NEW DELHI: Terming differently abled persons as "assets" to society, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Sunday hailed their determination to overcome disabilities and lead an exemplary life for others to emulate.

"Special people are assets because in spite of their problems they radiate confidence and inspire all of us," he said after presenting the National Awards for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities 2006 at a function here to mark International Day of Disabled Persons.

Will power

Recounting his experiences with differently-abled people in several States, Mr. Kalam told an excited audience — comprising mostly hearing and visually impaired persons — how through their will power they managed to conquer their disability and lead near normal lives.

Complimenting some disabled persons for using technology to overcome their problems, Mr. Kalam said: "We have examples of differently-abled people in coping with challenges and showing endurance. While researches on genes should lead to more and more preventive and curative actions, we need to avoid needless disability due to human violence."

The President felicitated various individuals and institutions from across the country working for the welfare of persons with disabilities and pointed out that it was important to recognise the outstanding work of the placement agencies and employers who offered work to these people.

He expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the welfare of disabled persons since last year.

"Last year, there was a request for inclusion of certain categories of mentally-challenged persons for filling up the reserved vacancies in government establishments. I am happy it is under examination. A committee under the chairmanship of Director General of Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is working out methods to simplify the procedure for disability certification," Mr. Kalam said.

Three-point oath

The President made the special people take a three-point oath, pledging to be resolute, believe in themselves and gain knowledge to tide over any kind of disability.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar said she had appointed a commissioner in all States and Union Territories to facilitate the employment of disabled persons under the reserved jobs' category.

"A national policy for disabled persons has been formulated and we are working on how to implement it with other stakeholders like the civil society, other Central Government departments and State Governments," she said.

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