International Day of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD) is annually observed on 3rd December around the world. The theme for the year 2019 is, “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda.” The theme focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as envisaged in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which pledges to ‘leave no one behind’ and recognizes disability as a cross-cutting issue, to be considered in the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, CCI and DSWO took the initiative to observe this day at the district level at DTC Hall, Tuibuong, Churachandpur. With the initiative of the organizers, all organizations dealing with persons with disabilities were consulted and engaged accordingly. The program was attended by DC, DLOs, Parents, DSWO, SPDPO, CDDU, JVS/LF Mercy Home, GMDI, CCI and PwDs. The day was graced by Mr Pawan Yadav, IAS Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur and Additional Superintendent of Police Ms Haokip. All Persons with disability were presented gift to show love and to remind them that they are special in their own way. Performance shown by PwDs mesmerized the audience, as they put in their best foot forward, it influenced all the parents, invitees and participants that everyone can do something if given proper support and love.
Saathi (walking cane) for Visual Impaired distribution was also done. Walking cane demonstration and distribution to the beneficiaries was done by Dr. Sapam Jaswanta, person with Visual Impairment, Director of Handicapped Development Foundation, Manipur (HDFM), Imphal.
