To assist the disabled in getting durable, scientifically manufactured modern assistive devices, a four-day national fair on such aids was inaugurated today.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Kumari Selja said the fair, Swavlambam (self-dependence), is the first its kind.
The devices, brought by a host of public and private enterprises to showcase in the fair, will help in promoting physical, social and psychological rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhancing their economic potential.
Selja said the income limits and the cost of appliances permissible for assistance are quite low and her ministry is working to increase these limits.
She said a wide range of sophisticated devices are needed in large number as up to 60 per cent of people with disabilities needs assistive technology at one or other point of time.
Accordingly, ALIMCO, a public sector unit which is organising the event, is being modernised and strengthened to increase its manufacturing capacity.
She said one of the ministry's schemes for helping such people is the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Assistive Devices, popularly known as 'ADIP' scheme.
The main objective of the scheme is to assist the needy disabled persons in getting durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern assistive devices.
