Series of ‘Discussion Sessions’ on ‘Cost-Effective Accessibility on Existing Structures and Approaches for Inclusive and Accessible Development for Persons with Disabilities’.

Discussion Session -2

Project: Awareness Pakistan

Discussion Session -2

‘Emotional Setbacks & Problems faced by Parents – Care-Takers - Volunteers by barriers to Accessibility’

Awareness Voluntary Organization, Project: Awareness Pakistan is conducting a series of ‘Discussion Sessions’ on ‘Cost-Effective Accessibility on Existing Structures and Approaches for Inclusive and Accessible Development for Persons with Disabilities’. Session 2 of the series ‘Emotional Setbacks & Problems faced by Parents – Care-Takers - Volunteers by barriers to Accessibility’ is being conducted on, Saturday 30th October, 2010, 3.30pm sharp, at the office of Awareness Voluntary Organization.

Persons with Disabilities, their Families, Disability Support Volunteers & Care-Takers have waited for more than sixty years for the constitutional and Allah-given rights, like Barrier Free Accessibility, Ramps for Independent Mobility & a Universal Designed Environment, but they still creep at horse and buggy pace toward the gaining of a discrimination Free Environment. It seems that Persons & Children with Disabilities, their Families, Volunteers & Care-Takers are either not active enough when defending the rights of their wards who are Children or Persons with Disabilities or they cannot overcome the resistance since it is too strong from the society.

We all are dependent on each other in so many ways that we can no longer live in isolated Communities and ignore what is happening outside those communities. We need to include each other when we have difficulties. It is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of exclusion and to hear, 'Can’t go in, no Ramps for wheelchairs' But when you have seen cruel pain string up in your parents eyes, and drown your siblings and loved ones in tears, when you have seen avoiding attitude, discrimination of your wards who are Children or Persons with Disabilities with impunity; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to Fast Food Outlets - Restaurants – Parks – Amusement Arenas – Banks – Corporate Sectors – Business Houses – Government Offices & Buildings - Shopping Malls, that has just been advertised on electronic or print media, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that this places has no accessibility ramps for Children or Persons with Disabilities, or when you have to make up an answer for a five-year-old son asking in worrying sorrow: 'Daddy, why do people treat Children or Persons with Disabilities, so mean?';

Persons & Children with Disabilities, their Families, Volunteers & Care-Takers, do protest, but their actions do not always bring results, this gesture makes Persons & Children with Disabilities interpret it in the following way: "if there is no access for us to those organizations, it means they do not want to us".

This Discussion Session is an invaluable opportunity that should be seized by Parents – Care-Takers - Volunteers to discuss and formulate ways that will pave way on how to ensure Barrier Free Accessibility, Ramps for Independent Mobility & a Universal Designed Environment for Children & Persons with Disabilities. The Discussion Session will also promote advocacy for the right of Persons & Children with Disabilities to move in an environment that is both accessible and accepting.

We have limited seats, so please send a return mail to confirm your participation by Thursday, 28th October, 2010 to avoid any disappointment. Seat # will only be issued after receiving your mail.

(There is no fee for this Discussion Session – Certificate of Participant will be given at the end f the Discussion Session)

E-mail: awarenesspakistan@yahoo.com