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

New Delhi, 3rd December 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to participate in the presentation ceremony of the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Today, we honor differently-abled individuals who motivated by the strength of their indomitable will and their remarkable capacity have made many achievements. Awards have also been given to Institutions, which have made outstanding contributions to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Their work is exemplary and shows sensitivity to the needs of fellow human beings.

3rd December is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities around the world. This year's theme for the International Day is "Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development". This in a way spells out the objective that we hope to achieve, that is, a society in which all individuals, including the differently-abled, are equal shareholders in the creation and the enjoyment of a better life. The key is the creation of conditions and structures of empowerment. Experience has shown that when persons with disabilities are empowered to participate in the process of development on an equal basis with others, the entire community benefits. Therefore, it is imperative that Government and society at large include such persons in all developmental processes - from formulation of policies, programmes and projects, to their implementation and monitoring.

We, as a nation, are committed to the full empowerment of persons with disabilities. The signing and ratification by India of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which came into effect in 2008, symbolizes our resolve to move forward on the agenda to provide differently-abled citizens of our country, with an environment for their full development and equal participation in the life of the nation. Government, after consultation with stakeholders, is in the process of replacing the current Act that deals with issues related to persons with disabilities, with a more comprehensive new legislation.

As policy framework is strengthened, we must reinforce our efforts to have better delivery mechanisms for implementation of schemes and programmes, including through effective partnerships with the private sector and civil society. Effective delivery can be the only way in which we can see smiles on the faces of those affected by disabilities.

While addressing the needs of those with disabilities is important that attention should also be on preventive measures. The possibilities of children in the 0 to 6 age group being afflicted by conditions that can lead to disabilities, can be reduced by precautionary measures such as immunization at the right age, control of diseases and infections, improvement of hygiene, better nutrition and better access to healthcare. Government anganwadi workers should be specially sensitized and trained to identify children with disabilities to facilitate earliest possible intervention.

Beyond prevention, a number of issues are relevant for making the lives of persons with disabilities better. These are areas such as special education and teacher training, use of Science and Technology and innovations, creation of disabled friendly infrastructure, economic empowerment and training for employability. The mainstreaming of the concerns of the differently-abled whether in skill building or education or accessibility is essential for their involvement in the many spheres and activities of a nation and society.

Persons with Disabilities must be enabled through education to get adequate opportunities for gainful employment and status in society. While the goal of inclusive and universal education is being pursued under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, there is also a need to ensure that children with special needs have access to education, by providing the right kind of teaching-learning environment, material in accessible format and barrier-free schools. There is, therefore, an urgent need to train teachers in adequate numbers to provide education to children with disabilities. I am told, the Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLRTC) has been recently established, for the study, academic development and propagation of Indian Sign Language, the foundation for any development of deaf people. I encourage the training institute to work in a speedy manner.

There is need to remove physical barriers that do not allow persons with disabilities to have access to various facilities and services. Various assistive devices are needed to enable them to lead their lives with independence. Simple aids like hearing devices, limb prosthesis, wheelchairs and Braille writing equipment, facilitate mobility and communication, and substantially improve functional capacity. Greater effort needs to be put-in by our innovators and science and technology community, to use their skills to work on indigenous development of such aids, so that they are cheaper and can be widely used. I also believe that both women and elderly persons with disabilities need special consideration. Access to information enhances opportunities for progress. It is absolutely essential to make computer software and accessories available to all persons with disabilities at a reasonable cost.

Economic empowerment of persons with disabilities needs focused attention. Government is mandated to provide reservation in employment to persons with disabilities. All Central Government Ministries and organizations under their control, must take immediate and comprehensive steps to ensure that this is effectively implemented in letter and spirit. Backlog of vacancies in all establishments in the Government Sector should be filled as early as possible. The private sector, as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility, can provide more employment to persons with disabilities, in such occupations where their skills can be utilized. I am proud that we have, here today amongst us, examples of employees with disabilities, who have shown a commendable performance. This shows that they can do it and they need to be applauded for this!

There are shining examples of persons with disabilities, who have lived courageously and with fortitude, overcome their disabilities and showcased their abilities and exceptional talents before the world. One such example was Helen Keller, who was neither blessed with sight nor with hearing. Most others would have been crushed by such an existence. Yet her name is a household name, for which there is great respect. She overcame all odds and these beautiful words of hers capture the essence of her spirit of hope, "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."

In conclusion, I congratulate the awardees and convey my best wishes to them for the future. My special good wishes to those awardees with disabilities - your awards make us all proud, and you represent the spirit of hope, so essential for any society to progress. I am sure many will be inspired. Also award winning institutions, have demonstrated dedication and commitment, and this should encourage others to come forward, and work tirelessly in our effort to make our society more disabled friendly. Let us all on this occasion, pledge to work towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Thank you.

Jai Hind!