Mysuru:  The International Day of Persons With Disabilities was celebrated by the Department of Clinical Services and Special Education, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) at its Gymkhana auditorium here on Monday.

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy inaugurated the programme and distributed ‘Best Mother’ award to the women, who have been responsibly nurturing their children with disabilities.

The students trained at AIISH, who have made achievements in various fields were felicitated on the occasion.

This programme was to be organised on Dec. 3, but had to be postponed, as AIISH had to receive the award conferred in recognition of its best services from the President of India in New Delhi, said the DC.

AIISH has been involved in bringing disabled children to the mainstream of the society. There has been a practice of honouring the delegates with a memento at the government programmes. While in this programme, the mementos carry the pictures of recipients, along with an explanation of their achievements, that would serve as inspiration to others, said Reddy.

Students from several parts of the country are being trained at AIISH, besides extending its services to various other States, with the Central Government facilitating the plans, he added.

Joint Director of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens Empowerment Directorate S. Nataraj said, naturally the disabled persons are disregarded, but if adequate facilities are provided to them, they can do wonders by registering their achievements in any  field, which has been already proven in many instances.

The children with disabilities presented cultural programmes, entertaining the gathering on the occasion. AIISH Director Dr. M. Pushpavathi and HoD, Clinical Services, Dr. N. Swapna were present at the programme.