Helping People Help Myself

Yesterday was the International Day for Persons with Disabilities but, this issue is not very simple. In many countries, social welfare, social protection and health programmes are the first group to provide support for these people who have more challenges than others.

In developing countries like India, necessary supports are still under developed and many of government officials and employers are not fully aware of diversity of these physical/mental challenges. There should be good definition and statistical data at least these following categories:

• Visually Challenged including low vision
• Hearing & Speech Impaired
• Mentally Challenged
• Sensory, Multiple & Learning Disability
• Locomotor Disability & Physical Disability

In rural India, as an example shown in the previous page on this blog site, these people with additional challenges are, obviously having harder time to involve any kinds of activities at village and municipalities.

UNDP recently made its mandate to work for these people in its prgrammes and projects. In India, we are trying to provide some feasible livelihoods to these people by working with various government departments. At least, in Rajasthan, we started working with some training institutions to develop special training programmes for persons with disabilities. Nevertheless, many things have to be done. Many challenges are remaining for us and for all.

December 2 is one of the special days to remind human rights for persons with physicall/mental challgenges. In Delhi, all UN agencies are getteting together to invite partners, government officials, NGOs etc. Here is the illustration of the today's program in Delhi.
There was a nice dance performance of a girl from a special school and she did it in front of a large audience - quite impressive.
(In NY, it will be on Dec 3 and some events will be happening as well: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=109 )

Concerned Action (CAN) and UN Information Centre cordially invite you to an
observance of INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABLED PERSONS
on Tuesday, 2 December, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
in the Lawns of the UN Information Centre
55 Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003

Please wear yellow and/or blue to show that you care
Yellow is the colour of disability, blue is the colour for the
rights of people with disabilities

Sponsors: Mr. Parikshat Sahni & Goodearth Education Foundation

PROGRAMME

10:30 a.m. Tea

11 a.m. Welcome Address by Seema Baquer, CAN

11:10 a.m. Ms. Shalini Dewan, Director UNIC for India & Bhutan
will deliver the message of the UN Secretary-General

11:20 a.m. Remarks by the Panellists:
Mr. Prasanna Kumar Pincha, Senior Consultant, Action Aid
Mr. Sanjeev Sachdeva, Honorary Founder, Sanjeevani
Mr. Jagdish Chander, Vice-President, CAN

12 noon Dance Performance by children of Tamana School

12:25 p.m. Vote of Thanks by Anjali Sharma, CAN