NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND was established
by a few awakened and intellectual persons with visual disability
on 3rd of March 1971 with the philosophy” Let the Blind Lead
the Blind”. Its aim was to launch a self-help movement for
ensuring equality and full participation in the society for the
people with visual disability in place of sympathy. To ensure the
success of this movement, the federation handed over the leadership
of the organization to the blind themselves. The Federation spread
its activities all over the country through its forty Barnches/Affiliates
and Units scattered almost in every state.
The National Federation of the Blind applied all
constitutional and democratic methods to ensure equality and full
participation in the society for people with disabilities particularly
for people with visual impairment. However, when it was felt that
requisite awareness could not be created and issue of rights of
disabled could not figure on National Agenda, a crucial decision
was taken in early 1980 to work as a mass movement of the blind
representing the interests of all disability groups. It was in this
background that on 16th of March, 1980 “The World Disabled
Day” the federation organized a skill demonstration rally
which was scheduled to reach to the Prime Minister’s residence.
Insensitivity, indifference and ignorance in administration about
the abilities of disabled and their issues was reflected in the
action of Delhi Police of resorting to cane charge to prevent the
peaceful procession of the blind from reaching its final destination.
However, a responsible and sensitive Indian & International
press highlighted the issue contained in federations Demand Charter
along-with condemnation of action of Delhi Police. Thus, the Federation’s
sustained campaign for people with disabilities resulted into suitable
employment to disables and blind in all Govt. sectors. Consequent
to this struggle the parliament passed “The Persons with Disabilities
(Equal Oppertunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation)
Act-1995 on 22 Dec. –95. |
