Promote Integrated Living of Persons with Disabilities
Project Name: Promote Integrated Living of Persons with Disabilities
Donor: AKTION ARME WELT STIFTUNG, Germany
Project period: 2023- 2024
Target Group: People with Disabilities
Program Location: 13 Panchayats East Champaran District, 21 panchayats of Gahiri, West Champaran District of Bihar and 16 Panchayats of Sumbuck. Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India.
Purpose of the project / Program Overview:
Introduction: The project aims to provide timely and regular therapeutic care for the identified differently abled children, while also enhancing the skills of families and communities in home-based care and education. Additionally, the project seeks to establish Disabled Children’s Parents’ Associations (DPA) to facilitate access to government schemes and ensure sustainability through community support.
Objective 1: To facilitate rehabilitation of 200 persons with disabilities through regular therapeutic care both at home and Day Care Centers, and with assistive devices.
Project personnel were selected and appointed on the 1st of January 2024.
On January 6th, new staff and community volunteers received orientation. Data from 13 panchayats in Raxaul block, 21 in Gahiri unit, and 16 in Sumbuck Unit was compiled and documented. From the identified individuals, 501 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) were selected and categorized. Each was assigned to project staff based on their care needs. By the end of January 2024, care plans for each individual were created by 5 CBR staff and a physiotherapist with coordinator input.
A daily movement plan is developed and shared monthly with physiotherapists, CBR staff, and coordinators, monitored at unit and head offices. This plan ensures regular physiotherapy for Children with Disabilities (CwDs), including high-risk cases in remote areas with home-based therapy. Those who can visit physiotherapy centers receive treatment there. Ongoing counseling is provided by CBR workers, physiotherapists, and coordinators for parents and children, including home-based sessions on physiotherapy and Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Weekly visits to Panchayat Bhavans, public health facilities, and primary schools with mobile physiotherapy services enhance parental skills and ensure consistent care, emphasizing nutrition and personal attention.
Objective 2: Promote Health and Prevent Further Disabilities through Medical and Surgical Interventions:
Assessment: CBR staff from Mashal Patna assessed 1,000 children, identifying 500 with severe disabilities. Preventive plans were created to help mitigate disability progression and offer families hope for improvement.
Medical Camp: The Notre Dame Rehabilitation Center Sumbuck organized a one-day medical camp at Bijanbari Block Office with Eden Hospital and District Hospital staff. The camp provided disability certificates to over 35 children and adults from 16 panchayats and was praised for staff and community engagement.
PWD Project Work: Mashal Patna’s PWD program supported 500 children across Gahiri, Raxaul, and Sumbuck units, focusing on education and care through the CBR Matrix. The program facilitated disability certificates and medical consultations with specialists. In March 2024, awareness sessions for 122 pregnant women highlighted antenatal, prenatal, and postnatal care, disability early detection, and preventive measures, with training from experts and support from ANMs and ASHAs. The event featured clear donor and partner acknowledgments.
Objective 3: Capacitate 200 Families for Holistic Care of Persons with Disabilities:
On March 19, 2024, CHESHTA in Raxaul trained 115 parents and caretakers in home-based therapy and Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Led by Vinod Srivastav (BPT) and Niranjan Kumar, the session covered home care, physiotherapy, education, and social inclusion, using engaging, cost-effective methods and emphasizing nutrition and government entitlements. CBR staff, supported by community volunteers, conducted regular visits and counseling, fostering community involvement and encouraging parents to seek treatment. Assistance was also provided to 18 children and their families for obtaining Disability Certificates and starting the Disability pension process at Sadar Hospital, Motihari, with support from the Civil Surgeon to ease access to benefits. Additionally, family counseling emphasized the importance of intervention, with successful initiation of home-based rehabilitation services.
Objective 4: Promote Inclusive Education and the Rights of Children with Disabilities:
To promote inclusive education and the rights of the children with disabilities for a dignified living. Project personnel have been visiting schools and homes to gather data for enrolling children with disabilities, setting the stage for a campaign to boost enrolment in April. Currently, 50% of these children are enrolled, with CBR workers supporting their regular attendance by engaging both parents and children. Efforts are underway to improve inclusive education facilities and create a barrier-free environment in schools.
Government Teacher Meeting:
A meeting led by CBR worker Abhyanandan Kishore with government and private school teachers discussed the enrolment of disabled children. The session emphasized the Right to Education Act 2009, which mandates free education for all disabled children aged 6 to 14 years. The importance of accessible facilities such as ramps and toilets was also highlighted to ensure an inclusive learning environment.
Objective 5: Enhance the Socioeconomic Environment of PwDs for Self-Reliance and Sustainability:
Physiotherapy: CBR workers provide home-based therapy to 500 children, aiming for physical and mental improvements.
Pension: Following a health camp, 12 children in Sumbuck, Darjeeling successfully applied for a pension of ₹1,000 per month.
Center-Based Therapy: Notre Dame Sumbuck enrolled 10 children in daily therapy at its Rehabilitation Center, setting individual goals and involving parents to support ongoing development.
Center-Based Education: A plan was developed to support 6 children with special needs (5 school-going, 1 not) by adapting study materials and providing inclusive education and therapy.
Home-Based Education: For children unable to attend the center or school, home-based education is provided, including support for those facing challenges with their current syllabus.
Home Visits & Counseling: Daily home visits and counseling are conducted for 40 children to support their therapy, education, hygiene, and daily living skills.Electrotherapy: Physiotherapy and electrotherapy are provided for adults with neurological and health issues, with personalized treatment plans showing positive results.
Parent Orientation: A half-day meeting for 24 parents introduced them to the Rehabilitation Program, with feedback collected and further counseling provided to emphasize therapy and education.
Mother’s Training: A three-day training for 11 mothers at Notre Dame, Sumbuck covered Cerebral Palsy and included practical demonstrations, equipping them to perform home-based therapy effectively.