Shillong: Solutions Week 2026 kicked off in Shillong on Thursday, putting a focus on assistive technology for persons with disabilities. The event gathered government officials, NGOs, students, and families to push for better education, employment, and social inclusion.
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Lyngkor Kynjing opened the event by stressing that unique talents need the right opportunities to grow. Francis Lohrii, a Senior Manager at Enable India, gave the keynote. He pushed attendees to move past theory and test the gadgets themselves. Lohrii said, "Experience, understand, explore – accessibility transforms lives."
The campaign runs from October 3 to 10 at Parivartan Centres nationwide. It aims to drive innovation for the vision-impaired and those seeking more independence. Lohrii noted that the right tools help kids join in class and help adults land jobs. He urged employers and schools to bake accessibility into their daily operations.
Saloni Verma, Director of Social Welfare, warned against treating device handouts as the final goal. She pushed for ongoing training and equipment maintenance. "Providing the device is just the first step," Verma said. She called for a society-wide shift, including accessible government paperwork and inclusive classrooms. Students from Jyoti Sroat Inclusive School performed, and organizers honored supporters of the disability sector.
Verma and Bethany Society Executive Director Bertha Dkhar cut a ribbon to open the exhibition area. Attendees spent the day trying out new tech and talking with experts. Dilberstar Nonglait Lyngdoh closed the session by thanking the participants for their collaboration.
Comments