Beth Potter commented on "India officials want more teachers for disabled children" (about 1 month ago)

I agree with my colleague's comments. Also, could we say more in the lead about how popular films are drawing attention to the issue?
What is being said is virtually always more important than who is saying it, so please change all quotes to start off with the quote first, then the attribution.
This story would be a good candidate for UPI.com with just a little more reporting and the requested background information!

Beth Potter commented on "India officials want more teachers for disabled children" (about 1 month ago)

I agree with my colleague's comments. Also, could we say more in the lead about how popular films are drawing attention to the issue?
What is being said is virtually always more important than who is saying it, so please change all quotes to start off with the quote first, then the attribution.
This story would be a good candidate for UPI.com with just a little more reporting and the requested background information!

Eric Loo commented on "India officials want more teachers for disabled children" (about 1 month ago)

Hi Rachita:

A good story about how the needs of disabled students have been neglected for too long. The story, however, can be better tied in with a better flow in the paragraphs, and a clearer context. High Court directive – needs background information. Which organization filed the case (in support of the disabled) against the government?

Source the background stats in the 2nd para. Double check the description of the disabilities. Move this para further down the story.

Would “physically and mentally disabled children” be a fair and accurate description? Your lead can be tightened further. For example:

“The Delhi High Court has directed the government to appoint special educators for disabled children attending more than 3,000 schools run the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).”

Some confusion in usage of terms. Avoid repetition of terms. For example “unique and distinct”. “Thinking seriously and deeply …” For example, ‘loco motor disability and are physically challenged’. Sounds similar to me. ‘Mentally challenged’ and ‘disabled’ – are they similar disabilities?

Typos: ‘children’ (not children’s). ‘Challenges’ (not challenge’s – as in the headline). Headline can be clearer. Avoid clichés if you can. Principal (not ‘principle’) Jennifer Tytler …

Remember to end a direct quote with a closing apostrophe.

4th para: ‘The High Court directive may sound good’. Why ‘may’? If you’re not sure, better to zero in to the limitations of the directive (and source it). Which one education institution in the capital are you referring to?

Please refer to UPIU style guide on punctuations. Will look forward to your next story.

- eric

Ted Iliff commented on "Eradicating darkness from the lives of the less privileged" (3 months ago)

Just the fact that such programs exist makes this an interesting story. The English gets in the way of the narrative, unfortunately. Quotes from both NGO officials and parents are good, although more information about children who benefit from these programs would have added to the story’s impact. Focusing on one parent is a good way to start this story.