Story of Bufano Who Inspired Many Physically Disabled Persons

Lisa Bufano who died a few months (October 2013) back was a disabled American interdisciplinary performance artist whose work incorporated elements of doll-making, fabric work, animation, and dance.

Because of a life-threatening staphylococcus bacterial infection at the age of 21, Bufano became physically disabled (a bilateral below-the-knee and total finger-thumb amputee). Later, she started her theatrical performance and dancing career when a professor at the University of Linz doing research on the lives of amputees discovered her web page and offered her a stipend to perform in Vienna.

Bufano once said: "Despite my own terror and discomfort in being watched (or, maybe, because of it), I am finding that being in front of viewers as a performer with deformity can produce a magnetic tension that could be developed into strength. I attempt to channel this tension by exaggerating the mode of physical difference (for example, presenting myself on stilts)."

Many people with disabilities remember her life and her inspiring words when facing with harsh realities in life. The world of the people affected with disabilities is a very tensed one. They daily pass through so many worries and difficulties. Even the brave Bufano had finally committed suicide. So, think about the predicament of the less courageous who are confronting the pain of disability in each moment of their lives!

All Is Not Well for People with Disabilities in India

Recently there was news about an employee of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) who lost his job due to disability and had to take his case to the court in order to get proper compensation from the employer. Read the full story here.

In this scenario, the Bridging India Foundation has decided to help the needy by coordinating the works of different organizations working for people with disabilities in India. At Bridging India Foundation, our ultimate goal is to enable people with disabilities, in India, to have equal access to knowledge, information, education and training.

The founder of Bridging India Foundation had voiced her concern about the predicament of people with disabilities in her very appealing blog article, 'I have a Dream'.

There should be barrier-free access facilities for the disabled people at public places like offices, shopping malls, healthcare institutions, banks, community and religious institutions in every city in the country.  The need of the hour is full implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act 1955 (equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation).

 

Street and building infrastructure (such as signage with audio signals, sufficiently wide ramp in public buildings for wheelchair users etc.) should be accessible, safe and ensure dignity for all, including physically disabled persons. 

Bridging India Foundation Celebrates with the World the International Day of People with Disability

Bridging India Foundation is happy to stand for people with disabilities as the world is observing 21 years of International Day of People with Disability.

Today, Dec 3, is the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).  Started in 1992, it is an international observance promoted by the United Nations to highlight the disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The theme of the International Day of People with Disability 2013 is “Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all”.

Almost 15% of the world's population (one billion+) live with some form of disability. Globally, people with disabilities go through physical, social, and economic discrimination and face lack of equal access to basic resources, such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems. There is also a higher rate of mortality among persons with disability.

While the world at large has taken concrete initiatives towards accessibility and inclusion of the disabled, in India, it still remains a challenge. Bridging India Foundation therefore is sincerely trying to coordinate the efforts of individuals and organizations serving the people with disabilities.

We welcome one and all to join us in this noble mission. 

We can be reached at: Bridging India Foundation