28th March 2022

On 28th March, a Seminar on Disability Awareness was held at St. Teresa’s Institute of Education, in the Multipurpose Hall. The event started with a short introduction on the NGOYash Charitable Trust. This trust helps to provide opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are instrumental in teaching these people the required life skills so that they too, can become independent and participate in society. They have also undertaken many programmes to see that persons with disabilities are seen on the same playing field as us. One of their most recent ventures is “Cafe Arpan”, which is one of the first café in Mumbai to employ persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We were then introduced to guest speakers of the day- Darren Rebello, Simran Masand, Pratik Bhosle and Rucha Shere. These people had intellectual and developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome, muscle dystonia and cerebral palsy. The students enjoyed listening and interacting with them. It was really motivating to see how much they have all excelled, and all the achievements and laurels that they have earned. It highlighted the fact that we all are unique and we all are blessed with talents. No matter what life gives them, they do not view their disability as obstacles, but work hard to achieve their dreams by using their own skills. The event ended with a dance performed by the guest speakers.

The awareness and sensitization workshop highlighted the need to promote inclusivity in both schools and colleges. With the growing awareness of disability, it is also necessary to see that all people are treated equally, given equal opportunities and dignity. As Stephen Hawkings rightly said- “Disability need not be an obstacle to success”.