A real life video from MTV

Amid all those silly video ads where someone is trying to sell something with the help of a stuttering guy- here is a whiff of fresh air. Congratulations to MTV. Link was shared by Dr Akash Acharya. Thanks Akash! Keep looking out for such heart warming and real life specimens..
http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/190038/tim-23.jhtml#id=1574617

Humility, open-ness, Wisdom and therapy..

Stuttering is a big issue for the PWS/ CWS. For academics and therapists, can it have the same significance and personal meaning, if they dont stutter themselves? For some sincere souls, yes. But by and large, medical authorities tend to think the way they were trained ten years ago- in their formative yearsas clinicians. Hence, they find it difficult to empathise with newer approaches. What may be a good coping mechanism for a child, could be an "avoidance behaviour" for the therapist, and fit to be eschewed forthwith. Finally, since academics themselves accept that no one knows the causation and hence the cure - everyone needs to be open to new approaches and thoughts on this subject.And the open discussion should continue. Here is a similar sentiment from someone in UK:

http://www.stutteringhub.com/stuttering_hub/2008/11/john-carling-a-good-friend-of-mine-sent-me-a-letter-a-while-ago-i-want-to-share-some-of-the-views-he-expressed-in-his-letter.html

Self Advocacy- High adventure!

Eric McSherry has guts to do self advocacy.. Many PWS would love to do it. This child from Massachussets can teach us something. Encouraged by his teacher, he goes to classes and educates children about stammering and how they should respond to it. Here is the complete article:
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/lifestyle/health_and_environment/x1016923564/Teen-explains-stuttering-in-order-to-educate

Thank you ASCI and Vishal!

Vishal (Chennai chapter of TISA) had lodged a complaint with ASCI about an Ad., portraying stammering in an objectionable way. ASCI has acted on it. Vishal has received the following response:

> -----Original Message-----
> From: "ASCI" <asci@... >
>
> Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:52:21
> To: >
> Subject: C.3231 - Your complaint to ASCI against the TVC of "Yahoo India"
>
> Further to our e-mail of 5th November, the complaint was considered by the
> Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) at their meeting held on 23rd October 08,
> at which time the CCC viewed the TVC.
>
> As per their decision, the complaint was Upheld as the advertisement
> contravened Chapter II of the ASCI Code. The CCC concluded that the
> insensitive portrayal of "a stammerer" in the advertisement, was likely to
> cause grave or widespread offence.
>
> We had requested the Advertiser to withdraw the said TVC. The Advertiser
> has informed us that the said TVC has already been suspended w.e.f. 6th
> November 08, and the same is being modified appropriately, to avoid any
> contravention of the ASCI Code.
>
> Thank you for having referred this complaint to us.
>
> Assuring you of our services in the pursuit of Self-Regulation in
> Advertising.
>
> Alan Collaco
>
> Secretary General
>
> A S C I

Koi Mil Gayaaa..

Hetal Vin has shared the following link about Hrithik.

http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1704498

Yes, I admire Hrithik, for acting as well as sheer ‘presence’- and now, even more, since he has the humility and guts to talk about his difficulties. My personal experience is, when I talk about my stamering, it melts away- and many people feel disappointed! Just to satisfy them, I throw in some g-g-good ba-ba-bouncing in my speech..

Yes, I think many more people, especially if they are public icons, should open up and talk about real life issues. This truly helps. And stammering, they must talk about. When adults behave as if there is a conspiracy of silence, where stammering is concerned, then the life of a little child who stammers- becomes real hell. She or he can not talk and ask for help because, in his/ her eyes, it is a forbidden, shameful topic.

Are parents and teachers listening?

Winter Campaign : Chennai

TISA is planning an awareness campaign in Chennai around 25th Jan 2009. A discussion has started between Chennai chapter and sachin in the Yahoo IPWS group. Feel free to give your inputs. The idea is to generate enthusiasm, awareness and impetus for PWS/CWS to get in touch with each other and start meeting in support groups in larger numbers.

Chennai Leads..

Vishal Dadha of Chennai Chapter scored a major victory against public apathy and incomprehension by registering a complaint with Advt Standard Council of India against an insensitive ad; Here is the reply, he received:

"Thank you for your concern for Self-Regulation in Advertising.Â
ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory council, registered as a not-for-profit
Company under section 25 of the Indian Cos.Act. The sponsors of the ASCI, who
are its principal members, are firms of considerable repute within Industry in
India, and comprise Advertisers, Media, Ad.Agencies and other Professional
/Ancillary services connected with advertising practice.  The ASCI is not a
Government body, nor does it formulate rules for the public or for the relevant
industries.The Purpose and the Mission of the ASCI is spelt out clearly in our
literature.
We are sending you (hard copy) the informative literature on ASCI functions and
activities. Meanwhile, please visit our website www.ascionline.org  which
provides details of the ASCI, our role, functions and responsibilities in the
pursuit of Self-Regulation in Advertising in India, in the interest of consumers
and as a service to practitioners in Advertising.
The complaint under reference was considered by the Consumer Complaints Council
(CCC) at their meeting held on 23rd October 08, at which time the CCC viewed
the TVC.

The information provided by the Advertiser was deliberated at length and the
issues involved were considered.

We are in the process of reviewing with the Advertiser, the observations made at
the meeting. We shall advise you of the outcome by 20th November 08.



Alan Collaco
Secretary General

ASCI, 219, Bombay Market Bldg, 78 Tardeo Rd., Mumbai 400034."

More people need to write to ASCI and other bodies, when they notice an ad in poor / questionable taste..

Herbertpur TISA SHG

Pawan - 9410187425
Parmanand- 9759067913
sachin- 9412058272

satksri@rediffmail.com
satksri@gmail.com

Time : Sunday 3-5 pm in Winters,  5-7 pm in summers.
Venue: Anugrah, Lehman Hospital, Herbertpur (35 km from Dehradun)
If you are in vicinity, you are welcome!