In India, the topic of disability is still a taboo that is tainted with shame. People with disabilities are often isolated and cut off from society. Poverty and disability are mutually reinforcing, and existing support services are mostly limited to the upper middle and upper classes in large cities. People with disabilities are often excluded from social and economic life and increasingly experience violence and discrimination. Many do not know their rights or are unable to claim them.
For years, Indienhilfe e.V. has aimed to promote inclusion in all its projects. The “Moving Ahead” project, supported by the Schöck-Familien-Stiftung, was launched in April 2023. The local partner organization Sanchar, which has been campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities since 1988, is training four partner organizations of Indienhilfe e.V. to integrate inclusion into their projects.
Since the start of the project, needs assessments and specific training sessions have been carried out to raise awareness among employees and impart knowledge about support programs and medical care. Other important topics included raising awareness of rights and dealing with stigmatization.
Inclusive project planning took place in February 2024, during which measures to promote inclusion were identified. This includes campaigns in families and communities, support in applying for disability cards and state funding as well as information on therapeutic services.
In the long term, not only the projects and their target groups should benefit from the “Moving Ahead” project, but a rethink within the partner organizations and – even more importantly – a rethink in society should be initiated in order to come closer to the goal of “Leave no one behind!”.
Project sponsor: Indienhilfe e.V. Herrsching
Project partner: SANCHAR A.R O. D. (Appropriate Rehabilitation of the Disabled)
Funding year: since 2023
Project nr.: 185-23 ro/A