IMPHAL, October 17: A 15 day workshop on Barrier Free Campaign organised by the Handicapped Development Foundation (HDF) under the theme `Let us smile together, let us work together`™ was inaugurated at the Manipur Press Club today.
Speaking as the chief guest, Disability commissioner L Ibomcha Singh said attitudinal barriers that often lead to discrimination cannot be overcome simply through laws.
The best remedy is familiarity, getting people with and without disability to mingle as co-workers, associates and social acquaintance and eventually most of the attitudes will give way to comfort, respect and friendship, he added.
He also stated that laws assuring the participation of persons with disabilities in offices or organisations to develop society where each and every person should avail equal opportunities must be implemented.
Opportunities lost and non participation is not only a loss for the individual but also a loss for the society, he stressed.
Ibomcha Singh further asserted that society needed to understand why and how barriers must be removed to bring equality for all.
Delivering the keynote address, HDF general secretary Dr S Jasobanta Singh said a barrier free environment is one in which people can move around safely, independently and without restrictions.
Accentuating the importance of a barrier free society which can fulfil the needs of all the people equally, he said the necessity for a barrier free environment needs to be highlighted as it concerns not only persons with disabilities but all sections of the society to improve the situation.
The fourth edition of the journal `Matamgi Shingnaba` and a leaflet of the Barrier Free Campaign was also released by the chief guest and post metric scholarships for persons with disabilities for the academic year 2014-2015 was also handed out to the students.
Meanwhile, SSA state coordinator Joyrani spoke on `Accessibility in the educational institution`™ while rehabilitation psychologist at the office of the State commissioner for persons with disabilities, L Dhaneshwor Singh dwelt at length on `The role of society to promote barrier free environment as AMJWU vice-president Ratan Luwangcha spoke on `the role of media to promote barrier free environment` as resource persons.
A traffic police official highlighted the role of the traffic police in promoting a barrier free environment.
Retired Art and Culture joint director Sapam Bheigya Singh and HD chairman Dr Ch Rupachandra Singh also graced the function as the guest of honour and president.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/making-society-barrier-free-first-step-to-uplifting-the-handicapped/