Walk held for inclusion of mentally challenged

Talking to DT Next, Radha Ramesh, director Vidya Sagar, says that the event helped in bringing more awareness on the corporate side in the potential of those with mentally challenged. She added, “There is an attitudinal barrier that has been stopping those with disabilities from being mainstreamed. It is a 50-50 scenario with half the population not being aware of the laws or policies concerning the peoplewith disability.”

Walk For A Wish, is CBRE’s global initiative. Each country supports different causes and pursues different modes to raise awareness. In India, this is the third edition and the first to be held in Chennai. “Here, we support the cause of inclusion for people with mentally challenged like Down Syndrome and Autism. Contrary to the stigma associated with mentally challenged, they are very capable and diligent at what they do,” said Rajat Gupta, Managing Director - Advisory and Transaction Services, CBRE. Experts say that as against popular notion that mentally challenged can only do a few select task, the people have a lot more potential and can be geniuses.

The walk on Friday comprised a broad section of people from the three organisations along with students of Vidya Sagar and their parents.

Radha said that for the complete mainstreaming of those with disabilities, societal participation is pivotal. “We have seen that for a successful integration of these people with disabilities in society, the attitude of people makes a lot of difference,” she pointed out.