IMPHAL, March 14: The inaugural function of a two day orientation-cum-training program on “Media and Accessibility” was held at the department of Mass Communication, Manipur University today.
The program is being jointly organized by the Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Mumbai and the department of Mass Communication.
In the first day post the inaugural session, it was voiced by the dignitaries that approximately 5-6% of the total population are persons with disability and would be increasing even more. However, it is often witnessed that news about persons with disability and disability rehabilitation are not given importance by the media. Despite the advancements and advent of digital media, India is still lacking in addressing the persons with disabilities, media houses and professionals need to understand the need to reach the entire population with the media programs, websites and products.
It was mentioned that the objective of the program is to enrich knowledge on media and disability communication, identify emerging issues, trends and creative strategies for the concept of inclusive society in the area of disability and human development through journalism and mass communication.
The program also aims to impart training to make comics on disability issues.
The dignitaries partaking in the program include K Kannan, representative of Oxfam, India. Sharad Sharma of World Comics, Dr. Sanjay Renade, Head of Department , University of Mumbai along with other communication students from the mentioned university.