(a) whether an exhibition of aids and appliances, teaching kits and barrier free features for
persons with disabilities was organized at the Guwahati Medical College recently and was
inaugurated by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment;
(b) if so, the salient features and objectives of the exhibition; and
(c) the extent to which it has achieved success?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (DR. SANJAY PASWAN)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The exhibition aimed to develop awareness, and to disseminate information on
schemes/facilities available for persons with disabilities as well as on the latest assistive
devices. It also provided a forum of two-way exchange of information between the users
and the producers of assistive devices, and the rehabilitation professionals working in the
area. Besides, the persons with disabilities got an opportunity for getting assistive devices
and free counseling at the rehabilitation camp organized alongside the venue of the
exhibition.
(c) The exhibition was the first of its kind in the North-Eastern region. The exhibition provided
a unique opportunity to persons with disability, their parents, doctors, paramedicals and
other professionals, NGOs working in the field of rehabilitation to learn about the range of
aids and appliances available in the country.
In all, 67 manufacturers/fabricators of assistive devices National Institutes of the
Ministry, other Government bodies and reputed NGOs working in the disability sector
participated and displayed their products and gave information about their services to the
visitors. Over 10,000 people visited the exhibition. In the rehabilitation camp, 5511people
registered themselves during the event. 217 tricycles, 128 wheel chairs, 278 hearing aids,
92 items of braille equipment and 137 other aids and appliances were distributed to the
disabled persons.
Overall, the exhibition generated substantial interest and awareness among the
public, families of persons with disability, rehabilitation professionals doctors and Govt.
officials about the disability issues.