World Disability Day: SRIHER highlights inclusion

Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) observed World Disability Day on the theme Disability: A Right, not a request. The event highlighted resilience, inclusion and empowerment with inspiring talks from two speakers who have overcome significant physical challenges to excel in their professional fields. 

P. A. Abhinand, assistant professor, Department of Bioinformatics who lives with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder characterised by progressive weakness and wasting of skeletal muscles, has published 20 research articles and authored two book chapters. He highlighted the need for free nationwide access to the SMA diagnostic test to enable early diagnosis, timely intervention and affordable treatment.

Sushmitha Murali, born with physical disability, is a research scholar at Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. A recipient of the UGC National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities, she actively engages in disability advocacy, participates in panel discussions, and offers support for visually impaired learners.  Dean, Medical College K. Balaji Singh, Special Officer Roopa Nagarajan, and Prof. Prakash Boominathan participated in the event, said a press release.