3.5 per cent Arunachalees differently able

Itanagar, Nov.28 (UNI) A two-day State-level training on disability rights, organised by the Arunachal chapter of Human Rights Law Network, in collaboration with Athu Popo Social Foundation and All Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Association(AAPHWA), has begun here.

Speaking on the occasion yesterday, Donyi Polo School for Hearing Impaired Principal S Sharma informed that according to the 2,000 census, the number of handicapped in the State was 33,315 which comprised. 3.5 per cent of the total population of the State.

About 83.5 per cent of the disabled population is illiterate and less than two to three per cent get vocational training because of the lack of trained professionals.

The Rehabilitation Council of India had been working towards drawing a strategy for the disabled people. 4,25,000 trained professionals, 175 institutions and 3,000 schools were needed to help these people, Mr Sharma added.

He called upon NGOs and government departments to help them. The Arunachal Citizen Rights Chairman Bamang Anthony urged for opening more schools for the disabled in various parts of the State.

Mr Anthony observed, carelessness on the part of mothers during pregnancy might be one of the reasons for the physically disabled babies. AAPHWA Chairman Tami Taniang stressed the need for finding out the reasons and causes behind this. He said it was necessary to tackle the problems faced by the disabled.

He also suggested that syllabus related to the physical disability be introduced in the schools. Later, advocate Sunil Mow told the gathering that if the government fails to provide the disabled their rights, they were free to take the help of the law.

Social Welfare Deputy Director Taw Tebin, who was one of the guests, said NGOs, public and legislators also must come forth to help the disabled.

UNI