TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE WELFARE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – AN INCLUSION

Dear All

ABSTRACT

Key Words: Rehabilitation, Inclusion, Sustainability, Quality of Life, Access, Barrier Free Environment, Independent Living, Service Spectrum, Corporate Social Responsibility, Stakeholders, Empowerment.

The Government, Corporate, Funding Agencies, Service Organizations and other stakeholders are providing training and rehabilitation services to the persons with disabilities (PWDs) suiting to their challenges, skills and needs which helps to build their capacities. The spectrum of rehabilitation starts from the stage of identification followed by early intervention, special education and pre-vocational activities. This helps to provide training in vocational trades suiting to their skills, living environment and income generation opportunities.

The employment opportunities for the PWDs includes either to join the industry or to start self employment. The second part is affected significantly with the funding support, linkages and marketing. In spite of the best efforts of the stakeholders, the first part is also having several limitations including access, competition, sustainability and other environmental issues. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) improves the opportunities for the PWDs in terms of rehabilitation, training and employment.

This paper presents the model of rehabilitation, trainings and employment opportunities provided for the PWDs. The linkage and networking between the Service Organizations (NGOs) and Industry helped to provide employment for more than 200 differently abled who works in an inclusive environment which has been appreciated and recognized by the authorities at all levels. Selected PWDs could start their own establishments which improved their economical position and thus able to be the part of the community as a productive member. The process is going on to reach more and more with better awareness and networking.

The concept of Resource Centre cum Placement Cell (RCPC) is the platform which links the job seekers (PWDs) and job providers. The RCPC works with an integrated approach including registration, assessment, guidance, capacity building, orientation, placement, monitoring & evaluation with full participation. This process has created significant impact among the lives of PWDs including their family members which lead for their better living with sustainability and quality of life (QOL) in barrier free environment (BFE). This model is flexible and can be replicated by the Service Organizations / Industry suiting to the skills and needs of the PWDs.

Remarks: Abstract of the Paper presented at JNTU - Hyderabad.