SEVAI Commemorates International Differently abled persons’ day 2012- “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’SEVAI

SEVAI School inclusion of diff.abled

“Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all and Inclusion is extremely important for kids with and without disabilities’ said Chitra Balasubramaniam, the Principal of SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher secondary school. Commemorating International differently abled persons day, SEVAI, a Trichy based NGO has organized a seminar in SEVAI School in Arumbuhalnagar of Trichy for field functionaries of differently abled care, support and education with the aim to highlight the importance of mainstreaming disability in all aspects of development, as well as to further the participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development on the basis of equality. Chitra Balasubramaniam in her key note of the occasion mentioned that each year the United Nations announces a theme for International Day of People with differently abled and this day provides an opportunity to address the focus on promoting accessibility, as well as removing all types of barriers in society. The speaker enlightened, “2012 year’s theme ‘Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’. Barriers can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment or to information and communications technology or from societal attitudes or discrimination. She appreciated that the gesture of Honble Chief Minster. Tamilnadu Government for announcing various measures for differently abled and her far sightedness for addressing the permanent needs for creating barrier free Tamilnadu for differently abled persons. Chitra Balasubramaniam also appreciated the good work done for the welfare of diffetntly abled persons by Jayashree Muralidharan, District Collector, Trichy and Syamala, Trichy district differently abled officer and IED Team under SSA.T.Vanitha, a seminar Panelist mentioned that   society's accumulated myths and fears about disability and disease are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from actual impairment and the only disability in life is a bad attitude and such barriers are be freed from our minds”. T seminar Panelist Vanitha said further, “The day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life. When barriers are broken down and people with disabilities are empowered to participate in society, the entire community benefits. Disability inclusion is therefore necessary to achieve development and progress for all”. The seminar organizer Jona Kalavathi of SEVAI strongly voiced. “The most important thing to remember is to treat a person with a disability with respect. As they have feelings just like us and we need to understand that the person we are talking to is challenged with something we will never understand. This person is challenged in their ability to understand, communicate or decipher. We need to be aware that we must listen and observe the person we are speaking to and be ready to adjust our communication style in a respectful way”. Earlier Vasanthi welcomed and on conclusion of the seminar Periyakka proposed vote of thanks.-Govin