Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine May 2024 | Page 10

Inspirational Story
address Disability-Climate Change- Mental Health issues . Orientation of mass people is essential to address these sensitive cross cutting issues . So , hopefully by the end of 2024 , we can bring some sort of changes in our community .
As a person with a disability and neglected student at my university , I have raised the name of my university in national and international forums to change the mindset of faculties , students and staff about disabilities and make the campus disability-friendly up to certain extent .
Since I have reading and writing difficulties , during my examination , the authorities provide me with a scribe to read and write on my behalf . But the scribes are not sufficiently skilled and have no knowledge about my subject . I have an articulation problem and sometimes a new person finds it difficult to understand my speech . As a result , they can ’ t follow my dictation which negatively impacts my results so , my knowledge never reflects on my examination results and I got an E grade in two subjects in O-Level & A-Level examinations . University Grants Commission ’ s ( UGC ) policy is that no students are eligible for enrolment in any university if they have more than one E grade . So , I appealed to the chairman of the UGC and after advocating with the help of the Right to Information Act 2009 , ultimately was able to convenience UGC that students with disabilities have the right to get admission under quota and should have flexible admission criteria . Accordingly , UGC issued
a circular to all public and private universities of Bangladesh to support students with disabilities .
I would advise all persons with disabilities to never give up or withdraw . If you work hard obviously you will achieve up to certain extent .
Anila with the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh
We need to create an inclusive society . There should be no discrimination and there should be equality among all . Please allow us to lead a life with dignity . We believe failure can be an option but giving up is not an option . Remember “ life is celebration .”

" I am an indomitable person because I am stepping ahead , confronting all adverse situations and competing with neuro-typical persons " ~ Anila

Afia Kabir Anila , a person with cerebral palsy
• Bachelor of Laws
• Disability Rights , Climate Change & Mental Health Activist
• Executive ( Disability Inclusion ) Tauri Foundation
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