Chairman Radhakrishnan said in Rajya Sabha – It is necessary to empower people suffering from autism.

New Delhi. Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday said persons with autism should be fully empowered as important members of the society instead of merely accommodated and it is a shared national responsibility. The United Nations had announced to celebrate April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Since then, every year April 2 is celebrated as World Autism Awareness Day.

In his address to the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman said that Parliament is committed to protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of persons affected by autism. He said this year’s theme “Advancing Neurodiversity and the Sustainable Development Goals” underlines that neurodiversity must be considered an integral part of human diversity and development efforts must be inclusive and sustainable.

Radhakrishnan said that autism spectrum disorder affects communication, behavior and social interaction, but individuals with it also have unique abilities and talents that, given appropriate support and opportunity, can enrich society. Referring to the legal framework existing in India, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the National Trust Act 1999, he said that these provide a strong foundation for protection of rights and provision of support services.

The Chairman warned that laws and schemes are effective only when their benefits reach every eligible person. He called for greater focus on early detection, inclusive education, skill development and community awareness. He said an inclusive society is strong only when every citizen, regardless of his or her abilities, has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. He also called upon the members to reiterate their collective resolve to create an environment of understanding, acceptance and equal participation.