Assam State Officials Come Together for Inclusion on Deafblindness

GUWAHATI: In a meeting organised by Deafblind Regional Centre (DbRC) Shishu Sarothi with support from Sense International India on 15th and 16th of September, 2021, persons with Deafblindness, Parents and special educators came together to have a conversation with Assam State Officials from the Department of Social Welfare, Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Centre.

Around 40 participant members attended, comprising of members from the Udaan Network of Adults with Deafblindness, Members of PRAYAAS Network of Parents, AbhiPrerna Network of Special Educators and family members of Children with Deafblindness were present.

Parents and Adults with Deafblindness discussed issues ranging from the application of UDID( Unique ID for Persons with Disabilities)Availing of schemes like ADIP( Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances), challenges faced by parents in procuring services of assessment from CRC( Composite Regional Centre) and Government Hospitals and renewal of Disability Card. Mr. Akhil Paul, Founder and Director of Sense International India said, "We urge the Education Department to support in the curriculum adaptation to simplify the curriculum for children with deafblindness in the classroom and also train the mainstream teachers and recognition of persons with deafblindness and provision of the state benefits and entitlements'' He also said- " Government officials can help in identifying and screening children with deafblindness from the early years through sensitization and awareness''

In the Assam State Advocacy Meeting, Government Officials from various departments like Mr Debeshwar Borah Commissioner for the Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Deben Bhuyan Deputy Director- Disability Directorate of Social Welfare Department, Dr. Venkatesh Kurakula Psychologist from Vocational Rehabilitation Centre Guwahati,Mr. Nirjan Duarah State UDID Coordinator, Directorate of Social Welfare, Shri Kukheshwar Borah, Research Officer Disability from the Directorate of Social Welfare and Pearly Fariza State Program Officer, SSA from the Department of Education, Pearly were present.

Mr. Debeshwar Borah,Commissioner for the Persons with Disabilities said, " We need to enhance the capacity of Persons with Deafblindness and provide equal rights and accessible environment to the persons with disabilities who have a key role to play in our society and who can contribute equally to the development of the society".Dr. Venkatesh Kurakula , Psychologist from Vocational Rehabilitation Centre said,'' There are many vocational activities and services provided under the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre and I urge all Adults to enroll for the trainings organised by us in which stipend are also provided by us." Pearly Fariza, State Program Offficer said " We are working in collaboration with Shishu Sarothi for the development of inclusive education and enrollment of children with Deafblindess in the schools.". Mr. Deben Bhuyan,Deputy Director Disability said- " We have been providing our support in providing Disability Certificate, UDID Card to the Children with Disabilities in the State and all our officials will help the parents in the future as well''

Nirjan Duwarah, State UDID Coordinator said -'' Due to lack of technological support in the rural areas,many people get delayed in the process of application and therefore I request all to share their proper contact details and get in the touch with the State UDID Coordinator"

Towards the end,Debeshwar Borah, Commissioner for the Persons with Disabilities said - " I will extend my full support and help to the parents and address their issues and focus on providing inclusive education and creating a barrier free environment for all Children and Persons with Disabilities."