Sensitising tomorrow’s media persons to issue of Access for people with disabilities

D.N.I.S. News Network – India’s national and regional media need sensitisation on issues related to disability rights to allow a greater synergy between the civil society and journalists for increasing awareness about these issues.

A Workshop was held recently at Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Dhenkanal, Orissa, to expose tomorrow’s media persons to the importance of the issue of access for people with disabilities.

Title “Reporting: Issues of Access”, the Workshop was organised by Swabhiman, a National Disability Network Partner. Bibhu Dutta Mohapatra, a faculty member with the Institute, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Secretary General of Swabhiman, then addressed the students.

In her speech, Dr. Mohapatra spoke on disability issues and its history, apart from highlighting the role of Swabhiman. This was followed by presentation of Access Audit.

During the question and answer session of the Workshop, journalism students sought clarifications for their doubts, raised queries like; What is Access, What was Swabhiman doing for the access for people with disability? How many institutions have access for disabled people s? How people with disabilities can work?

A simulation exercise was also held for the students who came up with news items based on the new insights they received during the day.