News

Volume 3 Issue 12 - June 15, 2005

Achievements of India’s disabled people on show in New York apparel expo

DNIS News Network - A Gurgaon-based garment house, Balloons, involved in promotion of employment for persons with disabilities in the garment industry participated in an international apparel export show in New York.

The theme of “Employing people with disabilities – India’s success story” did manage to generate a considerable level of curiosity among the general and business visitors to the Integrated Apparel Expo Mega Show, organised by the Apparel Export Promotion Council from 8-9 June.

According to Balloons, the purpose of setting up a stall was to create awareness in the garment industry about the employability of persons with disabilities. The exhibition at the stall drew attention to success stories of garment export houses that were employing persons with disabilities as a part of their workforce. A film, Its All About Ability, was screened on experiences of garment exporters, brands, academic institutions, NGOs and training institutions for persons with disabilities in the garment industry.

For over a decade now Balloons has been engaged in spreading awareness, and has now come to rely on industry specific fairs for effective communication with the target audience. The garment house has been a regular participant in such prestigious garment and apparel fairs. Nitasha Tickoo, Programme Officer, Balloons, said: “The response to the stall was satisfactory and was successful in forcing people to take note of the work done by persons with disabilities. For some it was a first time experience and came as a surprise.”