NEW DELHI: The Society for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies has welcomed the Union Cabinet approval for the National Policy on Disability which "marks a departure from earlier such policies as the thrust in it is on ensuring equal opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention facilities to the disabled".

In a statement, the honorary president of the Society, G.N. Karna, said that under the policy approved this past week, the Union Government is poised to set in place a mechanism to ensure equal opportunities for the disabled. The policy, he said, is also designed to set up mechanisms for promotion and protection of rights of persons with disabilities and to provide them equal opportunity to participate fully in society thereby enhancing their dignity and self-respect.

"The policy focuses on prevention of disabilities, rehabilitation measures, early detection and intervention, provision for supportive devices and development of rehabilitation professionals,'' he said. It also lays emphasis on education and economic empowerment through self-employment, creation of a barrier-free environment and social security.

The other major highlights of the police are promotion of teaching and research in the area of disability studies by setting up departments or centres of disability studies in colleges in university as also instituting Rajiv Gandhi chairs in disability studies in universities.

Describing this step of the Centre as "a landmark in disability rights movement in a country with the largest population of the persons with disabilities", Dr. Karna said in India 10 per cent of the population comes under the category and so the new policy could go a long way in transforming the societal attitude towards such persons.

The society will organise a national symposium in February and would request President A.P.J. Abdul Kalamto attend the symposium, Dr. Karna said.

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