Seventh State Branches Conference of NAB India 02nd and 03rd March 2019


Seventh  State Branches Conference of NAB India 02nd and 03rd   March 2019

Chennai, Mar 2, 2019: Ms Nina Reddy President   NAB  Says  National Association for the Blind, India is one of the largest voluntary organizations in the disability sector, engaged in working for the blind for almost seven decades. It has pioneered of a wide range of services, activities and programmes aimed at Prevention and Cure of Blindness, Education, Training, Employment and Rehabilitation of Blind, Production of the Braille and Audio literature, Empowerment of blind women, Care of the Aging blind, Promotion of Access Technology and so on.
(L-R) Ms. Usha Uthup, Singer & Ms Nina Reddy, President  


To take this work throughout the country the importance of establishing a nationwide network of services for the visually challenged was soon felt. This led to the establishment of the first Branch of NAB (India) now known as NAB, Tamil Nadu State Branch on January 28, 1960. This was followed by opening of Branches in Kerala, Gujarat and so on. The National Association for the Blind, India now has 22 State and 65 District Branches working for the welfare of Blind community across the country.

7 th All India State Branches Conference of NAB, India will be hosted by Tamil Nadu State Branch on 2 nd and 3 rd March 2019 at Chennai. NAB - TNSB is celebrating its DIAMOND JUBILEE this year. NAB - TNSB works in the area of Awareness and Advocacy, Early Intervention, Inclusive Education, Vocational Training and Leisure.

The theme for the conference will be Inclusion – a holistic approach. The delegates in the conference will be the office bearers and key persons from all the State Branches. The Conference will be inaugurated by the Renowned Singer, Ms. Usha Uthup. Mrs. Indira Dutt, Managing Director, KCP Limited will be the Guest of Honour. Ms. Beno Zephin, the first 100% Blind IFS Officer will be the Special Guest.

The Objectives of the Conference:-
 To create opportunity for all branches to understand each other’s setting, context and
areas of work
 To share achievements, issues and concerns
 To promote networking and explore areas of collaboration among branches
 To understand Inclusion in a wider perspective and
 To bring disability into the main streme agenda.

United Nations Convention for Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) was signed by India in 2007, this document was formulated by Persons With Disabilities. UNCRPD mandates all state parties to ensure Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in all aspects of life.

Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act 2016 was passed to be in line with the principals of UNCRPD. The conference will begin with this topic. Disability is no doubt a marginalized sector. It is realized that persons with multiple disabilities get further Marginalized. Rehabilitation Sector can no longer work on a single disabilities. Visual Impairment with additional disabilities is an important topic discussed in the conference.

Disability is a crosscutting issue. It is essential for all civil society organizations to include disability in their agenda. Issues related to Disability and Health, Education and Employment have been widely discussed. Environment, Financial Services Manufacturing Sector and Sports and Culture are topics which hardly get covered.

Women and Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion need to be focussed on. All these areas will be addressed by experts in the respective areas. All the state branches of NAB India will make a presentation of their work. They will also have opportunity to exchange ideas at the open forum.

The valedictory function will be presided over by Mr. N. Murali, Chairman, Kasturi & Sons Limited. This conference is step that will take the NAB FAMILY to take the work to greater height with a strong base and a wide network.


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