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        Observing 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons by the interested communities with the usual formalities seems to be just another day in the lives of the disabled persons. But, it is hoped that 6 January won't be that way as a conference is to be held for fighting for the rights of the community.

        For, the disabled persons in their realm of life have been running from pillar to post for getting their privileges. Humiliation, bitter experiences and red-tapism of government machineries etc make life worse for them.

        However, it's a nice gesture that various facilities have been arranged for the disabled persons right from a ramp to battery cars in public transport systems and many government welfare schemes as well.

        Many associations have been raising their voice for not only listening to the disability issues but also mobilising support for the dignity, rights and well-being of the disabled.

        Whether all welfare measures meant for the disabled reach the grassroots-levels is a moot point.

        Here comes the Tamilnadu Association for the Welfare of the Physically Handicapped president, T A P Varadakutti who works towards provision of equal and special opportunities for the handicapped.

        'To bring about lot of changes in the life of physically challenged persons, the association is organising a two-day State conference of Physically Challenged at Sathya Studios at Adyar from 6 January', said Varadakutti, who himself is a polio victim.

        He also said the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995 and the proposed necessary amendments would be the main focus of the two-day conference.

        The chief guests, Madras High Court Chief Justice A P Shah, Social Welfare Minister Dr Poongodai, Chennai Mayor M Subramanian, Member of Parliament E M Sudarsana Nachiappan who is also chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing-Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice and other delegates at the conference would be helpful in not only highlighting the pathetic condition of many disabled to the government but also the authorities concerned to redress their grievances.

        'Our long pending proposals are equal opportunities and easy accessibility in public places, transport facilities and adaptability in trains and buses, priorities in employment', Varadakutti said, adding that three per cent reservation in professional, technical and management education and in employments both in public and private sectors in addition to government jobs had also been added to the list.

        'Provision of equal and integrated education for the children with disabilities and immediate measures needed for detection and prevention of disabilities at the early stages are some of the main issues to be discussed at the conference, ' he added.

        General secretary 'Salem' V Marudamuthu also called for free bus pass to all the disabled persons to travel all over the State, issuance of all- purpose identity cards, single medical certificate for getting all concessions and removal of all hurdles in getting National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) loan and self- employment loan from banks.

        Udavikkaram, a Tamil monthly owned and published by T A P Varadakutti, disseminates not only valuable information relating to redressing the grievances of the disabled but also the inherent talents of the disabled by carrying their articles, poems etc, Meenakshi S Iyer, its public relations officer said adding that the monthly was being circulated in all Government libraries.

        Will dreams come to reality after the conference?