Overcoming Disability: Indian Women Shine at the 10th International Abilympics

Providing vocational training and creating employment opportunities will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

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Indian women with disabilities have made the country proud by winning medals at the 10th International Abilympics held in Metz, France. Among them was Priyanka Dabade, who won a silver medal in the Embroidery Skill Category and the Medal of Excellence, despite being born with hearing and bone disabilities. Dabade’s success story resonates with other differently-abled people who seek better opportunities and infrastructure in society.

Dabade, who was teased and sidelined in school, shared that workplaces equipped with special workstations and infrastructural facilities can help PwDs live with dignity and achieve their goals. Md. Shamim Alam, who has a locomotor disability, won the bronze medal in the Tailoring Skill Category, while Avinash K S won a bronze medal in the Jewellery Making Skill Category. Chetan Pashilkar won the gold medal in the Painting and Decoration Skill Category. Kashif Khan won a silver medal in the Patisserie and Confectionery Skill Category.

The participants first won at regional, state, and national levels before participating in the International Abilympics. They emphasize the need for more training centers to provide proper training and excel in their chosen fields. The participants hope that by including differently-abled individuals in everyday activities and ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities, they can improve their quality of life.

To live a life of dignity, it is essential to provide PwDs with proper education and tools while growing up. Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and Founder, Sarthak Educational Trust, emphasized the importance of early intervention and training.

Disclaimer: This story is re-reported from the article originally published by: https://indianexpress.com/