Srinagar, July 17: At a day-long workshop on ‘disability’, a number of participants Tuesday urged the J&K Government and Non Governmental Organizations to ensure effective implementation of the ‘inclusive education system’ for children with disability to make them independent.
 The workshop titled ‘Enhanced Role of Media in Disability Inclusion’ was conducted by the Handicap International in association with Hope Disability Center. The participants stressed on the need for change in attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers to make effective inclusion of disabled persons within the society.
 “Disabled people are one of the most marginalized, socially excluded and poorest groups in Jammu and Kashmir. It is estimated that there is approximately two percent of the population which is disabled in the state although there are no real reliable statistics to verify this,” said Sami Wani, Director, Hope Disability Center.
 Wani said the workshop sought to create awareness among media persons on disability issues. “It is aimed at providing a useful platform to share good practices and experiences about the issue,” he said.
 The workshop demonstrated the importance of continuous training for journalists to help them report regularly about the difficulties faced by disabled persons in absence of ‘inclusive facilities’, said a senior journalist working with a Delhi-based daily.
 Participants were drawn from various media organizations, both print and electronic, from all corners of the state.
 In the workshop series of presentations were made on different issues.
 These were followed by plenary discussions and special activities for participants and inform journalists and NGOs on key issues that needed to be addressed to improve media reporting on disability issues.
 Archana Shrivastava, a Development Consultant and facilitator of the workshop said the media had a role to highlight issues of disabled people and in educating the communities on how to change society’s perceptions and develop a society which is equal for all.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST