DENIED

Nothing has changed...at least as far as accessibility to disabled in public institutions is concerned. It was a shocker for me when I was pointedly told that I might as well drop out of Law coz the campus law centre (as others) is inaccessible for the disabled...this by none other than the Dean. At least that guy is a gentleman. The attitude of the Professor in charge sent my blood pressure up...the guy needs some lessons in manners. If this is the way professors talk to pupils that too women and that too a handicap, I have little hope for our society. He not only needs some lessons in mannerisms but also a sensitisation course regarding rights of disabled and how never to talk down to someone seated on a wheelchair. Seems our whole system would benefit from it. Well it was a dream dashed. My husband & I had both sat for the entrance with much trepidation...after all returning to school after almost 2 decades is no joke...and had cleared with flying colours...first list! You know guys, our government has 3% reservation for handicaps in educational institutions. Not that I have ever used it as I do not consider myself intellectually inferior to anyone, yet i was left wondering at this farcical quota system. For pray, how are the wheelchair bound supposed to attend classes without ramps or any other arrangements? It was in 1984 that my bro had to drop out of SRCC over the same reason - inaccessibility. After so many years it still remains the reason for many never to see the hallowed portals of higher education institutions. I strongly feel that till we make our institutions accessible handicaps should be debarred from taking admission or allowed only after assessing their ability to make it to classes. Why waste their money, when they won't be able to attend college. With attendance becoming compulsory, they can't even seek exemption. All this talk of inclusive education system is so much crap. Bullshit! And I thank my lucky stars that I did not need a wheelchair back then in college. Else, where would I have been. Not what I am today certainly...self-sufficient, economically independent and happy! Guys education is the only route to empowerment of not only the economically weaker sections and the women but also of the disabled. Let's join hands to work towards a truly accessible and inclusive society for all.