Focus on achievements

The society should focus more on the achievements of children with disabilities rather than their shortcomings, said speakers at the launching ceremony of a Unicef report at a hotel in the capital.
The report titled “State of the World's Children 2013” emphasises how societies can include children with disabilities because when they play a full part in society, everyone benefits.
The report further states that children with disabilities are the least likely to receive health care or go to school. They are among the most vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect-- because of social stigma or the economic cost.
People usually show pity towards children with disabilities. But they have the right to be treated like others, said Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid at the programme.
According to the report, there is little accurate data on the number of children with disabilities, what disabilities these children have and how it affects their lives.
The Bangladesh government has launched a survey on June 1 to count the number of children with disabilities in the country and the result would be known within next few months, said Social Welfare Secretary Suraiya Begum.
Children with disabilities are too often invisible in policies, data, and societies, said Arifa S Sharmin, communication manager, Unicef Bangladesh.
Pascal Villeneuve, Unicef country representative, among others, spoke.