Visakhapatnam Hosts Seminars and Exhibitions on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
By : Laxmi Pranathi
Update: 2024-12-03 12:48 GMT
Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam city hosted a series of seminars, workshops and events in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), focusing on the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The celebrations took place at the VUDA Children’s Arena and at Andhra University.
During the event at the VUDA children’s arena, Visakhapatnam district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad has emphasised the importance of encouraging the participation of PWDs in both government and private sectors. He expressed his vision for these individuals to become “world champions” through increased involvement in key societal decisions. “We must work together to ensure that differently-abled people are given the support they need to thrive,” he said.
The collector further outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of PWDs. He announced that the state government has increased disability pensions significantly from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 for general disabilities and from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 for those with complete disabilities. He also mentioned ongoing efforts by the district administration to provide essential equipment and organise support camps.
Senior Civil Judge M.V. Seshamma, secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, addressed the legal rights of PWDs. She urged attendees to familiarise themselves with laws enacted in 2016 that protect their rights and to actively seek out benefits available in education and healthcare.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing items created by differently-abled individuals, alongside a ceremony recognising 532 winners from various competitions. Volunteers dedicated to supporting disabled communities were honoured for their contributions.
In a related event, Andhra University hosted a two-day national seminar titled “Towards Inclusion: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for a Developed India by 2047,” which was inaugurated by vice-chancellor Prof. G. Sasibhusana Rao.
The seminar aimed to address the ongoing challenges faced by PWDs, including stigma and accessibility issues in public spaces.
During the event at the VUDA children’s arena, Visakhapatnam district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad has emphasised the importance of encouraging the participation of PWDs in both government and private sectors. He expressed his vision for these individuals to become “world champions” through increased involvement in key societal decisions. “We must work together to ensure that differently-abled people are given the support they need to thrive,” he said.
The collector further outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of PWDs. He announced that the state government has increased disability pensions significantly from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 for general disabilities and from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 for those with complete disabilities. He also mentioned ongoing efforts by the district administration to provide essential equipment and organise support camps.
Senior Civil Judge M.V. Seshamma, secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, addressed the legal rights of PWDs. She urged attendees to familiarise themselves with laws enacted in 2016 that protect their rights and to actively seek out benefits available in education and healthcare.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing items created by differently-abled individuals, alongside a ceremony recognising 532 winners from various competitions. Volunteers dedicated to supporting disabled communities were honoured for their contributions.
In a related event, Andhra University hosted a two-day national seminar titled “Towards Inclusion: Empowering Persons with Disabilities for a Developed India by 2047,” which was inaugurated by vice-chancellor Prof. G. Sasibhusana Rao.
The seminar aimed to address the ongoing challenges faced by PWDs, including stigma and accessibility issues in public spaces.