O.P. Sharma
Deaf and dumb are in deep plight but they are more than sore as the Government has also closed its eyes and ears to their miseries. A sizeable number of such unfortunate boys and girls can hardly look forward to a lively future without any institution of suitable education, rehabilitation framework for improvement of their lot. Certainly, such persons with hearing or speech impairments can be bettered significantly through specialized services and education by specialists. Worldwide the persons with such impairments can be rehabilitated and brought into the main stream of the society as self-reliant and useful members of the society.
In Jammu and Kashmir, there is serious problem of a large number of deaf and dumb girls and boys and their number is increasing especially in the remote areas and weaker section of the society. Strangely, there have been no authentic periodical surveys about the existence of their population and the scientific information about the nature of their impairments. At the bottom of this problem is lack of scientific data as well as lack of sensitivity of society for these sections and the core issue of absence of centers for their education, rehabilitation and vocational training or provisions of avenue of job of opportunities.
This policy and programmes in India as also elsewhere in the advance nations across the globe have amply established that even such handicapped persons do possess sometimes rare talents and dedication for reasonably good life and also for playing their role as useful citizens. So it is incumbent upon the Central as well as the State Governments to chalk our suitable programmes focusing attention on the deaf and dumb. So far, the Government have been eyeless and heartless to this gigantic problem. It is worth mentioning that physically or mentally disabled do not need mere sympathy or lip services but as the individuals are entitled to solid support of both the society as also the Government. It is high time that the Government and the civil society joined hands to tackle this humanitarian problem to enable deaf, dumb and other such persons, young or old get socio-economic justice.
It is a sad commentary that there is no suitable school for deaf and dumb in twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu. The fate of such unfortunate in the far flung hilly areas in Jammu & Kashmir can be well imagined! In view of the prevalence of this handicap, the society has to be sensitized about the needs, and various dismensions of the problem to enable such persons to be self-reliant and contribute their mite to the society. In Jammu city, there is one school for deaf and dumb run by J&K Samaj Kalayan Kendra, a Non-Government Organisationd (NGO) and doing a commandable job in a limited way due to scarcity of funds and proper school facility.
Institutional Framework
First of all, the State Government has to take a thorough review of its entire policy and programme for the physically and mentally disabled persons and draw up a new blue-print plan. The crucial enactment for the disabled must be given a fresh look to make it more effective and efficient for opening a window of opportunity for such handicapped persons in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sometime back, a delegation of deaf and dumb comprising young boys and girls including their parents sent a detail memorandum to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah strongly pleading for opening of specialized separate educational institutions and vocational centres at Srinagar and Jammu to start with and subsequently in other districts in a phased manner. This delegation also called on the J&K State Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey who listened patiently to the deputationist and assured them of prompt appropriate action. Will the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, the Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey and other high-ups in the administration now listen and understand the deaf and dumb ones in Jammu and Kashmir. It is expected that the policy decisions will be taken up by the State Government to tackle this problem in a humane way at the earliest.
Prompt Action Needed
The deaf and dumb should be protected with out any religious, gender, regional or any other form of discrimination. They should be brought up in a spirit of understanding patience and humane consideration.
Deaf and dumb need to be protected against neglect and exploitation. All deaf and dumb require special treatment, education, rehabilitation and care for the physically handicapped, emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded children, priority in protection for them in times of distress or natural calamity, identify, encourage and assist gifted ones. There should be special programmes for general improvement of their health standard.
Sustained efforts should also be made to strengthen and expand institutional and non-institutional services to cater to the requirements of deaf and dumb in Jammu and Kashmir.
Upgrade Welfare Services
The programmes and services for welfare of handicapped should be accorded the highest priority in Jammu and Kashmir as a vital component of the planned development of social services, which are understood to mean “an organised attempt that aim at helping towards a mutual adjustment of individuals and their social environment”.
A well-developed institutional service presupposes development of suitably trained personnel and provision of facilities to meet the specific needs of the particular category of beneficiaries. In more specific terms, the managements of these institution for deaf and dumb, the delinquent or the home less is bound to throw up problems. Special care covers a range of medical, educational and social provision and includes special treatment, special education, vocational training, personal guidance, strong support.
Special care, which is the responsibility of the State Government, and the society for persons who are deaf and those with speech defacts.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel