JAMMU, Oct 28: The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Jammu, organised a National-Level Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) webinar on “Understanding Blood Disorders under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016,” bringing together rehabilitation professionals, special educators, healthcare experts and other stakeholders from across the country.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Dr. Rohnika Sharma, Director, CRC Jammu, with the objective of strengthening professional knowledge, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing awareness about the rehabilitation needs and rights of persons affected by specified blood disorders.
The webinar commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Rayees Zahoor Shah, CRE Coordinator, CRC Jammu, who highlighted the importance of professional capacity-building, awareness and coordinated efforts among healthcare and rehabilitation professionals. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive understanding of blood disorders and their implications for disability rehabilitation, education and social inclusion.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Rayees Zahoor Shah, Developmental Therapist, CRC Jammu, delivered a presentation on “Fundamentals of Blood Disorders under the RPwD Act, 2016,” explaining the significance of recognising specified blood disorders within the disability rights framework.
Dr. Sajeev K. Digra, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Paediatrics, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, presented an overview of thalassemia, highlighting important clinical aspects and the need for appropriate medical care and rehabilitation support.
Dr. Pooja Bharathi, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, GMC Jammu, conducted a session on sickle cell anaemia, discussing its medical implications and the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment and supportive care.
Surbhi Mahajan, Vocational Rehabilitation Professional, CRC Jammu, delivered a session on the Unique Disability ID (UDID) for children with haemophilia, highlighting the importance of disability certification and awareness about applicable entitlements and support services.
Dr. Neerupam Gupta, Child Specialist, J&K Health Services, addressed the topic “Haemophilia: From Bleeding to Rehabilitation,” focusing on the condition’s clinical challenges and the role of rehabilitation in improving the quality of life of affected individuals.
Meenakshi Devi, Special Educator, CRC Jammu, spoke on “Classroom Challenges, Accommodations, and the Role of Special Educators in the Education of Children with Blood Disorders.” She highlighted the importance of inclusive educational practices, appropriate classroom support and coordinated efforts to address the learning needs of affected children.
The expert sessions collectively covered clinical management, rehabilitation requirements, disability certification, applicable entitlements and inclusive education, providing participants with a broader understanding of the challenges faced by persons living with blood disorders.
The webinar also served as a national platform for knowledge-sharing and professional learning, encouraging collaboration among healthcare professionals, rehabilitation specialists and educators to strengthen support systems for persons with disabilities.
The programme reaffirmed CRC Jammu’s commitment to promoting disability awareness, professional development, interdisciplinary cooperation and inclusive rehabilitation services, while emphasising the importance of ensuring dignity, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across the country.