Background:
Colorss Foundation works towards the mainstream integration of the marginalized population through psychological, social and professional training and rehabilitation. Through the broad spectrum of its goal, the foundation handles various disability issues involving physical and mental handicap. The organization is based in India, headquartered in Gujarat.

The organization is looking for web content writer who can write for Colorss Foundation’s website. We are looking forward to bring change in perception towards disability.

Position:
Web Content Writer
Volunteer Position,10-15 hours/week.

This opportunity is suitable for someone, who is focusing on writing, Mass Communication and/or journalism. The Web content writer works closely with staff members.

Responsibilities:

a) Writing web content for websites / portals from scratch.
b) Editing and Proof reading content once written.
c) Writing brand support material
d) Strong interest in developmental issues, social change projects and community development.
e) Comfortable working with sensitive issues

Profile / Skills required:

a) Experience working in a communications/ public relations environment, particularly in a university setting
b) Flamboyance for writing with an understanding of social issue.
c) Valuable writing style that is bright, reliable and friendly
d) Ability to write in a multiplicity of formats and styles for multiple audiences.
e) Previous experience with a publishing house is an added advantage.
f) Excellent command of English language and grammar.

Application Procedure:
Please send your resume and brief note about why you want to volunteer for Colorss Foundation to Mr. Anand Koti at emailcolorss@gmail.com.

HYDERABAD: Chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy on Monday announced hike in pensions for the physically challenged with immediate effect. Those
with 40 per cent or more disability will get a pension of Rs 500 per month.
In case of 60 to 80 per cent disability, the pension will be Rs 600 and in the case of 80 per cent to 100 per cent, the pension will be Rs 700 per month.

The CM said that district medical boards would be set up in each district and based on the certificates issued by them, pensions would be given to the disabled. There are 8,28,058 physically challenged persons in the state.
The total expenditure towards the pensions for the handicapped in an year will be Rs 496.83 crore and per month it would cost Rs 41.40 crore for the state government.

source: 2 Dec 2008, 0008 hrs IST, TNN
Times of India, Hyderabad City

LUCKNOW: A visually challenged news-reader in an electronic channel. One with hearing impairment in a newsroom or a boardroom...
Even
those blessed with the highest degree of optimism, will find it tough to conjure up a scenario which could become a reality within next three years. The dream project of Mayawati government -- a university for the disabled -- slated to take off in July 2009, hopes to open a whole new world to the marginalised section by providing them with the perfect professional launching pad.

The courses offered include graduation, post-graduation, diploma or doctorate in humanities, music, computer, science, information technology, vocational training, science and technology, commerce, management and mass communication, to the disabled.
The segment, as per the charter, shall form 50% of the minimum strength in an academic session, though the number can be as high as the demand. The brochure guarantees a disabled-friendly campus with specialised facilities. While other supportive aids -- wheel-chair, crutches, tricycle, hearing aids, walking sticks, even fabricated limps will also be on the house for candidates.

According to official estimates, 2% of the total population in the state is handicapped. This number works out to be 35 lakh, says deputy director in the department of handicapped welfare, SK Shrivastava. The reserved quota for disabled in the Dr Shakuntala Mishra UP Handicapped University (DSMUPHU) has beneficiaries from four categories of disabilities -- orthopaedic, visual, hearing and mental disabilities, he said. The university, he said, with its unique features is expecting a big draw from not only Indians but students from neighbouring countries as well.

Guidelines issued to the UP Rajkiya Nirman Nigam, the body entrusted with the task of constructing the university and hostels in over 71 acres on Mahona road, are most specific. The entire constructed space will be barrier free with handicapped friendly features like ramps, special lifts with audio and visual signals for each floor, special toilets with doors wide enough for a tricycle to pass, lower latches and sinks, and corridors having a running length for parallel rods for support. Even hostels, apart from four hostels exclusively for the physically challenged, have been designed in a similar manner to enable the physically challenged freely visit and interact with their normal counterparts, the officer said.

The first lesson we want for handicapped students here is adaptability and assimilation with the normal segment. This explains why the university provides for admission of normal students as well, even though the first priority is disabled candidates, said Shrivastava.

The state government proposes to rope in experts from National Institute for Orthopaedics Handicapped, Kolkata, National Institute for Mentally Handicapped, Hyderabad, National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Dehradun and National Institute for Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai for coordination, cooperation and expert advice, Shrivastava said. In fact, the university could also have faculty drawn from these institutes, he hinted. This apart, in times to come DSMUPHU also proposes to set up its own Braille press on Mahona road to cater to the visually challenged students, he added.

source:
2 Dec 2008, 0125 hrs IST, Manjari Mishra, TNN
Times of India

The power is within YOU its you who can change. The moment when you are clear about it, circumstances get eased. Because at this moment the confusing inside you does not. Try to find time for the 'self' talk talk talk talk talk be clear, stop getting carried away with fluttery talks. If these talks move you from within then you are not happy from within. Because you are not stable! You are always on the move changing yourself. Get grounded realize yourself and your potential. Be brave and move ahead.

The power is within YOU and you can make the difference.

For love,
Anand

Please join Colorss Foundation group at facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=30768904484 together we can bring change.

For Love,
Anand

Volunteer Editors required

Colorss Foundation (www.colorss.net) are at once looking for Editors who can help us in editing and proof reading editorial content for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Check manuscripts for proper communication and style.

Please contact me at emailcolorss@gmail.com with detailed CV with a short note as to why you want to volunteer with www.colorss.net

For Love,
Anand

It had been couple of months since I had visited my martial art school. Now due to absurd timings and lots of traveling involved I prefer training alone with concentration on meditation. This time I thought of being with children. Well it was not at all a serious training that I assumed for, but it was peaceful. These beautiful little children they are simply cute and super energetic.

One such moment was when one of my students who were far off was in his own big little world. With his little hands and legs going places, he was engrossed in a serious combat. Silence for a second and he chucks a punch with an angry face... His visualization was powerful to dream. The comical thing was to see him stop and talking. He was so much into that spirit that he could not take notice of me calling. I had to be a baddie and interrupted him. There you see a hush as if nothing came about. Standing front of me is the well-trained student. I overlooked the moment making him feel there were no eyes on him. After half an hour when it eased I called upon him. Just to discover that he was trying to defend himself from mosquitoes. OMG mosquitoes!!!! Then come’s this casual yea after all I am in training I am skilled.

Human mind is unpredictable; after all nothing is constant.


For Love,
Anand

Online Volunteer Opportunity
Colorss Foundation : Website Designer

Background
Colorss Foundation works towards the mainstream integration of the marginalized population through psychological, social and professional training and rehabilitation. Through the broad spectrum of its goal, the foundation handles various disability issues involving physical and mental handicap.

The volunteer opportunity :Website Designer
The organization wants to develop website that focus the youth and encourages disabled people and their family to visit the website. We are looking forward to bring change in perception towards disability. The Web Designer will play a key role in advancing innovations in disability and technology.

Please click here to know more about the opportunity: http://colorss.net/opp.html

Please join - Colorss Foundation on TIG.

http://orgs.takingitglobal.org/35721 to have more information.

Thank you,
For love
Anand

The worship of Durga in the autumn (শরৎ Shôrot) is the year's largest Hindu festival of Bengal. Durga Puja is also celebrated in Nepal and Bhutan according to local traditions and variations. Puja means "worship," and Durga's Puja is celebrated from the sixth to tenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Ashwin (আশ্বিন Ashshin), which is the sixth month in the Bengali calendar. Occasionally however, due to shifts in the lunar cycle relative to the solar months, it may also be held in the following month, Kartika (কার্তিক Kartik). In the Gregorian calendar, these dates correspond to the months of September and October.

In the Krittibas Ramayana, Rama invokes the goddess Durga in his battle against Ravana. Although she was traditionally worshipped in the spring, due to contingencies of battle, Rama had to invoke her in the autumn akaal bodhan. Today it is this Rama's date for the puja that has gained ascendancy, although the spring puja, known as Basanti Puja [One of the oldest 'sabeki' Basanti Puja held every year at spring in Barddhaman Pal Bari more details for more details]], is also present in the Hindu almanac. Since the season of the puja is শরৎ Shôrot autumn, it is also known as শরদিয়া Shôrodia.

The pujas are held over a ten-day period, which is traditionally viewed as the coming of the married daughter, Durga, to her father, Himalaya's home. It is the most important festival in Bengal, and Bengalis celebrate with new clothes and other gifts, which are worn on the evenings when the family goes out to see the 'pandals' (temporary structures set up to venerate the goddess). Although it is a Hindu festival, religion takes a backseat on these five days: Durga Puja in Bengal is a carnival, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs, participate and enjoy themselves to the hilt. (source: wikipedia)

Photo send to me by my friend Bharati via U.S.A hahahahaha - its a click of one from Calcutta.

Colorss Foundation : Volunteer Opportunity

At the end of the day it's a smile that matters to all and of course to 'self'. We are looking forward for young enthusiastic volunteers who love to fill different colours of life making others feel complete. Do you love Children? Do you like to play with them, teach them and give them a smile. If yes, the Colorss Foundation is waiting for you.

On-going Projects : Project Enhance and Project Iris

Project Enhance: Martial Arts for Better Mental Health

Project Enhance is to empower people with disabilities and make inclusion into mainstream life – with the help of karate training.

Mental health : Mental health is not just the absence of mental disorder. It is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Mental Disorder : Mental disorders are health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning. This notion of a continuum sees mental health on one end as 'successful mental functioning' compared to mental illness on the other end as 'impaired functioning.'

Disability : Disability as defined by the World Health Organization

* A disability (resulting from an impairment) is a restriction or
* Lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or
* Within the range considered normal for a human being

The United Nations
Impairment : Any loss of abnormality of psychological, or anatomical structure or function.

It’s important to include people with disability into mainstream life. Project Enhance will identify the skills. Try to develop them and henceforth organize vocational training for them. Because of stigma and discrimination we don’t want erosion and loss of innate skills.

Customized curriculum is designed in such a way that inclusion is possible and both the groups (able-bodied as well disabled) are able to understand each other.

Project Iris : CURRENCY DENOMINATOR Empowering the Visually Challenged Person

Developed and designed at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT G)

Colorss Foundation is behind the national launch of the developed device to empower visually impaired people, better known as 'Project Iris'. Project Iris is a device - a currency denomination identifier - that will empower visually impaired to identify different Indian currency.

It's simple, easy, cheap and mechanical device that will help them identify Indian Currency

Developed and designed at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT G) this device has won many awards;

* Best engineering project nationwide
* Awarded gold medal at Dec 2006 Intel IRIS competition – a national level event by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).
* Among top 5 in IDEAZ IIT Bombay, Pan IIT Alumni Business Idea competition
* Owing to the simplicity and social impact of the product, the interview was aired in third week of October 2007 by NDTV India’s Premier news channel in the program The Next Big Thing

We want volunteers who can help us with these two projects. Do email us asking for specific volunteer roles that you would like to lead based on your expertise. We value your expertise, hard work and time given. Volunteers who have the expertise in web site and graphic designing are required. Please email me at anand.koti@gmail.com

For Love,
Anand

For Colorss Foundation the months of July and August had been hectic. We were busy carrying out surveys and meeting people. As mentioned in the last blog we are still doing a survey to find out the monetary transaction patters of visually impaired people. Its really important to trust when it comes to monetary transactions.

We are about to launch Project Iris - 'Iris' is a small, easy to use and simple mechanical device that will help identify Indian currency to visually impaired people of India. The device 'Iris' would empower visually impaired people. In the initial phase we plan for national launch and then move to other countries as well.

Survey response has been good, we do encourage more who can help us get questionnaires filled up by visually impaired people. These inputs will enhance us.

Our website is under constructions, we are looking for volunteers who can help design us a website. We need volunteers for other areas of work too.. If anyone is interested please email me at anand.koti@gmail.com.

Thanking you very much for your time and energy.

For Love,
Anand

Teach both abstinence and contraception to teens
Q: In talking about your own daughters and talking about sex education and contraception, you made the jarring comment that you would not want your daughter "punished with a baby" if she made a mistake. Could you explain what you meant?
A: Keep in mind, on that same day, I said children are miracles. What I was saying was that my daughters are 9 & 6. And so if, at the age of 12 or 13, they made what I would consider to be a mistake, in having unprotected sex, and ended up getting pregnant. And so all I meant was we want to prevent teen pregnancies. And what we don't want to do is to be blind to the possibility that kids will screw up, just like, surprisingly enough, we as adults screw up sometimes. We want to make sure that, even as we are teaching responsible sexuality and we are teaching abstinence to children, that we are also making sure that they've got enough understanding about contraception that they don't end up having much more severe problems because of a dumb mistake.

Source: 2008 Democratic Compassion Forum at Messiah College Apr 13, 2008

Expand flex-work & Family and Medical Leave Act
Expand the Family and Medical Leave Act:The FMLA covers only certain workers in businesses with 50 or more employees. Obama will expand it to cover businesses with 25 or more employees. He will also include allowing workers to take leave for elder care needs; and to expand FMLA to cover leave for employees to address domestic violence.
Encourage States to Adopt Paid Leave:As president, Obama will initiate a strategy to encourage all 50 states to adopt paid-leave systems. Obama will provide a $1.5 billion fund to assist states with start-up costs.
Expand Flexible Work Arrangements: Obama will create a program to inform businesses about the benefits of flexible work schedules; help businesses create flexible work opportunities; and increase federal incentives for telecommuting. Obama will also make the federal government a model employer in terms of adopting flexible work schedules and permitting employees to request flexible arrangements.
Source: Campaign booklet, "Blueprint for Change", p. 10-15 Feb 2, 2008

Parents should control what's coming over the airwaves
As a parent, I am concerned about what's coming over the airwaves. Right now, my daughters mostly are on Nickelodeon, but they know how to work that remote. The primary responsibility is for parents. I reject the notion of censorship as an approach to dealing with this problem. It is important for us to make sure we are giving parents the tools they need to monitor what their children are watching. Obviously, the problem we have now is not just what's coming over the airwaves, but what's coming over the Internet. So for us to develop technologies and tools and invest in those technologies and tools, to make sure that we are, in fact, empowering parents is important. It is important for those in the industry to show some thought about who they are marketing some of these programs being produced to. I'm concerned about sex and some of the violent, slasher, horror films that come out in the trailers. It is appropriate, in a cooperative way, to work with the industry to try to deal with that problem.
Source: 2008 Democratic debate in Los Angeles before Super Tuesday Jan 31, 2008

Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents
Q: A recent report found that middle class black families were not able to carry their children into the American middle class; many had fallen out of the middle class and into poverty. What can the president do?
A: One of the reasons that I'm running for president is that the American dream has always meant that if you worked hard if you invested in your children then their lives could be better than yours. And that dream that so many generations fought for feels like it's slipping away, not just for African Americans increasingly but for all Americans. And so what do we need to do? We have to have a tax system that's fair. I will take away tax breaks from company's that are shipping jobs overseas and put tax breaks in the pockets of hardworking Americans who deserve it. We've got to invest in education. If we can invest and understand that this is a crisis that doesn't just effect black and brown people but all of America I'm confident that we can make a big difference.

Source: 2007 Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum Dec 1, 2007

Currency Indicator Tool for Visually Impaired people - Preliminary Survey

We often think twice before a financial transaction - just imagine how the visually impaired population does it!!!

Visually impaired people have different ways of identifying the Indian currency with the help of measurements, smell, folding it……. There is no successful device available to them that will help them identify the currency denominator.

NOW, we have a tool with us that is simple, easy, small – compact can be easily kept in wallet or pocket and the tool is CHEAP - help identify the denomination of Indian currency to the visually impaired people one at a time.

I am doing a required need assessment to find out if this tool is really required by visually impaired people or not.

Kindly help me in gathering information so that based on the real picture we can launch this tool as soon as possible. We need the information from the visually impaired people because they would be using the tool.

Kindly feel free to email me or call me for further information. Your help will help empower them.
anand.koti@gmail.com

Thanking you for your kind support and help extended.

For Love,
Anand K

Colorss Foundation has started breathing - with couple of task being carried out simultaneously the schedule is busy. Project Enhance is being developed along with the website.

Its is looking for web designers who can help be a part of the designing team.

Colorss has a strong group of young people with amazing ideas. Its a every day learning for all of us.

Looking ahead for your support and trust.

For love
ananda

Slowly Colorss is moving ahead... hope that everyone can breathe with peace and can enjoy every moment.

www.colorss.net

for love
anand