Slug: ICEVI conference
Ahmedabad: The first world conference by the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) hosted in India concluded in the city on Saturday. The organisers said that the primary message that resonated throughout the discussions over three days was the importance of education for persons with visual impairment.
Sixty-two countries participated in the seminar.
On the final day, Dr Bhushan Punani, general secretary of the Blind People's Association (BPA), was conferred the ICEVI International Leadership Award for his contribution to the field. He became the first recipient from India to receive the award.
"Education is the first step towards inclusion and assimilation, and over the days, the country representatives realised that several of the countries faced similar issues where education is not right-based, not inclusive, and not using technology as much as it should. Today, assistive technologies are available but not affordable for all. Parents and civil service organisations (CSOs) should also be made an integral part of the discussion," said an organiser.