, who are hard of hearing have lost their hearing aids; a paraplegic person lost his wheelchair; one case of injury to spinal cord due to gunshot injury has been reported; two cases of damage to eyes and complete loss of sight has come to our knowledge; a few cases of loss of limb or disk injury leading to impairment and disability on account of jumping from higher floors to escape from fires lit by violent mobs have been brought to our notice.

Meanwhile, a wheel chair, thanks to Aastha was handed over to Mohd. Sameer, Mustafad, who had lost his wheelchair. Volunteers will be taking two persons for an audiometric assessment in a day or two to assess their hearing aid requirement, again thanks to Aastha. Persons facing mental trauma have been referred to the IHBAS. Other cases are also being attended to.

Let us bear in mind that while immediate care/relief may be provided, rehabilitation will be a long drawn process, especially for those who have acquired a disability in this communal violence. Apart from various adaptations that may have to be made in their personal life, both the person and their families will need counselling to comprehend the challenges and make the adaptations in physical infrastructure within their homes, acquisition of skills for employment, medical needs, as also to be prepared mentally, etc. It is a long drawn process involving various agencies.

We thank all those who have been liberal with their donations and to the volunteers who have worked tirelessly. But we need more volunteers and plenty of funds. Please assist us in our efforts, wholeheartedly.

Those who would like to volunteer may write to nprd.in@gmail.com, indicating their preferred days/timings.

Funds may be remitted to:

Account Holder: National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled
SB A/c No. 07621000008629
IFSC Code: PSIB0000762
Punjab & Sind Bank, Gole Market Branch, New Delhi 110001