SHILLONG/TURA/AMPATI, Dec 3: With Meghalaya joining the global observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday, Social Welfare Minister Kyrmen Shylla has attributed empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs) to innovation and technology.
Shylla, who was addressing a programme in Shillong to observe the day, said that innovation and technology have opened new avenues for PwDs, enabling them to participate in the workforce in the society.
“Innovation and technology are the powerful tools for inclusion, for they have enhanced access to information, education and lifelong learning, and have also opened new avenues for persons with disabilities to participate in the workforce in the society,” he said.
Dwelling on this year’s theme ‘Transformative solution for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’, Shylla also exhorted one and all to work towards finding an innovative solution to build a sensible and equitable world for all.
The social welfare minister also informed the gathering about various government interventions to uplift, rehabilitate and empower persons with disabilities.
Apprising the gathering of the significance of the day, Shylla also felicitated people who have worked towards the welfare of PwDs.
On the occasion, beneficiaries were provided assistive aids/devices and UDID cards.
In another similar programme in the state capital, the day was observed at the School and Centre for the Hearing Handicapped Children (SCHHC), Shillong.
During the programme, various speakers touched upon the empowerment of PwDs, especially children, and spoke about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Other highlights of the programme include drawing competition for schoolchildren on COVID-19 and felicitation of winners of national and international-level arm wrestling competitions.
West Garo Hills
In Tura, the day was observed with a programme at Monfort Centre for Education, Danakgre, which was attended by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Tembe as the chief guest.
The programme was also attended by officials from District Medical & Health Office (DM&HO), Tura and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), staff and students of Monfort Centre for Education, and PwDs and their caretakers from the district.
In his address, WGH DC appreciated the efforts of the specially trained teachers for working towards the welfare of students with disabilities.
He also assured that the district administration in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office would help the students with disabilities by providing government assistance.
Informing that there is four per cent job reservation for PwDs, he spoke about Centre’s Accessible Campaign for their welfare.
District Social Welfare Officer Hemaritha Ch Sangma, on the other hand, informed that PwDs can visit Tura Civil Hospital for medical assessment for obtaining disability certificate and apply for UDID cards to avail various financial aids provided by the government.
The gathering was also informed about the rights and privileges of PwDs.
Other highlights of the programme include distribution of aids and appliances to PwDs, health check-up of PwDs, and performance of songs and dances by students of Monfort Centre of Education, Tura.
South West Garo Hills
In South West Garo Hills, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities was observed with various activities at Gandhipara.
As part of the observance, aids and appliances, including customised wheelchairs, smart phones, elbow crutches, etc. were distributed among PwDs from the district.
Addressing the gathering, South West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner AVD Shira intimated the gathering about the significance of the day and assured assistance to PWDs who are in need.
Medical & Health Officer in charge of Garobadha Community Health Centre Dr. Timchida Marak, on the other hand, highlighted the activities, exercise and diet for better health and wellness of PWDs.
Other highlights of the programme include prize distribution among winners of various sports and games organised for PwDs as well as distribution of gifts.
South Garo Hills
In South Garo Hills, the day was observed at Arapara village under Baghmara Block.
The programme was attended by Judicial Magistrate MKS Shadap, who informed the gathering about various provisions for safeguarding the persons with disabilities.
Calling upon the gathering to treat the PwDs equally, she informed that the PwDs can move the district court in case they face problems.
Informing that PwDs can enjoy free and fair education from the age of 6 to 18 years, she urged the gathering to help the PwDs, which, she said, will change their lives.
