Since 2007, Gramin Adivasi Samaj Vikas Sansthan (GASVS) has been a pivotal facilitator in the Sausar and Pandhurna blocks of Chhindwara District, empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). By sensitizing and building the capacities of PwDs, their caregivers, teachers, school administration, public health workers, and government officials, GASVS promotes support and empowers both PwDs and the community to realize their full potential and rights.
Program Overview
The Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program, which began in 2007, focuses on integrating PwDs into their communities by addressing their health, social, and economic needs. CBR is a strategy within general community development aimed at rehabilitation, equalizing opportunities, and social inclusion of all PwDs. Through a collaborative effort involving PwDs, their families, and the communities, GASVS has been instrumental in providing essential services such as health, social welfare, and employment.
Partnership and Support
In 2013, the program gained further momentum with support from Misereor (Germany) through CARITAS – India and CBR Forum (Bangalore). This collaboration facilitated a broader reach and more comprehensive services, significantly improving the quality of life for PwDs in the region.
Impact and Sustainability
The CBR program’s phased approach has been crucial to its success. From 2007 to 2017, the program was implemented in four phases, gradually building awareness among PwDs about their roles and responsibilities. This empowerment enabled them to exercise their rights and proactively address the issues affecting their lives and communities. By 2015, the program began phasing out, transitioning the responsibilities to Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs). Strengthening these DPOs has been vital in ensuring the sustainability of the program’s impact.
In Sausar block, the program has created a sustainable model, delivering measurable improvements in the lives of PwDs, their families, and the community. This model focuses on creating an environment that offers opportunities for a better quality of life and empowers PwDs to access and enjoy their rights.
Chetana Disabled Persons Organization (BDPO)
Since 2007, Gramin Adivasi Samaj Vikas Sansthan (GASVS) has been a pivotal facilitator in the Sausar and Pandhurna blocks of Chhindwara District, empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). By sensitizing and building the capacities of PwDs, their caregivers, teachers, school administration, public health workers, and government officials, GASVS promotes support and empowers both PwDs and the community to realize their full potential and rights.
Expansion to Pandhurna
Block Encouraged by the success in Sausar, GASVS, in collaboration with CBR Forum (Bangalore), initiated a similar intervention in the adjacent Pandhurna block in 2015.
The “Empowerment and Inclusion of PwDs/CwDs in Pandhurna Block” project aimed to replicate the successful practices from Sausar to bring immediate and lasting improvements to the disabled community in Pandhurna. Phase I of the program concluded in 2016, followed by Phase II in 2018.
Currently, the project is directly implemented by CBR Forum, Bangalore, with GASVS providing technical support as a local stakeholder in both Sausar and Pandhurna blocks. The overall impact has been profound, with PwDs and CwDs being recognized as equal members of the community, with ample opportunities to realize their potential. The establishment of the Pandhurna BDPO with a total strength of 25 Village Level Disabled Persons Organizations (VDPOs) marks a significant achievement. These VDPOs advocate for the rights of PwDs/CwDs, ensuring their inclusion in community development processes. Additionally, these BDPOs are linked to the Chhindwara District Level Disabled People’s Organization (DDPO) to address issues on a broader scale.
GASVS remains committed to supporting and expanding these initiatives, fostering an inclusive environment where PwDs can thrive and contribute to their communities. Through continuous collaboration with partners and stakeholders, GASVS aims to sustain and scale these efforts, ensuring that PwDs in Sausar and Pandhurna blocks have the support and resources they need for a better future