AI, technology will help bring out the best in disabled persons: Jagdeep Dhankhar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar emphasizes inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities at NIEPMD conference in Chennai.

To bring out the best in persons with disabilities it is necessary to use artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies and methodologies, said Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

At the inauguration of the third national conference of the deaf-blind at the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) here on Friday, Mr. Dhankhar said to bring out the best in ‘Divyangjan’, we need special educators. It is also necessary to include AI and advanced technologies, he added.

“Education and employment are fundamental. You have that vision, which matters to us,” he said of the institute’s work. Expressing a deep sense of gratitude to thought leaders, professionals, and change makers, he said: “The collective will generate inclusivity and compassion.”

Mr. Dhankhar said the mission was clear. The Constitution provided a life of dignity, purpose, and fulfilment. The Prime Minister had involved persons with disabilities in election work. He had created policies that included their needs as well. “Inclusive governance and Viksit Bharat are not be possible without your participation,” he said.

Earlier Zamir Dhale, an adult with deafblindness and founder and director of Society for Empowerment of Deaf Blind, called for equal opportunities for the deafblind community. He said while the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, recognised 21 different types of disabilities, deafblindness was not one of them. He wanted the condition recognised by the Act. He requested that policymakers improve accessibility at hospitals, railway stations, courts, and police stations by having interpreters.

“As persons using tactile sign languages we need access to technology,” Mr. Dhale said.

Harivansh Narayan Singh spoke on the work done at the NIEPMD. He said the two-day national conference was being organised by the NIEPMD along with non-government organisations Vidya Sagar and Chetna Charitable Trust. The conference is funded by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.