Nongpoh: In a bid to highlight the rights of persons with disabilities, the Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ri Bhoi District in collaboration with Bethany Society, Shillong on Saturday conducted an awareness programme with the theme ‘Understanding of disability, it’s opportunities, mental health and national trust’ at Nongthymmai village under Umroi Constituency.
Dr Verity Markhap and Bertha Dkhar attended the programme as the resource persons providing awareness on the basic needs and rights of persons with disabilities while stressing that people with disability should be treated equally in the society.
Dkhar, an expert in Braille signs and being a person with disability herself said, nowadays, people with disabilities are no longer neglected in the society and that the government has implemented various schemes for them.
“In any educational institution and employment opportunities, the government has reserved 5% for persons with disabilities,” Dkhar said adding that it is time they come forward and fight for their rights.
Dr Markhap focused on the three important things that persons with disability should maintain in their daily life including regular food, lifestyle as well as mental well being, so that they will not feel different when compared to other people in the society.
Markhap also stressed on the need to avoid marrying from the same clan and family as this may lead to congenital disorder and disease on their children.
Further, Markhap said that all are born differently and that only those who have over 40% of disability can be classified as persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Rebon Dkhar, programme coordinator of Bethany Society spoke on mental health which needs to be addressed for the welfare of people with disabilities.
