Dear Friends,
Every year 3rd December is celebrated as International day for persons with Disabilities.We see the same kind of programmes of giving free wheel chairs, tri-cylces ,cultural programmes by children with special needs,free bus ride for children with special needs etc.
We are aware we need to do a lot more on 3rd December 2014. Of course introspection of steps taken so far and identification of the road ahead are two important exercises both government and civil societies must do.
Recent studies shows a large number of youth with disabilities are unemployed in both rural and urban areas.
A majority of buildings, School building, public toilets, public transportation, entertainment places etc are inaccessible to persons with disabilities.
Though we see inclusive education is implemented with enthusiasm we do not see results in terms of quality of learning and achievements of children with special needs in rural areas.
Women with disabilities continue to be most marginalised and abused persons in a community with no access to basic needs-Food-Water-Housing-Sanitation.
Senior citizens with disabilities are marginalised without basic needs.
Where do we go from here?
Let us pledge to focus on basic human rights and basic human needs to everyone leaving NONE.
Let us pledge to work towards working together by sharing and networking.
Let us pledge to work to enable local communities as facilitators of services rather than provider of services.
Let us pledge to enable persons with Disabilities and their families /communities to take all decisions concerning their lives.
Released by Voice of SAP on the 3rd December 2014
