UNICEF Calls For Stronger Government Support To Ease Disability-related Burden On Families
Sudhir emphasized the importance of creating awareness about inclusive early childhood development and the need to identify developmental delays and disabilities early so children receive timely care and support
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Syam Sudhir Bandi, communications specialist at UNICEF, called for stronger government action to ease the heavy financial burden that health challenges place on families dealing with disabilities in their children.
Speaking at a media workshop on “Inclusive Early Childhood Development (iECD)” for media professionals the other day, he emphasized the importance of creating awareness about inclusive early childhood development and the need to identify developmental delays and disabilities early so children receive timely care and support.
Sudhir also encouraged the media to make effective use of technology when reporting on disability issues. V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General, PIB Thiruvananthapuram, highlighted the media’s crucial role in identifying excluded sections of society and addressing their concerns, adding that it can foster greater empathy among the public.
The workshop was organized by PIB, Thiruvananthapuram under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and UNICEF.
Dr. Vivek Virendra Singh, lead health specialist at UNICEF India, introduced the concept of Inclusive Early Childhood Development (iECD). Dr. Deepa Bhaskaran, Director of the Child Development Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, spoke on “Parenting Children with Spectrum Disabilities.” Muralikrishnan Chinnadurai, Google News Initiative India Network Trainer and AI Expert, led a session on “Using AI for Effective Storytelling.” Dr. Amar S. Fettle, State Nodal Officer, NHM, conducted a session on “Building an Inclusive Health System.”
Parvathy V. Director of PIB, Thiruvananthapuram, thanked the participants.
