Instilling self-esteem among the disabled

VADODARA: If special schools cater to children with autism, multiple disabilities or mental retardation, it is a difficult world out there for disabled adults, who have no formal education. Reason? Hardly any employer overlooks the disability before giving a job.
But things have never been the same for Shantilal Parmar, Ajay Soni and Dinesh More, who today earn anywhere between Rs 2,000 and Rs 8,000.Thanks to the efforts of NGO Disha — a centre for people with disability. A vocational centre it set up recently trains people with disabilities in screenprinting, computers and tailoring.
“We have roped in resource persons who train our students in various vocational skills. Our future plan is to get work orders for our students, as they have limited mobility. We will also organise monthly exhibitions to showcase our products," says director of Disha Vocational Training Rohini Khare.
“Disha has produced fashionable hand bags, aprons, hand gloves, pouches, table cloths and linen, razai covers, cushions, files, roti cover among others, which will be placed at counters in leading hotels and galleries,� says Khare.
It plans to expand its reach to as many people as possible. “Our aim is to integrate the special children with the mainstream. Our efforts begin right from the school level. Even our vocational centre will have a fair mix of people — both normal and the disabled,� says executive director of Disha Prabha Mehta.
Says twenty-five-year-old Ajay Soni, “I have undergone training in DTP and computers and now in screen-printing. I work for Disha as well as take work orders from clients outside. I am able to earn about Rs 6,000 per month, which is better than my previous job with a company at Makarapura." “Despite best efforts, it is difficult to get a placement for a disabled adult.
However, with the vocational training, they have an opportunity to earn a decent sum, which is also a great ego booster. Many NGOs and corporates are opening up to the idea of buying products made by our students. It gives them a sense of achievement," adds Mehta.