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| Mr. Vashishth conducting the training |
With the goal of promoting greater inclusivity within society, the Office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a One-day Workshop on 'Duties and Responsibilities of Govt. Establishments Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016' conducted by Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth, Director at CABE Foundation, as a resource person among others on September 15, 2023.
The workshop was held in the auditorium of the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Dwarka Sector 10, New Delhi. The objective of this workshop was to provide insights into the obligations and roles delineated in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 for the government establishments.
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| Fig. Banner of the event. |
Government officers from several ministries and departments under the Govt. of India coming from different cities of India participated in the workshop. The workshop was simultaneously interpreted in sign language by a competent interpretor to give n inclusive experience of such sessions. The workshop started off with the first session on disability sensitization with an engaging discussion on the significance of using appropriate language and terminology when addressing individuals with disabilities. It delved into the three prevalent disability models: the charity model, the medical model, and the social model. These models offer distinct perspectives on how society views and interacts with persons with disabilities, highlighting the need for a more empathetic and inclusive approach.
One of the discussions in the workshop was situational and functional disabilities, emphasizing the critical importance of accessibility in diverse settings such as buildings, workplaces, and transportation.
The workshop also emphasized the significance of accommodating accessibility requirements and be aware of subtle ableism at display in our behaviour and attitudes. By doing so, it ensures that people with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of life. This practical insight into the diverse needs of users is essential for promoting inclusivity in our communities.
The workshop was a knowledge-sharing platform that aimed to enhance the duty bearers' understanding of the rights and responsibilities outlined in the 2016 Act. It brought together professionals from various backgrounds to foster a more inclusive and accommodating environment for persons with disabilities. By addressing the intricacies of disability models, language usage, and accessibility challenges, the workshop aimed to pave the way for a more equitable and empathetic society.
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| Group picture of Faculty, the Dy Chief Commissioner for PwDs and Participants |
It also stressed that understanding what is accessible and what is not accessible to persons with disabilities is crucial in fostering an inclusive environment. This awareness extends beyond physical spaces to encompass digital accessibility, ensuring that everyone can access information and technology without barriers.
In addition, it also discussed the legal aspects of accessibility, particularly focusing on sections 40, 41, 42, 44 and 45 of the relevant legislation of accessibility. These sections encompass accessibility in the workplace, transportation, access to information and technology, and the retrofitting of existing infrastructure to make it accessible. By addressing these facets, organizations and individuals can actively contribute to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive society.
Mr. Naresh from the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) conducted the session on the implementation of 4% reservation for different categories of persons with disabilities, particularly providing practice guidance on how to prepare the rosters to ensure the correct application of reservation percentages.
The
session served as an example of light on the path to inclusiveness. It provides
the information and understanding required to build a society in which everyone
is treated with equality and respect. We thank the Office of the Chief
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, for organizing this important awareness raising workshop for the stakeholders.
