TURA: The people of South West Garo Hills joined the rest of the world in celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) which was organized by the District Social Welfare Office in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) at Okkapara Community Field under Rerapara C&RD Block on Tuesday, a day after the occasion.
Distribution of aids & appliances to the assessed PWDs, sports & games and presentation of gifts and mementos to PWDs marked the day-long celebration based on the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities & Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality”.
Participating in the celebration as the chief guest, BDO, Rerapara, Raymond Z.D.Shira highlighted on a number of schemes for PWDs which could be availed through the block as well as provisions under NREGA for persons with special needs. However, while such schemes, programmes and provisions are being made available to the PWDs by both the State and Central governments, the need of the hour was a change in attitude among the people towards the PWDs, he said and at the same time stressed the need for PWDs and their families to be aware of their rights.
Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer, Ampati, Linda J. Sangma, while highlighting the background of the celebration, said it was compulsory for all PWDs to be physically assessed in order to get their disability certificates and appealed to all those having physically and mentally challenged children or members in their families to attend the assessment camps for PWDs which is conducted in the district from time to time.
Medical Officer of Mellim PHC, Dr. R.W, Momin also spoke of ways and means for prevention disabilities in children and other congenital defects during birth.
One of the orthopaedically handicapped persons from the district, Phentom Sangma and Pastor of Okkapara Church were among others who also spoke on the occasion.
In Baghmara, the occasion was observed on Monday at Government Higher Secondary School Playground Baghmara where a large number of people attended.
South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, H B Marak in his address to the gathering said that Persons with disabilities often face barriers in all aspects of society and they do not have equal access to society or services in terms of education, employment, health care facilities, transportation, political participation or justice. He added that the occasion aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support to the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities.
Others who were present and spoke on the occasion includes F T Sangma Chairperson CWE, DM&HO Dr Lilly Sengme Marak and M.Kharkongor District Social Welfare Officer.
During the day long programme, sports for disabled persons were also organized and gifts given to all the disabled present in the programme.