Soni favours inclusion of disability studies in academic disciplin

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni today said any proposal for inclusion of disability studies in academic discipline should be supported as it will create awareness in the society about the needs and rights of the physically challenged people.

Inaugurating a three-day 'National Congress on Disability Studies in Secondary and Higher Education in India' here, Ms Soni said people's attitude has to be changed towards the physically challenged persons as ''they are challenged in a limited sense only and can do wonders in other areas of their expertise or interests.'' She said people at work place, society and in the country as a whole must be sensitised about the needs of the physically challenged and their rights within the constitutional framework.

Referring to the socially and economically disadvantaged groups in the country, the minister said ''we must work towards creating an inclusive society where every person would contribute in the growth and development of the country...A public awareness campaign for creating such an inclusive growth is the need of the hour.'' She said her ministries of Tourism and Culture are sensitive to the special needs of challenged people.

''All the World Heritage Sites are in the process of being provided special facilities for such people. Other important monuments will also be provided with facilities which would improve access to these monuments to people with special needs. This would enable them to appreciate the heritage of this country in the same manner as other citizens,'' she added.

Ms Soni said the Tourism Ministry is also encouraging the hotels and other tourism related infrastructure to be developed in a manner that people with special needs can use them as effectively as others.

UNI SKS MIR RN1722