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Minister of Social Welfare Dr. Dipu Moni says that people with autism are an integral part of society. The government is working to improve their quality of life.
He said these things while addressing the chief guest at the event organized on the occasion of the 17th World Autism Awareness Day at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in the capital on Tuesday (April 2). The theme of this year's World Autism Awareness Day is 'Awareness-Recognition-Valuation: From Just Surviving to Thriving.'
Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare. President of the Parliamentary Committee on Ministry of Social Welfare AFM Ruhul Haque MP was present as a special guest in the event under the chairmanship of Khairul Alam Sekh.
The social welfare minister said that awareness about autism should be spread among every person in the society. A vision should be created so that people with autism get equal rights and respect as other citizens of the country. They should be enabled to survive in the society by providing them with proper training and employment.
The minister shed light on the various programs of the government for the welfare of people with NDD and autism characteristics, and said that special grants are being given from the NDD Trust for their treatment. Training is provided to parents and caregivers of NDD children and individuals. Apps called 'Smart Autism Barta' and 'Balte Chai' have been developed to identify and measure autism. Development of modern screening tools to identify NDD individuals is underway. 'Bangabandhu Suraksha Bima' has been launched to ensure health protection of children and persons with NDD characteristics. Schools/institutions associated with NDD are providing digital monitoring and services. Creating job opportunities for NDD persons by organizing job fairs. NDD Goodwill Ambassadors are being appointed in schools, colleges, universities and local level to increase social awareness.
The minister expressed hope that if the government as well as private and private initiatives work on autism, their lives will be easier along with awareness about it.
Earlier, the minister handed over crests and certificates and lit the blue lamp to 13 individuals and organizations nominated for awards in five categories in recognition of their work on autism. At the end of the program, there was a wonderful cultural program performed by people with autism and children.
