Chandigarh: “For the first time in the history of India, Rights of Persons with Disability Act (2016) has reserved 1% all government jobs for disabilities which were not covered under 3% reservations in the Persons with Disability Act (1995).

This additional one percent of total jobs in various government departments are reserved for persons with intellectual disability, mental illness, autism, multiple disability and specific learning disorders”, said Prof BS Chavan, Joint Director, Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), while speaking at the inauguration of National Conference on the theme Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016- Implications for various Stakeholders at GMCH, Sector 32.

The 2-day conference is being organized by GRIID, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai and Umeed Society, Chandigarh.

Around 200 delegates from 15 states of the country are participating in this conference. Dr. G Dewan, Director Health Services UT Chandigarh was the Chief Guest on this occasion.

The other dignitaries present were Dr. AK Janmeja, Director Principal, Dr. Ravi Gupta, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Wasim Ahmad, Organizing Secretary and Ms Nazli convener of the conference.

The highlight of the conference was the invited talk by Dr Paramjyoti, program incharge of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK). She informed the delegates that RBSK targets 4-Ds (Birth defects, delayed development, deficiencies and diseases) from birth to 18 years of age.

Under RBSK, 31 disorders are indentified and treated free of cost. In order to prevent birth defects, which are around 6% of live births, Weekly Iron and Folic acid Supplement (WIFS) is being run in the schools to prevent anaemia and folic acid deficiencies which lead to birth defects.

Prof. Chavan shared the findings of a research carried out at GRIID which showed that approximately 50 percent causes which led to intellectual disability could have been prevented during the antenatal and neonatal periods.

The major causes which led to intellectual disability included maternal anemia, uncontrolled hypertension & diabetes, prolonged high grade fever during pregnancy, injuries, excessive bleeding, delayed cry, neonatal jaundice, and Maternal and neonatal infections.

He further informed that more than 90% cases of Down Syndrome can be identified during pregnancy through antenatal screening being carried out at the genetic centre GMCH.

During the workshop by the parents for the parents, issues among upbringing the child, safety and security of a girl child and issues related to sexuality and marriage were discussed by the parents and the spouses of the persons with intellectual disability.

Pooja Ghai, President of parent association shared her experience regarding the measures parents have to take for safety and security of their wards.

During the conference, multiple stake holders including families and persons with disability, professionals (psychiatrists, social workers, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, nurses, sports coaches), judiciary, police and advocates were present.