A campaign to address the accessibility challenges of persons with disabilities through a collaborative and grassroots-level approach was launched here today.
The Sugamya Yatra campaign will be spearheaded by the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs and the Composite Regional Centre in Shillong,
As part of the initiative, teams will visit various buildings, identify gaps in accessibility and secure commitments from stakeholders to implement necessary changes, effectively carrying out a social audit process.
The campaign aims to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
The launch event was attended by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh who also launched an app named, ‘YES to Access’. Through the app, the teams can assess public spaces and upload information related to accessibility.
During the event, eight entrepreneurs with disabilities were also felicitated. They are Larikyrpang Nongrum (Lari Cyber and Stationery), Ferdinand Lyngdoh (EKANBHA), Donrisha Mawrie (Cultivating high-quality sustainable flowers), Dispi Kharbuli (Traditional craftsmanship), Batskhem Kharkamni (Furniture), Bansuklang N. Sohlang (Steel fabrication), Bandarisha Rynjah (Custom embroidered products) and George Eric Campbell Marbaniang (Electrician and wiring)
During his speech, Lyngdoh reiterated the State government’s commitment to the disability sports complex that will be constructed in New Shillong. He hopes that the project would come to fruition soon and that the state will witness persons with disabilities participating in the National Games 2027, to be hosted by Meghalaya.
