NGOS, people with disability discuss ways of inclusion

Mumbai: Diversity is a concept that is gaining ground the world over, but organisations need to look beyond it to inclusion, and even ‘smart inclusion’.

“Diversity is when we are invited to a party, inclusion is when we can dance, and smart inclusion is when we are part of the organising and curating committee,” Ketna Mehta, chairperson, Nina Foundation, said at a panel discussion to address the challenges faced by people with disability.

17 Easy Ways To Make A Blind Person’s Day

1. When introducing yourself, use loud, exaggerated speech. Since we’re blind, it’s safe to assume we’re a little dim, too.

2. Don’t speak directly to us. It’s always best to talk over our heads like we’re not there at all, especially if you are offering a service. Example: “What would she like to order?” Be sure to ignore our attempts to answer for ourselves.

Amritsar, December 3

In order to make its students understand the meaning of disability, a city-based school, Spring Dale Senior School, is observing World Disability Week, which commenced from Monday. The School is observing the week under its 'Walking in their Shoes' initiative.

School students Class III to IX and Class XI will be stepping into the shoes of special children to bat for inclusive education during the week long celebration. Classes X and XII students will attend seminars and activities sensitising to disabilities.

Observed annually as The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), on December 3, an attempt for fostering inclusiveness of differenly-abled people Sahapedia is organising a series of multi-city events. 

It started with Kolkata on November 30 wherein West Bengal’s tradition of Beni Putul or glove puppetry demonstration was held. This was helmed by puppeteer Basanta Ghorai and was curated for people with hearing disabilities.

India is a nation that ranks second in the list of the worlds most densly populated countries out of which a part of this demographic consists of people with special needs. We have the highest population of visually impared people in the world. According to Disabled Population In India Census 2011, out of the 121 Cr population, 2.68 Cr persons are disabled which is 2.21% of the total population. Among the disabled population 56% (1.5 Cr) are males and 44% (1.18 Cr ) are females.