Proper guidance must for differently abled kids: ADC

Solan Additional Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar Yadav on Tuesday stressed the need for extending proper guidance to disabled children at the right time while addressing a state level programme organised for Divyangjan self-help groups on International Day of Disabled Persons.

On this occasion, specially abled children, parents and teachers from across the state were present. The programme was organised by the Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, Rural Development Department.

It focussed on themes such as equality, inclusiveness and development. Yadav said cooperation of all sections was needed to encourage specially abled children to being included in the mainstream.

The differently abled children were talented, and if they got the right guidance at the right time, they could overcome even the biggest obstacles, he added.

“History is witness that these children have engaged in amazing works on getting the right guidance and encouragement. The recently concluded Paralympic Games are an illustration of their hard work, will power and determination,” Yadav said.

He said the specially abled needed empathy and not sympathy so that they could live in society with respect.

They were an integral part of the society and everyone should work together towards their upliftment, he added.

Congratulating teachers, NGOs and parents working in this direction, he said due to their collective efforts, such people were benefiting at various levels.

He elaborated upon the objective of the programme and said it was s aimed at making the general public understand their problems.

“The district administration was serious about addressing their problems and efforts were being made to resolve them at every level,” he said.

Solan Chief Medical Officer Dr Amit Ranjan Talwar said, for the purpose of quick assistance to the specially abled, a certificate of their disability was made free of cost every Thursday at Regional Hospital, Solan.

“Such medical camps are organised from time to time in other parts of the district so that they can get facilities at their doorstep,” he added.

Diksha Bhardwaj, an advocate from the District Legal Services Authority provided information about the rights of specially abled persons.

Indian Muscular Dystrophy Association national president Sanjana Goyal said being disabled did not mean that one was weaker than anyone.

Association national general secretary Vipul Goyal said disability was not a curse, and, with proper counselling and guidance, disabled people could make significant contributions to society. He said a step taken at the right time with the right guidance helped in achieving any goal.

District Welfare Officer Gava Singh Negi provided information about various schemes being implemented for disabled persons.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rural Development Department, Kalyani Gupta welcomed the chief guest and provided information about the programme.

Solan Block Development Officer Ramesh Sharma presented the vote of thanks.

Representatives of several self-help groups also shared their experiences on this occasion. The exhibition of products made by specially abled children was much loved by all.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented by persons with disabilities.