3rd December, which is recognized as the International Day of Disabled Persons, was celebrated at The LaLiT New Delhi with our PwD team, their family members, Mr. Keshav and Ms. Divya Suri, the Executive Directors at the LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, Ms. Ira Singhal, an IAS officer, and representatives from the Step By Step School. The event was dedicated to our team members with disabilities who impress and inspire us every single day.
We started the event by wishing and congratulating each and every one of our team members for their hard work and contribution to their workplace. We also congratulated the families of our team members for their dedication and trust in us as an organization.
After a short, guided tour of the hotel to acquaint the family members with the workplace of their wards, we had the honor of having Ms. Ira Singhal on the dais, sharing her journey as well as some advice for the parents and families of persons with disabilities. She laid focus on the attitude of parents and guardians towards disability and strongly urged them to support their ward throughout and not to limit them because of their disability.
There was also a felicitation ceremony for the trainees who had successfully completed their training with us and joined the hotel as Apprentices. After a few words by Ms. Divya Suri Singh and Mr. Keshav Suri, thanking the whole team for their persistent efforts and hard work, we had a workshop and discussion with parents and guardians of the PwD team members on how to make the workplace more accessible for the latter.
The most common issue was with the shift timings. Parents and guardians suggested reduced shift hours so as to make it easier for their wards to reach home early and safely. One family member suggested the provision of transport for the wards if they stay back after their shift timings are over. The second group discussed the possibility of the child/ward being allowed to stay in the hotel when the parents/guardians are out of town due to their inability to take care of themselves. The suggestion of informing and spreading awareness regarding the documentation, facilities, and benefits that can be availed by persons with disabilities.