Ampati, Dec 3: Endorsing the importance of having inclusivity of People With Disabilities for social progress, International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated at Ampati on Wednesday laying emphasis on the theme: “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”.
The event, organised by the District Social Welfare Office, Ampati, saw participation of over 196 PWDs from across the district.
Gracing the program, Smt Torali K Marak, Assistant Commissioner & BDO Zikzak C&RD Block advocated inclusivity of PWDs in the developmental activity and social progress, pointed out that every individual has his or her own disabilities irrespective of whether the person is physically handicapped or not. She encouraged the PWDs saying that they may be different, but are secondary to none.
Dr Bethel Marak, Senior Medical & Health Officer, Ampati spoke on health care services and challenges of PwDs and informed that free health check-ups are being offered at all hospitals to the PwDs. She also mentioned about the various services and facilities being provided by different departments like provision of ramps in the offices, widening of doors, etc. for easy accessibilities of the PwDs.
Assistant Legal Aid Defence Council of South West Garo Hills, Salsado Ch Marak, who deliberated on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mentioned that earlier only seven disabilities were recognised, but the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 expanded and recognised 21 disabilities.
He further informed that the Chief Commissioner for PwDs (CCPD) acts as a quasi-judicial authority to address grievances, adding that every individual is equal before law and hence every individual must be treated equally.
One of the PWDs Pantom M Sangma also addressed the occasion and highlighted on the success of PwDs at different levels. He urged his fellow PwDs to take every opportunity and facility that are being provided by the government and different agencies.
Earlier R A. Sangma, of DSWO office, Ampati delivered a welcome note with highlighting the objectives and activities for the day.
As part of0 the celebration, sports was organised for PwDs and prizes distributed to the winners during the programme.
