World Disability Day observed in Mangalore

World Disability Day observed in Mangalore

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Dec 3, 2011: World Disability Day was jointly observed at Town Hall by the DK district administration, DK Zilla Panchayat (ZP), Handicapped and Senior Citizens Welfare Department, DK District Handicap Federation (DKDHF), Women and Children Welfare Department, District Legal Service Authority, Public Education Department, and Sarva Shikshana Abhiyan.

N. Yogesh Bhat, the deputy speaker, inaugurated the event and presided over it. In his inaugural address, he urged the public to recognize the achievements of special kids, many of who have contributed greatly to the nation by winning gold medals in prestigious sports events.

 

Expressing his appreciation of teachers of special schools, he said that they take great pains to train these children, owing to which the state government must grant additional facilities to special schools and teachers.

Stating that B. S. Yeddyurappa, the former chief minister of Karnataka, has launched several welfare schemes for special schools, teachers in special schools, and special children, he said that several issues related to special children were discussed in assembly in a bid to get justice for these children.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. K. N. Vijayaprakash, the CEO of ZP, said that the district administration observes this day annually, but it is not sufficient. Meaningful steps should be taken for the welfare of these children, he added.

Revealing figures, he said that DK has a population of 17,155 special people and that there are 10 special schools and organizations formed for the welfare of special people. He also said that it has been decided at a meeting that special schools should be considered as aided schools and given the facilities of aided schools.

He also proposed that 3 percent of the budget must be earmarked for special schools and job opportunities must be generated for special people. He also said that special people should be given disability certificates and income certificates without being put to any inconvenience. He also suggested that the individual income alone, and not the family income, should be considered while giving them income certificates.

He also said that rehabilitation centres for the mentally retarded will be set up in future. A booklet on the development of special people will also be released and workshops will be conducted, he added.

N. Yogesh Bhat distributed wheel chairs to five disabled kids on this occasion. Dr. Arun Rao and Vasanth Kumar Shetty were also honored for their services to special kids. The special kids who won gold medals at the Special Olympics held in Greece—Anil Mendonca, Royston Pinto, and Dhanya Rao—were also honored.

DC Channappa Gowda, Sulochana G. K. Bhat, Dinesh Kumar Alva, Yashawanthi Alva, and B. G. Ganesh were also present.