Day of Disabled People observed across country
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—The International Day of Disabled observed across the country on Sunday.
The UN General Assembly decided on the World Programme of Action for Disabled People on December 3, 1982. While, the International Day of Disabled, was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992.
This year, the theme for the day is “E-Accessibility”. People with disabilities do not enjoy access to information and communication technologies to the same extent as non-disabled people. The prime objective of the annual day was; to promote full participation of disabled in social life and development as well as prevention and rehabilitation measures.
In Pakistan, policies and strategies to bring persons with disabilities into social and economic mainstream increasingly are recognised as superior from both an economic and a social perspective because of focus on strengthening capacities of persons with disabilities to make economic contributions. The systematic care of persons with disabilities was brought into focus in the 1980s with the observance of 1982 as the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons.
The government, under the leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf, has finalised the first “National Policy For Persons with Disabilities” aimed at bringing social revolution in the country. In this regard, Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education has set up over 54 Special Education Centres and 12 Special Institutions for the rehabilitation of special people.
The National Plan of Action, to implement the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, has been launched in April, 2006 by the Directorate General of Special Education. Besides other part of the country, Minister of Social Welfare and Special Education in collaboration with concerned organizations of persons with disability including Milestone and Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) has arranged a number of activities in federal capital to mark the day in befitting manners.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has inaugurated ceremony of the 3rd World Cup Cricket for the Blind here at National Library and said the visionary impaired persons are very important segment of the society, therefore, they should be given full attention. Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, Zobaida Jalal, also in a message, said the government was committed for the welfare and rehabilitation of special persons, as they are important part of the society.
She said the need to make special provision for those members of the community who suffer from the effects of disabilities has long been recognized in the country. A walk in connection with “International Day of Disabled” was also held here from China Chowk to Parliament House.
People from all walks of life including officials and children of a special school participated in the walk. During the walk, the speakers emphasised the need for creating awareness and understanding about disability issues and trends.
International Islamic Medical Trust handed over modern wheelchairs to the government department as a gift to facilitate needy persons at various railways stations. STEP in collaboration with Ministry would organize a seminar entitled “E-Accessibility” here at National Institute of Special Education, on Monday to highlight the importance of e-accessibility.
Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, Zobaida Jalal and other senior officials and representatives from various NGOs would attend the event.