AT NIDM NEW DELHI FOR DISASTERS & DISABILITY

Dear All

It is well known info that National Institute of Disaster Management, New Delhi works for the Disasters both for management and mitigations. Slowly natural disasters are lowering and man made are alarming. During Disasters, Disability is one of the key issue which needs to be addressed on priority basis.

Keeping this in view, NIDM has conducted training programme entitled "People with Disabilities in Disasters" during 18th to 22nd July 2011 for the government stakeholders covering major part of India. For this, i had an opportunity to be the Resource person with the specific topics like:

1) Disaster Shelter Management (SDM)for People with Disabilities &

2) Mainstreaming disaster issues into the Community Based Rehabilitation(CBR) of
disabled people.

Accordingly, i visited NIDM, New Delhi on 21st and made presentations on the above cited topics. It was quite interesting and participants were interactive and got motivated to carry forward the concepts of Barrier Free Environment (BFE) and Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR). These two aspects are mandatory in view of UNCRPD. The good beginning made on this day will continue to put the concepts in to reality at all levels. The concept of Universal Design (UD)and Access Audit guides to create the BEF and thus enhances the access in respect of physical and technological side. The change in attitude of the concerned stakeholders will lead for miracles and thus to minimize the impact of disasters for in all in general and particularly the vulnerable groups including people with disabilities.

Looking forward to work for more such convergence programmes and thus moving towards the independent living of the persons with disabilities with sustainable development with better quality of life (QOL)with right based strategies and interventions.

With thanks