Differently-abled to vroom hi-tech wheels
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a first step towards providing ‘hi-tech’ assistive devices to differently-abled persons, 10 motorised wheelchairs developed by the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum (KSSTM) were handed over to beneficiaries by Social Justice Minister K K Shylaja here on Tuesday.
The programme called ‘Shubhayatra’ is being implemented by the Kerala State Handicapped Persons’ Welfare Corporation. The motorised wheelchairs were handed over in the presence of Education Minister C Raveendranath who presided over the function. K Muraleedharan MLA and district panchayat president V K Madhu were also present.
Delivering the inaugural address, Shylaja asked the Corporation to play a larger role in the welfare of the differently-abled. Instead of providing small-scale loans, the Corporation should make itself ‘hi-tech’ and bring out innovative assistive devices for the welfare of differently-abled persons, she said.
Terming the introduction of motorised wheelchairs as a progressive step, the Minister said it will provide greater mobility to the differently-abled in tune with the latest advancements in technology.
Through the innovative technology devised by the KSSTM, the cost of such motorised wheelchairs can come down to a significant extent and can be provided to more number of beneficiaries, Shylaja said.