Disability to be part of school curriculum soon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 24

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar here today said chapters on disability would soon be included in school curriculum to sensitise youngsters. The educational institutes would also be made accessible for persons with disabilities in a phased manner, he added.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the "Ride for Accessibility" rally to spread awareness about the accessible India campaign for universal accessibility in built environment and public transportation.

Actor Vivek Oberoi, the brand ambassador for the Accessible India campaign, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar were also present on the occasion.

The India Gate echoed with the roar of motorcycle engines early this morning as biker groups joined hands with the government for the rally. Organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), the rally began with riders from South Extension, Vasant Kunj and Lodhi gardens going across to India gate.

The bikers, including those from "Bikers for Good", "Bajaj Avenger Club", "We're one Ride", and "Save the Quest", joined the programme to spread awareness for the need to make public transport, infrastructure and environment accessible for persons with disability.

Over 500 school and college students, cyclists and morning walkers joined the flagging off of the "Roaring wheels" festival. The motorbike rally was flagged off by Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawar Chand Gehlot.

The gathering witnessed citizens pledging support for the campaign and its objectives. Cultural programmes at the rally included street plays by popular theatre groups and a Rock band performance by "Rangreza" to sensitise general public about the Accessible India campaign.