International Day of Differently-Abled @ University of Kashmir

A two-day seminar on the theme “Differently-Abled: Access, Development and Equity” began at the University of Kashmir on Thursday. The seminar has been organized by the Special Cell of the Department of Students Welfare (DSW) to mark the ‘International Day of Differently-Abled', a varsity statement said this evening.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Member of the State Accountability Commission, Justice (retd) Bashir Ahmad Kirmani said the society collectively has to shoulder the responsibility to bring to fore the problems faced by the specially-abled people. He stressed, “there is a need to compile data on them so that programs could be planned accordingly for their welfare.”

“Though there are some rough figures available,  I think at governmental level there is a need to have Census done exclusively for this section of our society so that we can have accurate information for better implementation of various welfare schemes and policies for them,” said Justice Kirmani.

Maintaining that platforms like Special Cell of DSW have a significant role to play and can act as a beacon light in bringing to fore various issues concerning the differently-abled, Justice Kirmani said: “There also has to be serious effort from the government in terms of implementation of various legislations meant for the differently-abled and also from the corporate sector including leading industrialists and businessmen who can provide employment to these people on the basis of their special skills and abilities.”

In her address, Dean of Students Welfare at KU, Prof Neelofar Khan highlighted special needs of differently-abled students. She said The Special Cell of DSW is trying very hard to resolve the issues of such students but more needs to be done.

Coordinator Special Cell, Shaheel Mohammad, in his opening remarks highlighted the aims and objectives of the two-day seminar while Deputy Director DIQA Showket Shafi presented vote of thanks. A special cultural performance by students from Zaina Aapa Special School of Education Islamabad was also presented on the occasion.

Source: Riyaz Khaliq, click4college Specialist