Development campaign for differently-abled launched

To ensure equal enjoyment of all constitutional rights by differently abled people in India, a new disability-inclusive development campaign was launched here today.
The 'Development4All' campaign, unveiled by the Australian High Commission in partnership with the Samarthanam Trust for Disabled, aims to support differently abled people by adopting a disability-inclusive approach in the society.
The Australian High Commissioner to India, Harinder Sidhu said that the initiative will help catalyse new partnerships within and between Australia and India.
"In 2016-17 our Direct Aid Program supported 10 disability-inclusive projects across India. I hope this campaign will act as a catalyst for new partnerships and at all levels between government, business and civil society within and between Australia and India," Sidhu said.

The commissioner also said that adopting a disability- inclusive approach in society is critical in ensuring the promotion of human rights, realising the economic potential of society and, importantly, ensuring development for all.
The event also witnessed a panel discussion that discussed the challenges faced by differently-abled people and explored the ways to include them in India's economic development.

Elaborating on the need for good education and a friendly environment for them, Prasanna Kumar Pincha, former Chief Commissioner for persons with disability under the social justice ministry, batted for "accessible" campus at educational institutes.
Pincha, who himself is blind, also pointed out the need to re-structure the curriculum to suit the needs of people belonging to different categories of disabilities.

"What matters to me as a blind person is whether I am getting quality education or not. It bothers me the most.
"The inclusivity of education will remain high on rhetoric and low in substance until and unless both the civil society and government work intendedly," he said.
The Australian High Commission will also partner with local NGOs over the next few months to organise a series of events with an aim to deliver tangible benefits to persons with disabilities.