Mumbai: Shri Bajirao Jadhav ( IAS), commissioner for persons with disabilities, Government of Maharashtra, inaugurated sports facilities that will be part of curriculum for hearing-impaired children of three special schools in Mumbai suburb.
Eminent ENT surgeon Dr Jayant Gandhi and internationally-trained audiologist and speech therapist and Humanitarian Award 2012 USA award winner Devangi Dalal also supported the cause.
In his address, Mr Jadhav, while appreciating innovative and ambitious steps taken by the Josh Foundation - An NGO working for Social cause- in providing opportunities for growth and wellbeing to the hearing-impaired children, said: “A lot of support is required from the society for these kids. On behalf of the government, I urge patrons to see this as an opportunity to make a difference and change the lives of these underprivileged section of our society by supporting this ambitious sports project. Together, we can make a difference! Lets join hands for eradication of handicap from our society.”
Dr Gandhi, while talking to mediapersons, said: “Physical activity if done for an hour every day supplies more oxygen to brain, lungs and formats the entire breathing system. Physical activity also makes the immune system stronger, hence prevents diseases. As a result it will make the hearing-impaired kid physically and mentally strong, so that they are able to face any situation in life. Sports training will also teach them essential life skills like how to be focused and confident to perform individually and in team. Man as a social animal and as an individual entity weaves through groups of people all through his life and important lessons can be learned in sports so that these kids could grow, built, maintain and co-exist harmoniously within others. It pushes the limits of their dreams and make all their goals achievable.”
Audiologist and speech therapist Devangi Dalal said: “There are approximately 450 hearing impaired schools in India, however, sports education is not a part of their regular curriculum. Joshs project of sports education will add a lot of value in the lives of these children. Deaf kids have difficulty in hearing but their other senses are sharp and acute. They have access to use other senses to the best of their ability with sports training, probably even more keenly than compared to normal kids.” She further added that the vision of this project is to perpetuate the process so that it may be possible for these children to see sports as a possible future to their career options and livelihood.
The entire programme is funded and organised by the Josh Foundation. As a pilot project, the foundation will support three schools, namely
Disha Karnabadhir School, Mook Dhwani School, Shivaji Park Lions School For Hearing Impaired to provide sports training. Training will be provided all through this academic year in various sports such as gymnastics, athletics, basketball and martial arts for all age groups. This is integrated in their school working hours so that each one of them is left with ample amount of training to amplify their physical quotient.
In his concluding speech, Commissioner Bajirao said that the vision of the state government is to help these children to move from the space of disabled to differently-abled.
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