Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120358410200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Overcoming disability with optimism

Staff Reporter

Persons with disabilities take part in contests organised by Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine

— Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

DISPLAYING THEIR GRIT: Persons with disabilities taking part in the competition organised by the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine in Chennai on Tuesday.

CHENNAI: As 24-year-old B. Rajagopal gripped a brush with his nimble toes and finished painting a portrait of poet Subramaniya Bharathi, every stroke of his brush and his words of optimism discounted the degree of disability as an inconspicuous appendage.

Mr. Rajagopal was one of the 130 persons with disabilities who participated in the competitions organised by the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine here on Tuesday, the International Day for People with Disability.

“I want to contribute to making people with disabilities lead normal lives,” said Mr. Rajagopal with cerebral palsy.

The cultural and sports competitions for the people with disabilities included crutch race, wheelchair race, chess, ‘rangoli,’ drawing, bingo, passing the parcel, ball-throwing, candle-lighting and singing.

“The competition for persons with disabilities helps to motivate them and members of their families. It also creates awareness of the ways of reducing the rate of increase in the number of people affected by disability,” said R. Chinnathurai, Head, Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.

“Persons with disability gain confidence by participating in competition, as it helps them understand their potential. We wanted to contribute to making them more active,” said K. Nithya Manoj, Assistant Civil Surgeon at the institute.

“This initiative also helps such persons realise the fact that disability can be overcome to a greater degree by medical, technological and social intervention.”

“We want more people to seek the intervention of the Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine free of cost and overcome the challenge of disability,” said Dr. Chinnathurai.

Many people are not aware of the free treatment available in the institute for the weaker sections. The Institute is one of the best in the country, Dr.Nithya said.

Certificates

The Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine is the premier institute in the State, providing medical intervention to make the affected people enjoy optimum mobility. Persons with disabilities can also get certificates from the institute to enjoy the benefits of reservation and other government assistance.