Improve facilities for socio-economic rehabilitation of PwDs: Study
| Date :15-Aug-2019 |
Dr Ashwini Meshram
By Ajay Mardikar:
Disability is not just a health problem. It is a complex phenomenon, reflecting interaction between features of the handicapped person and features of the society in which he/she lives. The efforts on the part of the government, so far, have failed to bring them in the mainstream. Institutions taking care of the handicapped (Persons with Disabilities -- PwDs) have made some efforts to educate them. They have not been able to completely rehabilitate them for leading a dignified life. Both the disabled and the society are responsible for it. Dr Ashwini Meshram has carried out a study on a portion of the issues involving the Persons with Disabilities (PwD). She has carried out research comparing three important institutions in Maharashtra working for the orthopaedically handicapped.
She was awarded PhD by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University for her study, recently. The research was carried out under the guidance of Dr Shribala Deshpande of Department of Home Science, Porwal College, Kamptee in Nagpur district. Helpers of the Handicapped, Kolhapur; Matru Seva Sangh, Nagpur and Home for the Aged and Handicapped, Nagpur were selected as sample for the study. Helpers of the Handicapped (HOH) institution in Kolhapur has taken special efforts for economic rehabilitation the handicapped, the study revealed.
Facilities including educational, sports, accommodation etc are better, compared to the institutions in Nagpur. The institution, besides providing education with modern facilities of computers, undertakes economic activities like farming and vocational workshops. cashew cultivation, proper packing and supply to various agencies and also exporting it has helped economic rehabilitation of the PwD. The entire premises, including the playground is ‘Hurdle-free’.
Though most of the facilities in Matru Seva Sangh (MSS) and Home for Aged and Handicapped (HAH) are similar to those in HOH, the researcher has suggested upgradation of these facilities. Education on modern parameters, modern equipment for medical treatment, improvement economic rehabilitation activities have been recommended. Dr Meshram has also laid emphasis on the part of the government to adequately support the efforts of social institutions. The discrimination against the disabled can be removed only after proper economic rehabilitation. Besides generating awareness in the society, building confidence of the disabled is necessary for helping them to lead a dignified life.
Major suggestions
Modify accommodation facilities according to the category of deformity in inmates
MSS and HAH, Nagpur should improve their educational standard and provide advanced technological facilities to inmates
Teachers and caretakers should motivate the inmates for taking active interest in reading books, newspapers and keep themselves updated
Careful attention by physiotherapists to prevent accidents
Inmates should be able to freely express their personal problems with teachers or caretakers without any hesitation
Exposure for social development, vocational guidance for raising confidence of inmates
Inspire inmates to take part in various activities
MSS and HAH should adopt new technology and innovative teaching aids, advanced medical equipment, create awareness for overall development of inmates
Increase social and intellectual activities for building confidence to stand in the society of normal persons
Organise programmes to remove discrimination against the handicapped
A special subject on disabilities should be included in school and college curriculum
provide information about government schemes and job opportunities, reservation etc
All public places and public transports system should be made accessible to the disabled
Toilets for the handicapped should be mandatory at all public places, including railways