Bhubaneswar, March 22: The government has identified 10 acres near Jatni where children with disabilities, especially those suffering from genetic disorder Down syndrome, will be engaged to take up various agro-based skills.
To start with, Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Handicapped (VRCH), in association with National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, had launched a programme four months back where around 20 disabled youth and children were engaged in Khandagiri.
"The beneficiaries are already growing vegetables such as coriander, lady's finger, tomatoes and radish in a kitchen garden. They are maintaining all the records of sale and already making profits. Now, that the government has identified the land, the same project will be substituted there. We will include more youths," said rehabilitation officer of VRCH, Ram Kishor Sharma. The youth work for the entire day and also undergo therapy, said Sharma, who was speaking at a programme held here on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day yesterday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities secretary Niten Chandra said: "There are about 100 special schools in the state now and we are planning to come up with more in future," he said.
Down's syndrome is a genetic disorder and individuals with the symptoms display some degree of mental retardation or cognitive disability or other developmental delays. The day aims to raise awareness about what it is all about and how people suffering from it can play vital roles in our lives. The theme of this year's event was "My friends, my community," which urges people to include those suffering from the syndrome in our lives.
Eminent paediatrician Arabinda Mohanty spoke about the need for work inclusion as per abilities. "Early intervention and diagnosis is very important for the development of children having Down syndrome. Such children must be sent to early infant stimulation programmes for better development," said Mohanty adding that parents must provide exposure to the children by taking them out on a regular basis, especially to social functions.
Social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities minister Usha Devi said the state government was committed to address the varied rehabilitation needs of the intellectual disabilities.
The day was observed for the first time in Odisha and was followed by an awareness workshop. A short film on Down syndrome was also showcased. On Sunday, the department had also organised a campaign on down syndrome during Raahgiri where children participated.
