SRINAGAR, AUGUST 04: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Tuesday inaugurated Foundation Course in Computers and Employability for persons with visual impairment related challenges and Special Workshop for students with speaking & hearing challenges organized by Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), at its Bemina campus in collaboration with EnAble India and the University of Kashmir.
The Deputy Commissioner attended the inaugural ceremony as a Chief Guest, while Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Dean, Students Welfare, Kashmir University, Prof. Seema Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tahir Sajad District Social Welfare Officer, Mohammad Yousuf, Tehsildar Shalteng, Rayees Ahmad, President, Voluntary Medicare Society, Dr Mir Mohammad Maqbool, Vice President, VMS, Prof. Masooda Yasin were present on the occasion.
After inaugurating the Workshop and Foundation Course for persons with visual impairment challenges, the Deputy Commissioner visited the various sections of the VMS campus including rehabilitation, education, therapy and vocational units where he interacted with students, beneficiaries and staff members.
Addressing the workshop, the DC said that the persons with special abilities possess immense talent and potential and deserve equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. He emphasized the need to strengthen facilities and support systems for persons with special abilities and assured the district administration’s full support in addressing their educational, vocational and developmental needs, enabling them to lead lives of dignity and independence.
The DC underlined that the District Administration is exploring the establishment of higher education facilities, vocational training and skill development programmes to expand educational opportunities and improve employment prospects for persons with special abilities. He also emphasized the need to strengthen accessibility infrastructure, enhance inter-departmental coordination, expand support services for children with hearing and speech impairment related challenges, promote recreational opportunities and ensure the availability of sign language resource persons to foster greater inclusion and empowerment.
The DC commended the Voluntary Medicare Society for its longstanding contribution towards the rehabilitation, education and empowerment of persons with special abilities. He also appreciated the organization’s collaboration with EnAble India in introducing innovative, technology-driven interventions.
Earlier, VMS President Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool highlighted the Society’s five-decade journey of serving persons with special abilities and underscored the importance of partnerships in promoting inclusive rehabilitation and education.
VMS Vice President Prof. Masooda Yasin reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to creating equal opportunities through innovation, collaboration and inclusive practices while appreciating the support extended by the District administration and the University of Kashmir.
Speakers from EnAble India and the University of Kashmir emphasized the significance of capacity-building initiatives and IT-based training for students with disabilities.
During the programme, AI-enabled assistive devices, including Pro Smart Glasses and Smart Mobility Canes, were distributed among students with visual impairment challenges to enhance accessibility, independence and inclusion.
The event was attended by Secretary, VMS from Dr. Farooq A. Kaloo, Special Guest EnAble India, Dr. Alim Chandani, besides enthusiastic participation of senior academicians from the University of Kashmir, representatives of EnAble India and Hear A Million, rehabilitation professionals, partner organizations, students, parents and members of civil society.
