There are various social connotations associated with women with disability. Their own sense of self-worth is influenced often by attitudes of family and friends. Lack of awareness about ways to overcome limitations or absence of essential services is usually common, especially in the semi-urban and rural areas.

APD’s programme for Rehabilitation of Women with Disability is reversing attitudes through interactions and enabling training programmes. The programmes are especially significant to women with disability in the low income group. Its systematic approaches pave the way for women to face the future with zeal and enhanced capabilities.

Identification of women with disability
The Disabled People Organizations, Self-Help Groups, Community Based Rehabilitation Workers, Animators and Community Health Workers garner information at the taluk and district level to identify women with disability. This is parallel to the metro based interventions of a similar kind.

Home visits
Home visits are organized where the team members develop a rapport with the woman as well as her family members. Regular interactions are valuable as they appraise the woman and her family about the various means for self-improvement and development.

Appropriate medical and therapeutic interventions
After identifying required medical interventions and arranging appropriate orthotic aids, the woman and family members are trained to overcome limitations in mobility and movement.

Progression towards self-reliance through training and placement assistance
The preparatory programme towards self-reliance begins with reinstating school or college drop outs wherever possible. Training by experts on various skills including accounting, tailoring, industrial sewing, and personal sewing.   Certain practical skills and approach on Handling Finance, Planning Activities and Time Management are imparted.

The trainings are conducted through periodical camps in their vicinities or through APD’s unique residential programme. Here women with disabilities from different areas stay under a single roof while undergoing the campus based training programmes in various subjects.

Subsequent to undergoing various courses, the women are support by APD’s Career Guidance and Placement Unit. Thus APD’s programmes help women with disability to gain gradual independence and ignite their spirit to move from the ring side to the arena of life.