Raising awareness about disability

The 3rd of December is observed as the World Disability Day. Observance of this Day provides opportunities for participation by the governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as the private sector - to focus upon innovative measures to further implement international norms and standards related to persons with disabilities. Schools, universities and similar institutions can make particular contributions with regard to promoting greater interest and awareness among people about the social, cultural, economic, civil and political rights of persons with disabilities. Recent events organised in connection with the observance of the Day have included special exhibitions, workshops and discussions, etc. Hundreds of disabled persons gathered at the India Gate with candles in their hands, to celebrate World Disability Day. The Spastics Society of Northern India president Vandana Bedi delivered a short speech which mainly focused on the society's growing acceptance of the existence of the six million people with disabilities in the country. Also a nation wide campaign was launched by activists working in the sector for promulgation of an ordinance for basic access to public places for persons with disabilities. Highlighting the problems faced by around six per cent of the country's population every day due to lack of basic accessibility in transport and public places, the activists released a logo "Access India", to create awareness on the issue prior to the start of the campaign. The Disability Act already mentions this, however with the Act completing six years next month, nothing so far has been done about it. Hence efforts in this regard are being made to achieve some concrete progress by next year. The Disability Week being December 3-10 would see similar awareness programmes in various cities to generate awareness and focus on the problems faced by the disabled.

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