DC Srinagar inaugurates Foundation Course & Workshop for specially abled at VMS

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 04 (STC): A Foundation course in Computers and Employability for persons with visual impairment related challenges and Special Workshop for students with speaking & hearing challenges organized by Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Tuesday inaugurated here today. EnAble India and the University of Kashmir are collaborating in the initiative.
Addressing the workshop as chief guest, the DC said that the persons with special abilities possess immense talent and potential and deserve equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. He emphasized the need to strengthen facilities and support systems for persons with special abilities and assured the district administration’s full support in addressing their educational, vocational and developmental needs, enabling them to lead lives of dignity and independence.
The DC underlined that the District Administration is exploring the establishment of higher education facilities, vocational training and skill development programmes to expand educational opportunities and improve employment prospects for persons with special abilities. He also emphasized the need to strengthen accessibility infrastructure, enhance inter-departmental coordination, expand support services for children with hearing and speech impairment related challenges, promote recreational opportunities and ensure the availability of sign language resource persons to foster greater inclusion and empowerment.
The DC commended the Voluntary Medicare Society for its longstanding contribution towards the rehabilitation, education and empowerment of persons with special abilities.
Earlier, VMS President Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool highlighted the Society’s five-decade journey of serving persons with special abilities and underscored the importance of partnerships in promoting inclusive rehabilitation and education.
Speakers from EnAble India and the University of Kashmir emphasized the significance of capacity-building initiatives and IT-based training for students with disabilities.
During the programme, AI-enabled assistive devices, including Pro Smart Glasses and Smart Mobility Canes, were distributed among students with visual impairment challenges to enhance accessibility, independence and inclusion.
The event was attended by Secretary, VMS from Dr. Farooq A. Kaloo, Special Guest EnAble India, Dr. Alim Chandani, besides enthusiastic participation of senior academicians from the University of Kashmir, representatives of EnAble India and Hear A Million, rehabilitation professionals, partner organizations, students, parents and members of civil society.
(Straight Talk Communications)