Events

25 Feb 2006|Noida | ABS Sec-44, Noida

Seminar on Empowering persons With Disablities organised by Amity Humanity Foundation

Amity Humanity Foundation (AHF) organized a Seminar on Empowering persons With Disabilities at Amity Campus, Sector-44, Noida. The purpose of the exercise was to create a network of organizations in sensitizing educational institutions, industry and NGOs to work for providing better opportunities in life, for the “differently abled” persons.

Smt. Meira Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Chief Guest of the Seminar said that the attitude of the society towards with disabilities has changed over the last decade. The society has come to realize that the persons with disabilities are not disabled but are specially abled persons who overcome their physical limitations to become not only self reliant but are also a source of inspirations to others. Ms. Kumar said that the Government of India has been taking various steps to promote appropriate educations for persons with disabilities through its various programmes. Salamanca Declaration had clearly stated that the education of children with disabilities should be inclusive, therefore Government has been pursuing this goal under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Hon’ble Minister said that government has initiated some projects to make the environment of major universities and institutions in the country accessible and barrier free. There is a financing mechanism available under National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation where loans are provided at lower rate of interest to promote self employment amongst persons with disabilities. The Government is also providing support to needy persons with disabilities in getting assistive devices. The Government has been promoting training of rehabilitation professionals through various specialized national institutes and other recognized institutions. Government is setting up institutions at the district level known as “District Disability Rehabilitation Centre” to provide such professional services, said Ms. Kumar.

Dr Manoj Kumar, Chief Commissioner for Disability remarked, “Over time, all people including those with the most severe disabilities can be assisted with needs for greater participation in activities and more interactions with others. The assistance does not necessarily require people who are specially trained in developmental disabilities or recreation.

Ms. Poonam Natarajan, Chairperson, National Trust lauded the efforts of Amity in initiating this move and said, “It should be the duty of every citizen of the country to advocate for the rights and dignity of people who are disadvantaged in society because they do not conform to the idea of what society sees as normal. Sharing her vision with participants, she said that each one us must take several initiatives in highlighting the problems faced by these specially abled people and the Goverment should take initiatives in creating on awareness amongst people”.
Maj. Gen. Ian Cardozo, Chairman, Rehabilitation Council of India said, “The main objective of the Seminar is to highlight contemporary issues and further sensitize various segments of the society for creating enabling environment for persons with disability.”

Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President, Ritnand Balved Education Foundation (RBEF) remarked, “People with developmental disabilities must have the opportunity to participate in the same recreation and leisure activities that are available to all citizens. Currently too many opportunities are limited to segregated activities. Furthermore, lack of understanding and acceptance of people with developmental disabilities by the general public, and particularly by non-disabled participants in community recreation and leisure activities is a major barrier to successful inclusive recreation”.

The eminent speakers who made valuable contributions by way of their views were Founder of S