ISLAMABAD, Oct 15: Every individual of the society is responsible for the welfare of the physically-impaired children so that they can also lead a life like other normal citizens.

This was said by Secretary of Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education Parveen Qadir Agha at a function organized by Al Maktoom Special Education Centre to mark the White Cane Safety Day.

The secretary said the white cane was a simple tool but it showed the determination which the visually-impaired people had to cross hurdles.

The day also indicated the society’s resolve to make life more desirable for everyone, particularly the visually handicapped. Quoting Dr Salma, who has devoted her life to the cause, she said: “I am deeply impressed and moved by organizations serving the visually-impaired people, including the NGOs.

“They are doing a commendable job by undertaking special programmes to create awareness in the society about the visually-impaired people’s right to education, employment and free environment for easy mobility at all places of utility.”

Ms Parveen said the government was making efforts to provide information, education and rehabilitation services to the partially sighted and blind members of the society.

“In the ministry, we are currently updating our policies and have set up a task force on disability, which will help us in our efforts to enhance our services for the said purpose”, she said.

“We have started coordinating with Unicef to get a first hand information about the latest trends and techniques in this field”, she added.

The secretary said schools in the country had been evaluated and monitored for the best possible service that could be provided to such people. She said the government had also planned to provide special recreational facilities, such as separate parks throughout Pakistan. Islamabad in particular will soon be declared as “disability-friendly” city, she said.

Stressing on the need for private-public sector partnership she said: “We have to provide these special persons a friendly environment for work, employment and recreation.”

The “Adopt an Institution” programme is a forward step in this direction. Then, the contributions of Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) in the school is praiseworthy, she added.