Web seminar held on 'Integrated Initiatives for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities'

Prerona Foundation, The Daily Samakal and The Daily Star jointly organised a special web-seminar titled "Integrated Initiatives for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities" on the occasion of "International Day of Persons with Disabilities".

Subject matter experts from the government, private and development sectors shared their thoughts about the importance to establish a common information service platform for the welfare of people with disabilities in the seminar, said a press release.

Zuena Aziz, chief coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said: "The primary agenda for SDG is not only to ensure that no one is left behind, but also to make sure that people with special needs become a part of the collective prosperity."

"Notable allocations have been provided for the people with special needs in the 7th Five-Year Plan. Similar objectives are included in the 8th Five-Year Plan as well," she added.

Mubina Asaf, director of governing body of Prerona Foundation said: "It is essential to secure long-term employment for the differently-skilled individuals, and also to ensure their engagement into the mainstream economy."

She mentioned that online based platform "Agragatir Anuprerona" is being created to reach the aim of building a collective database to ensure availability and easy accessibility of information about the various initiatives being taken for the welfare of people with disabilities.

"Apart from this, people with special needs will also be able to share stories about their journey and experiences on this platform," Mubina Asaf added.

Mubina Asaf also said: "Prerona Foundation is working with inclusive business models for the welfare of the people with special needs and to ensure long-term sustainable livelihood opportunities for the marginalized communities."

Mia Seppo, UN resident coordinator in Dhaka, Dr AM Pervez Rahim, chief coordinator (Joint Secretary), Autism & NDD cell at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Training Coordinator of Institute of Pediatric Neurodisorder and Autism (IPNA), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and many others also spoke during the web-seminar.

Mustafiz Shafi, Acting Editor of The Daily Samakal, moderated the programme while Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star presented the welcome address.