Observing that people with disabilities have a right to lead a life of dignity and self-respect, President Pratibha Patil [Images] on Monday asked the government to explore possibilities of providing a special insurance cover for them.

Giving awards to thirty disabled people for their achievements on the occasion of the International Day of Disabled, she said, "Recently the Maharashtra government has introduced a special insurance scheme for the disabled. I would urge the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to look into introducing such a scheme in the rest of the country".

"People with disability have a right to lead a life of dignity and self-respect, this is not a favour given to them," she said.

Patil said this could be possible only if they get adequate opportunities to pursue education and thereafter get gainful employment and status in society.

However, there is a need to ensure that children with special needs get access to education at par with others, she added.

The President also released a postage stamp commemorating World Disability Day. The stamp is the first one ever to be in Braille.