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.
