December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and on this Day WHO joins other partners around the world to celebrate a day for all. More than 1 billion people experience disability, and this figure is predicted to rise, due in part to population ageing and an increase in the prevalence of non communicable diseases. Despite this, few countries have adequate mechanisms in place to respond fully to the health priorities and requirements of persons with disabilities. While disability correlates with disadvantage, not all people with disabilities are equally disadvantaged. Much depends on the context in which they live, and whether they have equal access to health, education and employment, among others. As governments and the international community continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and chart a course forward, it is essential that disability inclusion is central to health system planning, development, and decision making. Strong, effective health systems support robust health emergencies management. WHO is committed to supporting Member States and development partners to fulfill their commitment to leave no one behind, by addressing disability inclusion in the health sector, including as part of our efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we are celebrating the challenges, barriers and opportunities for people who live with disabilities, in the context of a global pandemic. Since March 2020, every person on earth has been impacted by drastic political, social and economic change as a result of domestic and international responses to COVID-19.This year; International Day of People with Disabilities should be used to recognise that people who live with disabilities are among the most affected populations amid the COVID pandemic. Where marginalisation, discrimination, vulnerability and exploitation are every day factors for many people, the increased risk of poor outcomes have been magnified with the reduced access to routine health care and rehabilitation services, more pronounced social isolation, poorly tailored public health messaging, inadequately constructed mental health services, and a lack of emergency preparedness for people with special needs. We call on domestic and international public health officials, political representatives, advocates, supporters, and every citizen in every community, to learn from the experiences of people living with disabilities during this pandemic, and push for more meaningful investments into the socioeconomic building blocks which will reduce the barriers faced by people with disabilities in every community on earth.*The 3rd of December is observed annually as the International Day of Disabled Persons, also called the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD).The objective of the day is to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, Until you have a kid with special needs you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness. Parents of children with* *special needs create their own world of happiness and believe*in things that others cannot yet see. CWSN are we and we have to remain stand by at the back of CWSN. When you focus on someone’s disability you’ll overlook their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. Once you learn to accept and love them for who they are, you subconsciously learn to love yourself unconditionally. In India, world disability day was also celebrated in almost all states with enthusiasm. Being a teacher I would like to mention here about my zone where the same was observed with utmost importance. In Kupwara district WDD was celebrated on district level and in my zone at zonal level. On the occasion, it was believed that people with disabilities should not be underestimated at any cost. Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality, world Disability day was observed by Zonal education officer Mawer in BMS Qalamabad.
The proceeding was done by the recitation of Holy Qura’n by one of a SWSN namely Seerat Hmaid. After recitation of Holy verses of Qura’n Naat e shareef was presented by another CWSN namely Khushboo Akhter. Many dignitaries were present on the day including ,Mr.Ghulam Hassan Mir, Headmaster HS Nowgam,*Head master BMS Qalamabad Mr.Farooq Ahmad malik ,Muneer Ahmad Khan,Sr.Assistant Mr.Zaffar Ali khan,Deo Tariq Ahmad Sheikh ,ZRP Mr .Mohsin Ahsan War,Crp Mr. Javid Iqbal Mir, and ZNO Mr. Jawaid Iqbal Bhat and so on. After Naat e Shareef ,a number of grout songs were presented by our beloved children ,Skills like dancing and Painting were a major part of the program. Many CWSN showed their skills in singing, dancing .Children were feeling it like home, being happy in a get together. Many speeches were given by children who were mainly focusing teaching learning process. On the occasion ZEO Mawer Mohd Maqbool lone was the chief guest. While speaking on the occasion ZEO Mawer Mohd Maqbool Lone shared his views in an attractive manner. Worthy ZEO sir laid emphasis on the objective of the day that it’s is to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, Until we have a kid with special needs we have no idea of the depth of our strength, tenacity and resourcefulness. Parents of children with special needs create their own. CWSN are we and we have to remain stand by at the back of CWSN. When you focus on someone’s disability you’ll overlook their abilities, beauty and uniqueness. Once you learn to accept and love them for who they are, you subconsciously learn to love yourself unconditionally. At last the program was hailed by all especially by the parents and guests. Prizes were distributed to children and Ist position holder was Snober Jan from Yahama school and second position was given to Ikhlas ahmad from Hs Nowgam.
(The author is a teacher at Education Zone Mawar in Handwara area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Views are his own)
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