Can you empower a person with disability by giving him a calliper and teaching him physiotherapy exercises? It is not props, but the creation of an inclusive society that can essentially empower differently abled persons.

Facilitating an inclusive society by acquainting rehabilitation professionals with the norms of the United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), was what the two-day state-level programme at the Spastics Society here attempted to achieve. It is pertinent to educate differently abled and all stakeholders such as media, administration authorities and rehabilitation professionals on the provisions of the UNCRPD that has been ratified by India, said Arun Aloysius, coordinator, SNAC, National Trust. The programme was hosted by Spastics Society of India and sponsored by National Trust, a unit under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Differently abled persons continue to remain oppressed due to their inability to access information produced in a disabled- friendly language, noted Lobithas, activist and executive secretary, ODA. Access to various government schemes is essential for persons with disabilities as entitlement to roads, toilets, housing scheme, transport contribute to improving standard of living. Though all world bank projects have stipulated that ten percent of funds be allocated for differently abled, advocacy is the need of the hour to bring poverty alleviation programmes and schemes to the differently abled, according to Mr.Lobithas.

Calling for increased participation of persons with disabilities in public and social life, Mr.Lobithas said they should be facilitated to be a part of self-help groups, farmer societies and other committees. “Disability is a part of life like ageing. There's no need to make it a big deal.” Prevention of disability not possible, as disabled persons are part of the society, he asserted.

Issues under the convention relating to education, accessibility, barrier –free environment, security, legal issues, women and children, employability were discussed under various sessions. Earlier, R.Lalitha Lakshmi, Superintendent of Police, inaugurated and R.Shyamala, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer and C.Shanthakumar, director, Spastics Society of Tiruchi spoke.