Peer support for students with disabilities workshop culminates at Jammu University

JAMMU, December 02: The two-day workshop for student volunteers, ‘Peer support for students with disabilities’ organized by Disability Initiatives unit, JU in collaboration with Office of Programme Coordinator, NSS, JU culminated today. Prof. Monika Chadha, Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee and Convener, Community Radio, University of Jammu was the chief guest in the valedictory function. Prof. Chadha is her remarks applauded the efforts of the organizers in conducting a workshop of great relevance. She reiterated that peers have an important role in creating inclusive environment in educational institutions. She further stressed that all stakeholders in the society need to contribute towards the well being of persons with disabilities.

Prof. Sarika Manhas, Coordinator, Disability Initiatives, JU in her closing remarks expressed satisfaction in organizing a workshop where the volunteers were made aware of the challenges and issues encountered by persons with disabilities. She stressed on the need of continual commitment of the volunteers towards their fellow students with disabilities.

Dr. Hema Gandotra, Programme Coordinator, NSS, JU in her address talked about the role of NSS volunteers in creating disability awareness. She urged the volunteers to become peer supports for the persons with disabilities in their respective institutions. Highlighting the motto of NSS she threw light on the voluntary services by the student as an essential prerequisite towards creating inclusive society.

Dr. Neelam Choudhary, Faculty DD and OE, JU presented a detailed report of the two day workshop. Dr. Monika Bhardwaj, Faculty The Law School, JU accorded the formal vote of thanks on the occasion.

Ms. Vinish Malik, Research Scholar, Department of Home Science ably conducted the proceedings of the valedictory event.

Prior to the valedictory session four technical sessions were held on day two of the workshop covering topics, ‘Role of volunteers in improving inclusion and accessibility’, ‘Understanding disability to ensure inclusion’, and ‘Disability awareness and NSS volunteers’.

Certificates to all the participants were also distributed in the function.

Key resource persons for the workshop included, Mehran Khan-CEO and Founder ELFA International, Ms. Sandhya Dhar- Nari Shakti Awardee, Ms. Swati Basotra- Motivational speaker, Ms. Sukanaya Bha- Sign Language Interpreter, Prof. Sarika Manhas- Coordinator, Disability Initiatives, and Dr. Hema Gandotra- Programme Coordinator.

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