SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE PRESENTATION OF NATIONAL AWARDS FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

New Delhi, 3rd December, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to participate in the presentation ceremony of the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which is taking place on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today, we are honouring achievers among differently abled persons, as well as those who are involved in activities linked to the empowerment and rehabilitation of such persons. I congratulate those who have received awards and also all those who may not have got awards but are working in this field.

India is committed to creating an environment that provides opportunities and protects the rights of the differently abled. A multi-faceted approach and a multiple collaborative effort can help them realise their full individual potential and make them active participants in the development process. Government of India has been moving in this direction. It has enacted disability legislations, developed a National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and set up a network of institutes. However, there is a need to harmonize and incorporate into domestic legislation, obligations enunciated in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which was ratified by India in 2007. It is important that consultations with stakeholders on this issue are concluded as soon as possible, so that necessary amendments to our national laws can be undertaken.

The goal of empowering differently abled persons requires minimizing the incidence of disability and early detection of disability, as well as their full rehabilitation, which must lead to their mainstreaming in society. Disability, in a large number of cases, is preventable and hence, a proactive approach should be adopted in this regard. Immunization measures, better nutrition, better access to healthcare with special attention to mother and childcare, as well as accident prevention are important precautionary measures. A key ingredient for availing benefits under schemes and programmes is awareness about not only entitlements but of the procedures to obtain them. Sometimes, it can be the lack of a disability certificate that stands in the way. Work on issuing disability certificates in the country should be speeded-up possibly by putting in place simpler procedures for disability certification, including raising awareness that such a system exists.

Today, a number of assistive devices are available, often very simple, like hearing aids, wheel chairs, limb prosthetics and Braille writing equipment, which improve functional capacity and help the differently abled to live independently. Access to such appliances that minimize the disability impact is essential. NGOs involved in this field should assist the disabled, especially those belonging to the weaker sections, in procuring suitable devices. It is important that the prices of these devices are not exorbitant but affordable. At the same time, advances in Science and Technology must be used for the development of more user-friendly aids and appliances as well as for empowerment and rehabilitation efforts.

Education and skill-building are basic for getting gainful employment or making a living. Universal and free education in India up to the age of 14 is a Fundamental Right. Children with special needs should have access to education in an environment and format that caters to their needs, including material in accessible format and barrier-free schools. Special training of teachers who can work with differently abled children, is absolutely necessary. The success of educational programmes for the impaired will depend on getting many more of them into school and making it a learning experience for them. The internet provides a valuable alternative and its usage for reaching information to such children should be explored. Steps to ensure disability-friendly Information Technology environment in the country must be implemented.

In terms of employment opportunities, the Government is mandated to provide reservation for persons with disabilities. All Central Ministries as well as organizations under their control must take immediate and comprehensive steps to ensure that vacancies in this category are filled. There is, at the same time, a need for making employment opportunities available in the private sector, for which incentives are being provided by the Government. The private sector should take full advantage of these schemes and take steps to provide employment to differently abled persons as part of its social responsibility. It is important that the identification of jobs suitable for the disabled is not done in an ad-hoc and arbitrary manner but in a sensitive manner. It may be more appropriate that job allocation be undertaken in partnership with institutes and NGOs working with the differently abled. Private sector can also play a catalytic role by undertaking skill development so that job absorption and employability is easier. Vocational training can also help in equipping the differently abled to look at self-employment options. Many persons with disabilities have setup their enterprises and are running them efficiently. The National Handicapped and Finance Development Corporation and other lending agencies should give credit at concessional interest rates and coverage should be expanded.

Changing the attitude of the differently abled, as well as of society towards them presents many challenges. A positive attitude is extremely important. There have been many examples, where with grit and determination, persons with disabilities have been able to breach barriers. From climbing Mt. Everest to composition of music, painting and writing, have been some of their accomplishments. Some apart from overcoming their own impairment, have even invented systems which have been useful for others as well. Louis Braille inventor of the Braille system became blind at the age of three. He invented the Braille system which is now being used worldwide by visually impaired persons for reading and writing. I am sure that many among you have the ability to overcome the impediments of disability and also to be innovative and creative. I encourage you in this effort.

The attitude of society which is reflected in many ways, subtle and sometimes not so subtle, has an impact on the minds of the differently abled. If our attitude is positive and humane, it becomes as once famously said, a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. It is in this caring spirit that society, NGOs and individuals should all come forward to extend support and guidance to the differently abled and their families. Understanding of the ability of the disabled to contribute to society should be inculcated in all sections of society, in particular in the younger generation from an early age. Media, social activists, and NGOs should put success stories into the public arena. These can encourage others to follow suit and also help in keeping the morale high.

Before I conclude, I would like to refer to some important pointers of the 2001 Census which are important for policy makers. There are 93 lakh women with disabilities, constituting about 42 percent of the total differently abled population. Women with disabilities are doubly disadvantaged on account of their gender and their disability. They require special programmes as well as protection against exploitation and abuse. Similarly, 75 percent of persons with disabilities live in rural areas and need attention. Currently, rehabilitation services are largely available in and around urban areas. NGO and service support should be extended to cover uncovered and unserved areas. The aging of the population and attendant disability needs of the elderly will also need to be addressed.

In conclusion, as we strengthen our policy framework, we must reinforce our efforts to have better delivery mechanisms for persons with disabilities, including through effective partnership with private sector and civil society. I once again congratulate the awardees and would like to convey my good wishes for their future. I hope they will inspire many more to come forward to work to make our society more disabled friendly.

Thank You,

Jai Hind.