Promoting Inclusion and Empowerment for Individuals Differently Able -Rotary

A soft awareness launch of a virtual programme is on December 10  (today) coinciding with World Human Rights Day to help educate the world about human rights and address this global issue. This year the theme is Equality, Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights.

Reducing inequality requires tackling discrimination and biases deeply ingrained in our society. This initiative aligns with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day celebrated every year on December 3. An estimated 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, with 80% residing in low and middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka. According to the 2012 census, 8.7% of Sri Lanka’s population is made up of individuals with disabilities with 57% male and 43% female are identified as being differently able

Rotary Dream Initiative

Rotary District 3220 developed a concept focused on enhancing their quality of life and reducing reliance on government funding as a Rotary Dream initiative that aims to empower individuals with differently able and make a meaningful change in society.

There is a common misperception that people who are differently able cannot be gainfully employed. But, it has been realised that with active collaboration, the differently able could participate fully, and meaningfully. As a stepping stone, Rotary collaborates with Information technology as the focus enabler. This initiative, in collaboration with Rotary, aims to strengthen the national framework for supporting persons with disabilities to create an inclusive Sri Lankan economy where people with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities which falls on December 3 every year is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development and raising awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. WHO joins the UN in observing this day each year, reinforcing the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.

Empowering to Take Lead

In line with the above objectives, Rotary District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives will be taking a step toward this year’s theme, ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’, which underscores the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to take the lead in shaping their destinies and contributing to society.

A pilot run was done by Rotary District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives, using a developed platform. This platform was developed and evaluated by a blind person and was considered most appropriate for the project. A virtual programme will be conducted on December 10  to share the awareness with the wider community.

In line with Rotary District 3220 Sri Lanka and Maldives vision, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was created for the differently abled in Sri Lanka, focusing on innovation, unity, and national advancement. The long-term gain is to reduce the dependence burden of the differently able on government funding and to improve their quality of life to a higher level. The concept has been developed already and the modalities are being worked out. This SPV will ensure and strive at all times to treat, work and respect the sensitivities of the differently able.

It is envisioned for Rotary Clubs of Colombo Centennials and Fort to drive this, along with Creative Software Pvt Ltd and Ability for Action, to bridge the gap between Sri Lanka’s skilled yet underemployed disable population and the burgeoning market for accessible IT industry.

Rotary believes wider support is the key to realising this vision and fostering economic prosperity alongside social inclusion for all Sri Lankans and a document was presented to the President on 26th April 2024.

Among the other Rotary initiatives in pursuance, Mr. Moditha Kumara of Four Corners designed a pilot run using the developed platform. This platform was evaluated by a blind person and was considered as most appropriate for the project. Also was pre-tested by a small group of visually impaired people.

In addition, Rotary District 3220 is focused and engaged in:

• Promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
•  Increase awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
•  Promote the importance of inclusion in life and the workplace.
• Increase awareness of the benefits of integrating people with disabilities Into all aspects of society.
•  Provide employment opportunities to reduce the dependence burden of the differently able on government funding and improve their quality of life to a higher level.

While we often celebrate productivity and achievements, let us also recognise the diverse talents and resilience of those who face unique challenges yet enrich our communities in extraordinary ways. Unfortunately, their contributions are too often overlooked.

Guided by Rotary’s principle of ‘Service Above Self’, this campaign seeks to highlight the talents of differently abled individuals and advocate for their rightful place in the workforce. Employment is more than a livelihood; it is a path to dignity, independence, and fulfillment.

Over the coming weeks, we will collaborate with entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and community organisations to promote inclusive hiring practices. Through awareness initiatives and networking events, we aim to connect capable candidates with employers who value diversity and innovation.

This effort also calls on policymakers to support equal opportunities and encourage a culture of inclusivity. Together, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for all.

This project, led by Rotary District 3220 under the visionary leadership of District Governor Rotarian PHF

Sushena Ranathunga is supported by the Rotary Clubs of Colombo Centennial and Colombo Fort anddiligently driven by the dedication of PWD Rotarian Ishan Jalill of Ability for Action, IT consultant Moditha Kumara of Four Corners, and Ms Thilani Jayasinghe from Soft Wave.

Let us work toward an inclusive Sri Lankan economy where differently abled individuals can participate meaningfully, enriching society and the workplace.

As we reflect on the ‘Magic of Rotary,’ let us commit to building bridges, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for all.

The writer is the Project Chair of Rotary Club of Colombo Centennial.