Techvision: Vision of the Differently-Abled
With changing attitudes and stigmas associated with the differently-abled in the society, it is a challenge to provide a facility to train differently-abled persons so that they may achieve personal independence. The UN found that of the approximately 70 million people in India with disabilities, only 0.14%, 100,000 people are employed in industry jobs. Multiple programs are being made available to create an opportunity for the differently-abled to contribute to their own livelihood and society through work and education.
Samarthanam Trust was initiated with the help of Deshpande Foundation by three visually impaired individuals, Mahantesh G.K., Paul Mudda and S.P. Nagesh who came together under a united determination to give back to the differently-abled youth.
They believed that through access to education, accommodation, nutritious food and vocational training, differently-abled persons could become confident, valued and contributing members of their communities.
In July 2009, Samarthanam introduced their Techvision initiative to open new doors to the differently-abled in North Karnataka. Techvision inculcates an attitude of giving back amongst the trainees with the hope of recouping a portion of the training expenses from the participants, starting in the second year. In 1999, Samarthanam launched their IT cell with the aim of enabling the visually impaired through technology. The program takes an innovative approach in preparing people with disabilities to compete in the mainstream job market through training on computers, English communication and soft skills as well as assisting participants in identifying career paths and securing a job placement. On an average, graduates of Techvision earn a monthly salary of INR 6,000 – INR 8,000 with approximately 20 percent earning more than INR 10,000.
Rajani and Pankaj are examples of lives that have been changed by Samarthanam. Both of them got trained at Samarthanam and now Rajani works with Infosys Technologies. She is also said to be the first visually challenged Chartered Accountant in the country. Whereas Pankaj, after training, got a seat at FMS Delhi, completed his MBA and joined the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) as Senior Human Resource Manager.
After 7 years of existence in Dharward, more than 800 differently abled have been trained in the modest facility in Gandhinagar premises. It has a fully functional computer lab and everyday more than 100 young and energetic disabled people get training here.
Over time, Samarthanam has also seen their organization grow into different programs like higher education program, sports program, mid-day meal program, environmental management program etc. The aim of Samarthanam is to not only to change the way society perceives the differently-abled, but also the way the differently-abled perceive their own capabilities.