Odisha Rising Foundation-ORF’s Post

Under the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), the Salumbar district administration in Rajasthan has achieved remarkable progress in creating an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. Over 1,000 government buildings have been made accessible with ramps, lifts, and other facilities. Comprehensive house-to-house surveys have helped issue 5,900 disability certificates and 4,400 UDID cards to empower individuals. Collaboration with NGOs and various departments has fostered better accessibility and awareness within the community. For its outstanding work in promoting accessibility and inclusion, Salumbar District Administration is honored with the National Award-2024 for Excellence in Implementing the Accessible India Campaign. #EmpoweringDivyangjan_EmpoweringIndia #IDPD2024 #NationalAward2024 #CelebratingInclusion MyGov India Press Information Bureau - India

Sightsavers India, in collaboration with the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Odisha, and partners, marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a three-day event at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar. The event was inaugurated by Honourable Deputy CM Shree K.V. Singhdeo. Ms. Aloka Guha, Founder-Chairperson of the National Trust, MSJE, and Dr Uday Prakash Warunjikar, Vice President of the Bar Association of India were some of the distinguished speakers. Highlights included: - A workshop on Leadership & Innovation for Persons with Disabilities. - Eye screenings were conducted by Mobile Eye Care Van under our Urban Eye Health Programme, ensuring accessible eye health. - The launch of a booklet featuring inspiring stories of inclusion champions from Odisha. #collaboration #inclusion #eyehealth

Dr. Virendra Kumar to preside over signing of MoUs between DEPwD with various startups and private organizations, in New Delhi on 22nd July, 2024 Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar will preside over the MoU signing ceremony between National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) of D/o Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) with various startups and private organizations. Over 70 MoUs will be signed, both physically and virtually, across multiple disability sectors symbolizing a significant step towards fostering an inclusive society. The event would be organised by DEPwD in New Delhi on 22nd July, 2024. These collaborations are not merely formal agreements but strategic alliances that bring tangible benefits to Divyangjan across various sectors. This effort will establish milestones and make significant strides in building a society where everyone can lead a life of dignity and fulfillment. Dr. Virendra Kumar MyGov India Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities, Patna (CRC, Patna) #socialjusticeandempowerment #mirabiliabusinessmagazine

EnAble India featured on NDTV!! Watch the video to learn more about why, how and what we do!! Shanti Raghavan Dipesh Sutariya NDTV #DisabilityInclusion #JobsForAll #LivelihoodsWithDignity #PersonsWithDisabilities #Accessibility #Livelihoods

Several significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in New Delhi between the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun, under the Divyang Empowerment, and various non-governmental organizations working towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). These MoUs, signed with six organizations across the country, aim to foster collaboration in key areas such as the use of modern technology, artificial intelligence, psychological support, protection against online fraud, accessibility in technological applications, utilization of modern teaching and learning materials, and technical training for teachers working in special education. On the occasion, Shri. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, said, "Today marks an important milestone, and we are confident that the positive impact of these collaborations will be evident in the lives of Divyangjan in the near future." This partnership represents a major step towards enhancing the capabilities and well-being of persons with disabilities by ensuring their access to vital resources and support. MyGov India Press Information Bureau - India #InclusiveIndia #EmpoweringDivyangjan #Empowerment #DisabilityAwareness

One Minute Story: I participated in the 2019 Airtel Delhi Marathon as a disabled athlete and was invited to a special lunch for guests on the second floor of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Unfortunately, the lift wasn't working, and we (I and other distinguished achievers with disability) had to wait for it to be fixed. While waiting, a politician who had previously served as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistic and Implementation as well as Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports made an insensitive comment about using the stairs or escalator instead. He also said, “If Arunima Sinha, an amputee can climb Mt. Everest why you can’t use stairs.” He was arrogant and unapologetic about it. I reminded him that people with disabilities cannot use stairs and escalators, and I was ready to argue with him but he left quickly when he sensed the risk to his reputation as I was clearly agitated and there was a media presence around. We must prioritize the implementation of better policies and action plans for people with disabilities. Mere lip service won't do. Empathy and sensitization workshops for politicians in decision-making positions are needed, and we must demand that they attend. Terms like "Divyang" or "Specially abled" are just an attempt to show off political correctness without any real action. We need concrete action and change, not merely empty promises. Our voices must be heard, and we must demand the necessary changes to support and empower people with disabilities. #generalelections2024 #inclusionforpwd #disabilityinclusion #sensitizationtraining #empathy

Going Forward : commitment to the future of Disability Rights. Wrapping up 2024 with some important milestones! - ‘Strategic Actions to Build Resilience for All’. SMRC completed the study supported by National Institute of Urban Affairs which looks at the impacts of disasters on vulnerable groups in the urban areas of Ganjam District, Odisha, India. The study investigated the profound impacts of climate change-related disasters on persons with disabilities. Odisha was selected as it is subjected to extreme climate change and intensified disasters. It was assessed through pre-project findings by SMRC that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected, and data collection is required. A mapping of disasters and their impact was carried out. The second part of the project focused on the use of Universal Design, specifically accessibility to shelters and mapping safe routes. Persons with disabilities from Berhampur and Gopalpur contributed to this process. #DisasterRiskReduction #ClimateChange #DisabilityInclusion #WomenWithDisabilities Asha Hans Reena Mohanty Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Center (SMRC) National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) Kanika B.

Meet Prof. Mukta Kulkarni from the OB & HRM Area, whose extensive body of work in #DisabilityAdvocacy has inspired reform in government policy & organizational practices, as well as in disability research & academia. Prof. Mukta’s research offers a systemic review on the treatment of persons with disabilities in workplaces, and how "treatment" is often a product of uninformed and harmful stigma. Her crucial accessibility interventions have led her to serve as the ‘Mphasis Chair for Digital Accessibility and Inclusion’, at IIM Bangalore. Prof. Mukta has also served as a Member, Confederation of Indian Industry - National Committee on Special Abilities. She has authored reports on disability for The National Trust, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India; and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in Karnataka. She is also currently a member of EnAble India’s Advisory Board. #IIMB #iimBforBreakingBarriers #Accessibility #Inclusion #DisabilitySupport #AbilityInDisability #AccessibleLearning #FacultySpotlight

Disability pension should be linked to inflammation. Preferably, the government should be pressed more to create accessible infrastructure and work opportunities for disabled persons so that disability pensions do not become a financial necessity. Earning a living always gives dignity and pride. Every disabled person should voice their problems and expectations so that the authorities can be pressured to act. #pmo #cmo #disbilityempowerment #PWDs

🤔 What happens when 'reasonable accommodation' isn't enough to secure fundamental rights? New research from NALSAR's Centre for Disability Studies paints a sobering picture of accessibility gaps in India. From education to employment to democratic participation, the "Finding Sizes for All" report reveals how temporary fixes and partial solutions continue to exclude millions of persons with disabilities from full participation in society. But there's hope. Learn how mandatory standards and universal design could transform India's accessibility landscape. Read more to discover why making spaces truly inclusive isn't just right—it's essential for everyone. #Accessibility #Inclusion #DisabilityRights #UniversalDesign #SocialImpact #India