Hyundai India distributes 72 assistive devices to disabled people in Bengaluru

Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Founder, Board Member, Samarthanam Trust, Parineeti Chopra, Indian Actor, Tarun Garg, Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India and JT Park, Executive Director, Hyundai Motor India Ltd with the recipients of assistive devices. | Photo credit: Special Arrangement

Hyundai Motor India has announced that it will offer 684 technologically advanced assistive devices to people with various disabilities in the next three years.

As part of its Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) social welfare initiative, the automaker has distributed 72 such devices, including specially designed wheelchairs, hearing aids, digital kits for the visually impaired, bionic limbs and other devices, to people with varying degrees of disability in Bengaluru on May 24.

Types of assistive devices

The NGO Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is helping HMIF identify people across the country who would need such devices. According to the company, these high-tech assistive devices are designed to improve recipients’ mobility, vision, hearing and communication capabilities.

Addressing a conclave organized by Hyundai Motors India in the city, the company’s Chief Operating Officer Tarun Garg said, “Samarth by Hyundai” is an initiative for people with disabilities, reflecting the company’s commitment to use technology to empower people with disabilities. disability in India.

“At Hyundai Motor India, we not only manufacture cars but also believe in empowering society as a whole through technology and innovation. Through “Samarth by Hyundai”, we want to create a more inclusive society and make life easier for people with disabilities in the country. Disability is part of diversity and we just need to adjust our mindset to make the entire world barrier-free and inclusive,” he said.

Arman Ali, executive director of the National Center for the Promotion of Employment of Persons with Disabilities, a non-governmental organization, said that making disability inclusive should not remain just a separate discussion, but there should be a holistic approach supported by appropriate policies, financing and infrastructure, accessibility and affordability .

20 para-athletes were adopted

Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founder and Trustee of the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said, “Progress for humanity means enabling every individual to achieve their full potential.”

Other experts speaking at the conclave said nearly 24.8 crore people in India suffer from some type of disability. Unfortunately, however, only less than 3% of these people have access to any assistive devices. According to the World Health Organization, 16% of the world’s population suffers from some form of work disability.

According to Garg, Hyundai plans to tie up 120 schools in six cities across the country to increase students’ awareness about disabilities. The company has also taken on 20 para-athletes for the next three years.