Speakers at a post-rally participatory discussion said the people with special needs should be given some additional privileges for their proper rehabilitation and family integration.
They viewed that holistic and collective efforts of both the public and private organisations have become an urgent need for ensuring their fundamental rights which are keys to their social dignity.
Terming the challenged people as an integral part of the society, the speakers put emphasis on mainstreaming them through creating a friendly atmosphere for people with disabilities. The physically challenged people should never be judged as a burden to society, they said.
Rajshahi District Social Service office and District Administration jointly organised the discussion at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) in observance of the 26th National Day of Persons with Disabilities today.
This year's theme of the day is "Inclusive sustainable development, people with disabilities will move forward with developed leadership."
DC Afiya Akhter and Additional DC Umme Kulsum shampa addressed the meeting as chief and special guests respectively while DSS Deputy Director Hasina Momtaj was in the chair.
Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Mahbuba Khatun and DSS Deputy Director Munira Khatun also spoke.
DC Afiya Akhter said that the physically and mentally challenged people can easily be mainstreamed and empowered using the Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
She urged wealthy people and other philanthropists to stand beside the people with special abilities and also urged the challenged people to make them fit for the jobs for providing minimum services to the service- providers.
Other speakers said the people with special needs aren't the burden of society but wealth. They have to be built as worthy citizens.
All quarters should come forward towards forging a social movement for welfare of the physically and mentally challenged people.
MB
