Tata Power CDT, Hotel India organized a conference on autism spectrum disorders | Daily News Byte

According to estimates by the Indian Council of Medical Research, India has More than ten million people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The event aims to create a common platform for key actors to optimize existing efforts, cross-pollinate and make the necessary support ecosystem for early diagnosis, acceptance and care by using the combined power of technology, people, corporate and government project networks.

The conference brought together representatives from the Tata Group, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the United Nations, practitioners and domain experts from the field of neurodiversity to deliberate and implement physical interventions and support programs in Tier 2, and Tier 3 urban and rural India.

Tata Power’s CSR wing launched the ‘Pay Autention’ initiative in April and the ‘phygital’ support network for children with autism is a step towards the initiative.

It is said to help children in small towns and villages have access to some learning resources that are only available in larger cities now. It also includes local resources such as field workers and primary teachers to provide counseling and support where necessary. All these resources will also be available online for free use.

“Tata Power’s Pay Autention network strives to empower individuals with Autism and Neurodiversity. The conference, co-hosted with IHCL, will accelerate our efforts to develop a pan-India ecosystem of services in the area of ​​Neurodiversity that is severely limited by lack of awareness, weak support systems and subpar diagnostic facilities,” said Praveer Sinha. CEO & MD, Tata Power.

In line with the company’s D&I policy, Tata Power aims to bring people with Autism as grooms, mentors and hires interns and associates with neurodiversity. The company will support them in increasing their skills, personality and facilitate an inclusive and accessible workplace environment.

“We are delighted to partner with Tata Power for expanding the Pay Autention network for supporting Autism and neurodiversity by leveraging IHCL’s extensive network of volunteers across the country. In line with Paathya, IHCL’s framework for sustainability and social impact measures, we believe in making inclusion a priority. At IHCL, we are committed to empowering the neuro-diverse community through skills training focused on diversity and in line with our collective mission,” said Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL.

Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyanjan), Ministry of Justice and Social Empowerment, GoI presented the important plans and initiatives of the government aimed at creating an inclusive and equitable society, with equal opportunities for growth and development. of disabled people.

He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s keen interest in empowering the divyangjan and making them equal partners in the country’s growth journey.

“The government has taken steps such as establishing early disability intervention centers across the region and increased the number of disabilities from 7 to 21 (including Autism Spectrum Disorder) under the RPWD Act, 2016. This important initiative has paved the way to increase support for many neurodiverse people across the country. I appreciate this effort that aims to bring a strong support ecosystem for Autism and I believe it will go a long way in driving inclusion,” said Rajeev.

There was a preliminary consultation with experts from various sectors to present challenges and recommendations to the working group for consideration at the meeting. Several field visits to early intervention centers in various regions were also conducted, along with Disability Tech Expo activities with a series of experts to gain maximum insight from the sector.

The round table meeting served as a guideline for the establishment of a national working group to work together with key stakeholders in this area including the Government of India – to aim for sustainable value addition and the integration of support programs in the current system.