AWARENESS PROGRAM ON IMPORTANCE OF INCLUSION AT PARO

There are more than one billion people with physical and mental disabilities in the world who must overcome challenges every day. One of those challenges is encountering other people. As a society, we are all different and must recognize the importance of acceptance.

Disability awareness is very important when it comes to breaking stereotypes and overcoming preconceptions regarding disabilities. In this regard on the 7th July Ms. Namgay Om from Ability Bhutan Society and Ms. Melam Zangmo from Disabled Persons Association of Bhutan conducted awareness program on importance of inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Tshento gewog under Paro Dzongkhag. They covered modules like medical and social model, appropriate terminology, Rights of Person with Disabilities, types of disabilities and importance of availing early intervention and medical services. They also sensitize about breaking the attitude barriers and importance of eliminating discrimination against the Persons with Disabilites.

The participants were also from diverse group such as parents of children with disabilities, community members, community leaders, Health Assistant, Police Officer and children. The program was part of their action plan after completion of certificate course in community Initiative in Inclusion.

ADAPT (formerly the Spastics Society of India) have been conducting  a six month course entitled “Community Initiatives in Inclusion” for the Asia Pacific Region for over 15 years. This is a course for Master Trainers and Planners of inclusive community disability services in the Asia Pacific Region sponsored by the Women’s Council, U.K and ADAPT.The course aims to prepare participants to be management personnel, able to run, plan, and to train others to run, community disability services, within an inclusive framework.