People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups in Indian society. They are socially excluded and face various forms of discrimination. Very often they are completely isolated from social life. A lack of awareness prevents people and their families from seeking help from existing resources and programs from the government and other organizations.

VFF USA supports programs for people with disabilities, which encompass social, economic, physical and medical rehabilitation and aim to break down social prejudices, promote understanding and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Rural Development Trust (RDT), our implementing partner in India works closely with Mobility India (MI), a Bangalore-based non-profit that provides technical support in developing and strengthening assistive technology including prosthetics, orthotics and walking and mobility aids. Recently, RDT and MI in collaboration with World Health Organization conducted trainings for implementing the application of absorbent continence products to strengthen access to community level assistive technology.

Ritu Ghosh, Academic Director of Mobility-India, shared how various stigmas and other challenges prevent people with disabilities from fulfilling their potential.

“Stigma begins with the family. It projects itself from the negative attitude of extended family and community. Parents feel shame and keep their children at home, excluding them from society and depriving them of all they deserve including accessing assistive technology services,” says Ritu Ghosh.

“However, RDT and MI are involved in creating awareness of the need and importance of assistive technology along with the community-based initiatives that provide relevant information in understanding this technology. This helps us in addressing and tackling the existing stigma as well.”

If you would like to support VFF USA’s #disability inclusive development projects, please join our #EmpoweraVillage campaign here: https://bit.ly/3IjJxkI

Text: Dyuti Khulbe/RDT, adapted by VFF USA