Shillong, Dec 3: Even as the government sunk its head to organize different activities to mark the World Disability Day in Meghalaya, the Association of Challenge People for Meghalaya (ACPM), however, had a different take saying that the World Disability Day is not a day for ‘dancing’ but should be more “action oriented” focusing in delivering the rights of the people with disabilities (PWDs) by creating a “barrier-free” environment enabling accessibility of all facilities to this section of society.
“We would prefer the government to take up action plan such as having a conference to debate on the issues concerning the PWDs in the state rather than organizing singing and dancing competition for them which only ends there without bringing any changes,” ACPM member Serene Lawai told reporters at a news conference Monday.
Meghalaya has more than 32,000 people with disabilities as per the 2011 census. ACPM has altogether 600 PWDs registered as its members.
Lawai said, “PWDs should be included in any plans concerning them formulated by the government for their welfare.” She was of the opinion that it would be a useless exercise if government decides doing something for their welfare without consulting and making them part of the plan.
Revealing that the PWDs in Meghalaya continues to suffer because of lack of access to education, job and other schemes, ACPM president Melip D Sangma said, “The PWDs are still being deprived of the rights to education, employment, participation and acceptance in the society.”
“We want government and the society to understand that the people with disabilities are also human and are equally entitled to get accessin all the spheres and reduce their disability,” Sangma, who is visually impaired, said.
Lawai, on the other hand, made it clear that they do not want people to pity them but they should work with PWD to have a better understanding about them.
Giving a brief description of the problems the PWDs face, another member Reeda said, “Though as per law education should be made inclusive to everyone, including PWDs, but this has not really happen as most of the PWDs have been excluded from the mainstream schools.”
According to Reeda, lack of trained teachers has been one of the major problems wherein teachers cannot extend the required help to such students with disabilities.
Reeda, however, informed that special training in three centres including Bethany society, Dwar Jingkyrmen and Fernando school were started since 2010 offering three months course for teachers in SSA schools. The members also felt that as part of the inclusive initiative government can start by considering having a proper ramp in different offices including secretariats for the PWDs with wheelchairs. – By Our Reporter
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