PM Modi to distribute aids, assistive devices to disabled on birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute aids and assistive devices to the disabled at the Samajik Adikarita Shivir organised by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and & Empowerment in Gujarat's Navsari district on his birthday on September 17.

Gujarat Governor O.P. Kohli, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Minister for of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot and other dignitaries will also grace the occasion.

More than 11000 persons with disabilities beneficiaries will be provided free-of-cost assistive equipment worth approximately Rs. 10.74 crores and certificate etc.

This camp also holds the prospect of entering the 'Guiness Book World Records' in three categories namely most people fitted with hearing aid in eight hours, Largest wheelchair logo/image and most oil lamps lit simultaneously - single venue.

The DEPwD has a vision of building an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.

The scheme of assistance to disabled Persons for Purchase/Fittings of Aids/Appliances (ADIP Scheme) is in operation since 1981 with the main objective to provide grants-in-aid to the various implementing agencies (National Institutes/ Composite Regional Centres/Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)/District Disability Rehabilitation Centres/State Handicapped Development Corporations/other local bodies/ NGOs) to assist the needy divyangjan in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances to promote physical, social and psychological rehabilitation of divyangjan by reducing the effects of disabilities and at the same time enhance their economic potential. The scheme also envisages conduct of corrective surgeries, whenever required, before providing an assistive device. The Scheme has been revised w.e.f.1.4.2014.

The ADIP Camps have been scheduled regularly across different parts of the country and have taken the message of 'Disability Empowerment' so far and wide.