Physically challenged can also play role in media

Physically challenged people in the country can play a vital role in different sectors including media if they get the government's assistance and the media houses' support; observed some physically challenged youths yesterday.

The physical barriers will not be a big issue for them when people can see positive mindsets of the society's other sections, they added.

They made these remarks at a programme styled "Promoting Persons with Disabilities through Participation in Media," organised by Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) in  the capital's Brac Centre Inn to distribute certificates among 20 physically challenged youths who took part in a five-month training on  media and journalism.

Hailing from Chittagong, Sabrina Sultana, a participant of the programme, said she was uncertain whether she could get the opportunity to take journalism as a profession as she was physically challenged and less educated.

She, however, was elated after getting selected for a two-month basic training and a three-month internship programme at a national media house.

"People in our society think that the physically challenged people can not do anyhing, but I could prove them wrong by engaging myself in journalism," said Sabrian.

Suman Parvez, another trainee from Jhenidah, observed that  disability was not with the people's physique, rather with their mindset.

Addressing the programme as the chief guest, prime minister's economic adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman said the physically challenged people were usually deprived by both their family members and the society."

Prof Golam Rahman, newly appointed chief information commissioner, said these people can do anything if they have strong commitment.

"If the communication cannot be done properly, a good message may even be harmful to the physically challenged people," he said, adding, "it is urgent to change the society's attitude to them."

While delivering her welcome speech, ICS Executive Director Shameem Ara Sheuli said her organisation would continue working for this section of people in days ahead.