Pratibha calls for vocational training for disabled

New Delhi, Dec 3 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today called for vocational training for the disabled so that they become employable and their participation expands in the organised private and the unorganised sectors.

In her address at the presentation of the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on World Disabled Day here, Mrs Patil said,'' People with disabilities have a right to lead a life of dignity and self-respect. This can be possible only if they get adequate opportunities to pursue their education and thereafter get gainful employment and status in society.'' She said,'' We have to provide the right kind of teaching-learning environment and material in accessible format and barrier-free schools to them...'' ''An important issue is to provide services and benefits to persons with disabilities. Many disabled persons require aids like hearing devices and limb prosthesis. Often very simple equipment like wheelchairs and Braille writing equipment help facilitate mobility...,'' she added.

''...In cases, when the family neglects the disabled person on account of either poverty or lack of resources or sometimes apathy, the disabled person is confronted with a difficult situation.

Education and awareness can corect negative perceptions and even NGOs can play an important part in making society and families aware of the need of the disabled and to make them face the world with confidence,'' the President added.

The President also released a Braille postal stamp on the theme of disability on the occasion.

UNI