Disability training programmes are also organised to support community-based rehabilitation (CBR) in the project areas and to provide training and support inputs to other programmes and organisations.

Highlights 2002

94 Village Awareness Workshops Held :

94 village awareness and 28 school awareness workshops for prevention, early identification and referral were held during the year.

Theatre Troupes Reach Out to PWD's :

Three PWD theatre troupes have been facilitated in Deodurg, Manvi and Haliyal. These troupes go to different villages and conduct street plays on prevention, identification and appropriate rehabilitation of persons with physical and mental disabilities.

9 PWD's Supported for Loans :

As part of its support for income generation programmes, 9 PWD's were facilitated to avail of loans under the government’s Aadhara self employment scheme.

Tie-Ups with Mitrajyothi, NAB, Rotary :

SAMARTHYA has entered into partnerships with Mitrajyothi, National Association for the Blind (NAB), Rotary and Matruchaya for its integrated education programme.

5 more disability workers!

5 trainees completed their 1-year disability block training, and have joined the SAMARTHYA team as full-fledged disability workers.

IN THE PIPELINE...

... a PWD forum for children in the age group of 12-17 years

... orientation on the National Trust Act 1999 and promotion of parent groups to carry disability issues forward

... strengthening of cultural troupes at the community level and strengthening of IED programmes

... strengthening of IED programmes

... identification and training of Disability Promoters who will coordinate disability related issues locally.

KEY LEARNINGS:

There is a need for a formal association of parents of children with mental disabilities on the lines of the National Trust Act.

There is a need to focus on orientation for parents of girl children with mental disabilities, particularly with regard to issues of health and hygiene, sexuality and sexual abuse.

“My friends at school used to make fun of me though my family members were understanding,” says Gangamma (15) from Jalahalli, who dropped out of school after Class IV. She has been afflicted with low vision since birth. After a meeting with Maktum Bi, the project teacher, she decided to join the tailoring programme training. “I have learnt to sew uniforms, blouses, dresses. But I enjoy stitching little children’s clothes the most,” she says with a grin.