World Disability Day: Message of equality and inclusiveness
Equity and Empowerment: A Global Call to Action for Human Rights and Inclusion. World Disability Day is celebrated every year on 3 December. This day is considered a symbol of promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Its aim is to create an inclusive society, where people struggling with physical or mental challenges also get equal opportunities and respect.
Importance of disability and inclusive education
In Jammu and Kashmir, parents of children with special needs have stressed the need to improve inclusive education and health services. Their aim is that these children should be given priority in education, vocational training and early intervention services.
The government’s Samagra Shiksha Yojana has set up resource rooms for children with special needs (CWSN). Where such children can get the best services. These rooms lack facilities, these facilities should be completed for the better future of these children. Apart from this, private schools refuse to admit children with special needs in violation of the RPWD Act 2016.
Disability in numbers
According to the 2011 census, 3,61,153 people were living with disability in Jammu and Kashmir. According to new studies, this number has increased to about 6,63,823. These include 383,032 men and 280,791 women. This growing number shows that the need for disability management and support services has increased in the region.
Health and rehabilitation situation
Health services and early intervention services for children with special needs are a major challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. Many parents reported that government hospitals and rehabilitation centers lack facilities. These centers also lack trained professionals and modern equipment. The situation is even more serious in rural areas, where health facilities are limited and children do not get timely treatment.
Parental frustration
Many parents have been forced to leave Kashmir in search of better treatment and education for their children. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focus only on collecting funds, while not paying proper attention to the needs of the children.
Efforts towards solution
- Implementation of inclusive policies: It is necessary to strictly implement the RPWD Act 2016 and encourage schools to adopt inclusive education.
- Expansion of health services: It is necessary to establish early intervention services and special rehabilitation centres in rural areas.
- Social awareness: It is very important to eradicate the misconceptions and stigma related to disability in the society, so that parents do not hesitate to send their children to special schools. They can send their children to good schools with full confidence and happiness.
- Appointment of trained staff: The number of trained teachers and health workers for children with special needs should be increased.
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