AGRA CONVENTION 2014

Blind Stars Beyond Facebook Bridging The Gap

7th to 9th November, 2014

Volunteers Experience

Department of Social Work (MSW), ISS, Agra

7th November 2014

DAY 1 OF THE CONVENTION

MSW Volunteers Experience, Agra Convention 2014

The 7th of November began with us preparing ourselves to greet the blind stars in our University. We stood in attention at the door to escort them inside. But, to our amusement, most of them did not need to be escorted at all. They found their way inside the hall by themselves. It was surprising to know that most of them had travelled from as far as Mumbai and Hyderabad to attend this convention.

When the founding members of the Facebook group spoke about the idea behind this unique initiative of connecting so many blind people through a Social Networking site, all of us were amazed. In a generation where youngsters waste most of their productive time on social media sites, a bunch of people who cannot see could begin something so productive was an enlightening thing for us. It was that small initiative taken by some 20- odd people on Facebook that culminated into this gathering of more than a 150 people from across the country.

The introduction round was another eye opener for us because most of the blind stars were bank officers, Human Resource Managers, teachers, other government employees and most of all inspirational!

SESSIONS OF THE DAY

Accessible Banking Services: Legal Provisions for availing rights by visually impaired customers: It was very disappointing to know that the very banking system that is meant to serve the citizens of this country, disregards the rights of a large chunk of it. It was appalling to hear about blind people being considered equivalent to an illiterate, no matter how educated they may be, because of their inability to sign documents. Stories of them being denied regular services like ATM and Credit cards, lockers etc. were equally shocking. But then, it was reassuring to know that that the state has not completely let go of its responsibility towards the blind. The RBI and IBA release periodic circulars to banks to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities.

But, the need for the banking staff to be sensitized was felt by one and all.

Post lunch, there was an address by the Member of Parliament Dr. D.P. Tripathi, visually challenged himself, sharing his life life’s struggles and how he never let his disability to take over his will to excel in life.

Role of Media: A powerful Pillar to Empower Visually Impaired People

The media, if used correctly, could be the most powerful weapon to be used against injustice. Experts like Mr. Prashant Tandon and Mr. Ajay Srivastava enlightened everyone that when everything else fails, the media would always work to bring to light the discrimination against the visually impaired in the society. Many success stories were shared where the media helped the fight for the rights of the blind.