IMPHAL, October 17: A 15 day workshop on Barrier Free Campaign organised by the Handicapped Development Foundation (HDF) under the theme `Let us smile together, let us work together`\u2122 was inaugurated at the Manipur Press Club today.<\/p>\n
Speaking as the chief guest, Disability commissioner L Ibomcha Singh said attitudinal barriers that often lead to discrimination cannot be overcome simply through laws.<\/p>\n
The best remedy is familiarity, getting people with and without disability to mingle as co-workers, associates and social acquaintance and eventually most of the attitudes will give way to comfort, respect and friendship, he added.<\/p>\n
He also stated that laws assuring the participation of persons with disabilities in offices or organisations to develop society where each and every person should avail equal opportunities must be implemented.<\/p>\n
Opportunities lost and non participation is not only a loss for the individual but also a loss for the society, he stressed.<\/p>\n
Ibomcha Singh further asserted that society needed to understand why and how barriers must be removed to bring equality for all.<\/p>\n
Delivering the keynote address, HDF general secretary Dr S Jasobanta Singh said a barrier free environment is one in which people can move around safely, independently and without restrictions.<\/p>\n
Accentuating the importance of a barrier free society which can fulfil the needs of all the people equally, he said the necessity for a barrier free environment needs to be highlighted as it concerns not only persons with disabilities but all sections of the society to improve the situation.<\/p>\n
The fourth edition of the journal `Matamgi Shingnaba`\u009d and a leaflet of the Barrier Free Campaign was also released by the chief guest and post metric scholarships for persons with disabilities for the academic year 2014-2015 was also handed out to the students.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, SSA state coordinator Joyrani spoke on `Accessibility in the educational institution`\u2122 while rehabilitation psychologist at the office of the State commissioner for persons with disabilities, L Dhaneshwor Singh dwelt at length on `The role of society to promote barrier free environment as AMJWU vice-president Ratan Luwangcha spoke on `the role of media to promote barrier free environment`\u009d as resource persons.<\/p>\n
A traffic police official highlighted the role of the traffic police in promoting a barrier free environment.<\/p>\n
Retired Art and Culture joint director Sapam Bheigya Singh and HD chairman Dr Ch Rupachandra Singh also graced the function as the guest of honour and president.<\/p>\n\n