Timely intervention, awareness, education, and social inclusion are essential to improve the quality of life of persons affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and progressive disorder that causes gradual weakening of the muscles. Aiming to disseminate knowledge about this condition, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, observed World DMD Day on September 7. The theme this year is ‘Family: The Heart of Care.’
DMD mainly affects children and progressively impacts mobility, breathing, and heart functions
Awareness programmes were organised by the Department’s National Institutes and Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) across the country:
The Department of Physiotherapy, Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Cuttack, organised an online awareness programme focusing on early detection and management of DMD. National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata, organised a webinar on the year’s theme. So did the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), New Delhi to spread messages of inclusion, awareness, and hope.
The CRC Jaipur organised an awareness programme in Mahatma Gandhi University, Jaipur and so did CRC Tripura in Birsa Munda Community Hall, Durgabari Tea Estate, West Tripura. CRC Nellore and CRC Rajnandgaon also organised awareness activities on the occasion.
The programmes aimed to promote awareness on the condition and foster a spirit of support and care for the affected families.
