6th National Abilympics and National Conference on Disability to bring spotlight on inclusivity of differently-abled

6th National Abilympics and National Conference on Disability to bring spotlight on inclusivity of differently-abled

Date and venue: 15th and 16th November at All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Campus, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

For participation, registration and support, please visit www.abilympicsindia.org.

“We are all unique in our own ways, undefined by our disabilities!” That was a clear message that emanated from Abilympics 2019 that offered a unique platform for hundreds of Persons with Disability (PwD) for demonstrating their skills across the country. Abilympics, which stands for Olympics of Abilities, has been successful in encouraging differently-abled people to come forward and be a part of the mainstream. This year, Regional Abilympics were held in four major cities – North Zone (New Delhi), the South Zone (Chennai), East Zone (Kolkata) and the West Zone (Mumbai). Now, taking the baton forward, the 6th National Conference on Disability & 6th National Abilympics 2019 will be organized by the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI), under the aegis of Sarthak Educational Trust, on November 15 and 16 at the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Campus, Nelson Mandela Marg, New Delhi.

Abilympics winners to participate in International Abilympics in Russia

The National Job Fair for People with Disabilities to attract over 400 Divyangjan

To be inaugurated by Chief Guest, Dr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Guest of Honour Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Mr. Edgard D. Kagan, Deputy Chief Mission, the United States of America, the 2-day mega event will see over 50 PwDs (23 Gold & 28 Silver medalists), from across the country competing to secure a coveted place at the International Abilympics to be held in Russia in 2020-21.

The National Abilympics 2019 will be spread across 10 vocational skills under the trades of ICT (Character Designing, Desktop Publishing, and E Sports), Crafts (Floral Arrangement), Food (Cooking and Bakery), Services (Jewelry Making, Tailoring/Dress Making, and Beauty Therapy), and Architecture designing through CAD.

Alongside the two mega events, the 150th edition of the National Job Fair for Persons with Disabilities will also be organized on the 16 November, which will provide an excellent platform for PwDs for recruitments in different job roles in varied sectors with the support of Corporate Partners. This will also help with cross-learning, Ideation and Planning for furthering the prospects of Employment of PwDs.

Related article: 60 Youth with disabilities bag jobs with renowned brands at first ever Regional Abilympics in Mumbai – Read more: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/60-youth-with-disabilities-bag-jobs-with-renowned-brands-at-first-ever-regional-abilympics-in-mumbai/

The 6th National Conference on Disability is also packed with various interesting sessions by senior politicians, bureaucrats, CSR leaders, Corporate, Champions with Disability and Senior Media Persons. It is aimed at exploring the prospects and strategies to create a supportive environment for PwDs through enriching sessions like The Disability Inclusion Advantage, Early Intervention & Inclusive education for Children with Special needs in India, Accessibility-Still a barrier for PwDs, Government & International Panel-Assessing Disability as a Cross-Cutting Issue in Development, Enhancing the Voice, Changing the World – Media’s Portrayal of PwDs, CSR Panel- Triggering the Change – Government and CSR support system for Disability.

The first National Conference on Disability was inaugurated by former Hon’ble President of India, Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2014. Since then it has become one of the most important events for bringing spotlight on issues of disability in India. The previous conferences have witnessed presence of 700+ policy makers, planners, innovators and implementers.

The Founder & CEO, Sarthak & Secretary General- NAAI, Dr. Jitender Aggarwal started the organization after realizing the difficulties faced by disabled people when he himself lost his eyesight because of macular degeneration. He said, “Abilympics have been the Olympics showcasing the abilities and tremendous competitive zeal of PwDs. They have also been a platform for all of us in the civil society to question why in spite of being blessed with such mesmerizing talents PwDs are labeled as disabled?”

“The National Action Plan of the government is aimed at training 22 lakh disabled people by 2022, but only 1 lakh people have been trained so far. The government must put in more effort in existing plans instead of implementing new ones.” Dr. Aggrawal added.

The event will also see the launch of several government affiliated portals targeted at Divyangjan to address the challenge of disability inclusion in the country.