Bhutan observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday with the theme ‘Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.’
In Thimphu, a wheelchair race was organized among the persons living with disabilities to mark the day.
16 participants took part in the race held at Doebum Lam near the Memorial Chorten. Each participant was escorted by an individual to assist them.
“Such an event provides us with immense happiness. We get to express our opinions and get inspirations from some of them. Some of them are even more critical than me,” Rinchen Dorji, one of the participants, said.
“It is important for us to participate in such event as we also get exercise,” Tshering Bidha, another participant, said.
In Thimphu alone, the national referral hospital has provided customized wheelchairs to over 240 persons with the disabilities within the period of last two years.
“We invited all registered persons with disabilities for the event. It is to provide them with an avenue to share their problems,” Tshenday Wangchuk, the Physiotherapist of JDWNRH, said.
Winners and participants were awarded certificates and prizes by the health minister.
The department of physiotherapy of JDWNRH and the health ministry has been organizing the event from last year.
The day was also observed at Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in Paro,Muenseling Institute of Khaling and East Draktsho Vocational Training Centre in Trashigang.
In Sarpang, the day was marked at Gelegphu lower secondary school, which is a Special Education Needs (SEN) School. Cultural programmes and art exhibitions were held to mark the day.
