Tamil Nadu has been recognized as the ‘Best State in promoting Empowerment of persons with Disability’. It has received an award for the same on 10th December, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, at a ceremony in Delhi which is to be held by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
M.K. Stalin told that the president would present the award to the State.
“Six differently-abled citizens from Tamil Nadu would also be presented with awards by the President for their exemplary service. Mr. Stalin said the Tamil Nadu Government would show additional focus on the education and employment of differently-abled persons to improve their standard of living”, the C.M. said in a statement.
In the last two years, the State Commissionarate for Welfare of the Differently Abled has concentrated on helping those with disabilities alleviate the impact of the pandemic.
State Commissioner for Welfare of the Differently Abled, Johny Tom Varghese said, “We launched a door-to-door campaign during the lockdown to ensure that essentials are delivered to persons with disabilities. Apart from those already identified by the Department, we also reached out to people who were not in our records, through a local network of officials and volunteers up”.
Amidst the newer initiative, a Differently Abled Employment and Livelihood Centre(DELC) has been set up which aims to boost the skills, socio-economic status, and livelihood of persons with disabilities.
“The centre will act as a platform to connect persons with disabilities with prospective employers, and will work closely with the Skill Development Mission to conduct programmes”, said Varghese.
Other than providing cash assistance and medicines, providing access to medical equipment, and ensuring online physiotherapy sessions, the state kick-started a home vaccination drive for the disabled. Mr. Varghese told that as per their records they were able to cover 70% of the adult population with disabilities in the state.
The state commission will work on the implementation of the equality policy, which focuses to provide more opportunities to people and making workplaces accessible
They will aim on ensuring employability and job opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Salem district will be getting an award for the best district in providing rehabilitation services. It is among the two districts in the country getting the award.
