Taken from Times of India. PUNE: The state government has banned the use of word 'handicapped' in all official communications, replacing it with 'persons with disabilities'. A government resolution (GR) issued by the state government's social justice department said that the word “handicapped” violates and undermines the dignity of persons with disabilities.
R D Shinde, secretary, state social justice department, said, "Wherever such description is necessary and relevant, they should be described as persons with disability or as persons with blindness, persons with speech and hearing impairment or persons with locomotor disability." As per the data provided by the state disability commissioner, close to 15.69 lakh people in the state are disabled which includes those who are visually impaired, physically and mentally challenged or have speech and hearing impairment. Anand Thatte, the administrator at Bal Kalyan Sanstha, said, "This is a positive move. The perspective of people looking at the disabled might change if right words are used. It will take some time before it happens, but it will help in bringing about a change." Shinde said the decision was taken at a meeting held recently in New Delhi with the Union ministry of social justice. "The rule will be applicable to all states in the country in the coming days. Accordingly, the notification has been issued in Maharashtra. At the meeting, officials of the Union ministry of social justice felt that the word handicapped was in a way demeaning the individuals and that they needed to be treated with equality. Hence, the change.". Source: Times of India
R D Shinde, secretary, state social justice department, said, "Wherever such description is necessary and relevant, they should be described as persons with disability or as persons with blindness, persons with speech and hearing impairment or persons with locomotor disability." As per the data provided by the state disability commissioner, close to 15.69 lakh people in the state are disabled which includes those who are visually impaired, physically and mentally challenged or have speech and hearing impairment. Anand Thatte, the administrator at Bal Kalyan Sanstha, said, "This is a positive move. The perspective of people looking at the disabled might change if right words are used. It will take some time before it happens, but it will help in bringing about a change." Shinde said the decision was taken at a meeting held recently in New Delhi with the Union ministry of social justice. "The rule will be applicable to all states in the country in the coming days. Accordingly, the notification has been issued in Maharashtra. At the meeting, officials of the Union ministry of social justice felt that the word handicapped was in a way demeaning the individuals and that they needed to be treated with equality. Hence, the change.". Source: Times of India
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