Develop information platform for people with special needs

Alongside government-initiated projects, various private initiatives are also in place to serve the needs of the differently-abled members of society. Nevertheless, deficiency in information dissemination and awareness often deprive them of the facilities available for them, speakers said at a webinar yesterday.

As a response to this urgency, authorities concerned have emphasised on establishing an integrated initiative to develop an easy and accessible platform to collectively drive the welfare of people overcoming disabilities, the speakers added.

On the occasion of 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities', Prerona Foundation, The Daily Samakal and The Daily Star jointly organised the special webinar titled 'Integrated Initiatives for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities'. Experts from the government, private, and development sectors participated in it.

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

Talking about the plan to launch their online based platform "Agragatir Anuprerona", she said the portal is being created with the aim of building a collective database to ensure availability and easy accessibility of information. 

Apart from this, people with special needs will also be able to share stories about their journey and experiences on the platform. If this collective database is established, it will also enable authorities concerned to address and rectify the hurdles faced while working to promote the noble cause, she said.

Zuena Aziz, Chief Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office, 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 collective prosperity."

In this regard, notable allocations have been provided in the 7th and 8th Five-Year Plan as well, she added.Among others, Mia Seppo, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka; Dr AM Pervez Rahim, Chief Coordinator, Autism and NDD cell at Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Dr Mazharul Mannan, training coordinator of Institute of Pediatric Neurodisorder and Autism, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University; and Shafiqul Islam, Country Director of ADD International Bangladesh, also spoke at the webinar.

Mustafiz Shafi, acting editor of The Daily Samakal, moderated the program while Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star delivered the welcome address.