*Outreach Project*
Besides our other initiatives, *Snehankit Helpline* has started an *Outreach
Project* with the aim of identifying visually impaired persons in remote
and underserved areas where awareness has never reached. In many such
regions, people have no knowledge about government schemes or facilities
available for persons with visual impairment.
As part of this project, we visited *Shahapur*, where we identified *45
families* belonging to *Adivasi padas* and backward communities. Most of
them were completely unaware of government schemes, educational facilities,
mobility training, or rehabilitation services meant for visually impaired
persons.
After identification, we organised a *meeting in a local school*, where
participants were informed about various government schemes through which
they can receive financial assistance, such as the *Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar
Yojana*, along with other available benefits.
We also arranged a *session on independent mobility*, conducted by a
special educator. She spoke about moving independently using a white cane
and gave practical tips on identifying places using *hearing, tactile
surfaces, and kinesthetic senses*.
Each participant was provided with a *white cane* and a *folder* to safely
store and protect their important documents.
It was truly painful to realise that *young children and college-going
students had been kept in darkness for so many years*, without any access
to information or guidance. It felt as though no ray of hope had ever
reached these areas. There may be many more such cases still unidentified.
Snehankit Helpline is committed to continuing this survey and expanding its
reach. Our future plan is to organise *long-term programmes* focusing on
mobility training, daily living skills, education guidance, and other
relevant topics to empower visually impaired persons.
This project has always been *very close to my heart*, but due to a lack of
dedicated staff, it could not be taken up earlier. I am happy to share that
we have now appointed a staff member who is well-versed in this field,
enabling us to move forward with this important initiative.
*Project Proposal*
*Outreach and Rehabilitation Programme for Visually Impaired Persons in
Remote Areas*
*Name of the Organisation*
*Snehankit Helpline*
(A Non-Profit Organisation working for persons with visual impairment)
------------------------------
*1. Background and Need of the Project*
In many remote and tribal areas, visually impaired persons live without
access to basic information, education, rehabilitation services, or
government welfare schemes. Due to lack of awareness and outreach,
children, youth, and adults with visual impairment remain confined to their
homes, dependent on family members, and deprived of opportunities for
independent living.
During a recent outreach visit to *Shahapur*, Snehankit Helpline identified *45
visually impaired individuals from Adivasi padas and backward communities*.
Most of them had no knowledge of government schemes, mobility training,
assistive devices, or educational support available for them.
This situation highlights the urgent need for a *systematic outreach and
long-term rehabilitation programme* to identify such individuals, create
awareness, and empower them towards independent living.
------------------------------
*2. Objectives of the Project*
1. To identify visually impaired persons in remote and underserved areas.
2. To create awareness about government schemes, rights, and facilities
available for visually impaired persons.
3. To provide basic mobility training using white cane techniques.
4. To distribute assistive devices such as white canes.
5. To guide beneficiaries towards education, skill development, and
rehabilitation services.
6. To design and implement long-term follow-up programmes for holistic
development.
------------------------------
*3. Target Group*
- Visually impaired persons from rural, tribal, and backward communities
- Age group: *Children, youth, and adults (no age bar)*
- Estimated beneficiaries in one phase: *45–50 persons*
------------------------------
*4. Project Area*
- Remote villages and Adivasi padas in *Shahapur Taluka*
- (Project can be replicated in other districts later)
------------------------------
*5. Project Activities*
1. *Survey and Identification*
- Door-to-door survey in remote areas
- Identification of visually impaired persons and documentation
2. *Awareness and Information Session*
- Organising meetings in local schools or community halls
- Information on government schemes (pensions, scholarships, aids,
concessions)
3. *Mobility and Orientation Session*
- Training on independent movement using white cane
- Sensory awareness (hearing, tactile, kinesthetic skills)
4. *Distribution of Assistive Devices*
- White canes
- Document folders for certificates and records
5. *Follow-up and Long-Term Planning*
- Planning extended training programmes on mobility, daily living
skills, and education guidance
------------------------------
*6. Duration of the Project*
- *Initial Phase:* 3 months
- *Long-Term Programme:* To be planned based on findings and funding
availability
------------------------------
*7. Project Implementation Team*
- Project Coordinator
- Special Educator / Mobility Trainer
- Field Worker / Outreach Staff
- Volunteers (as required)
------------------------------
*8. Expected Outcomes*
- Identification of visually impaired persons who were previously
unreached
- Increased awareness of government schemes and benefits
- Improved confidence and basic independent mobility among beneficiaries
- Access to assistive devices
- Foundation for long-term rehabilitation and empowerment
------------------------------
*9. Detailed Budget (Estimated Expenses)*
*Sr. No.*
*Particulars*
*Amount (INR)*
1
Survey & Identification (travel, local expenses)
20,000
2
Honorarium – Special Educator / Mobility Trainer
15,000
3
Honorarium – Outreach Staff (3 months)
18,000
4
White Canes (50 × ₹600)
30,000
5
Document Folders & Stationery
5,000
6
Awareness Meeting Expenses (venue, refreshments, materials)
10,000
7
Printing & Documentation
5,000
8
Administrative & Communication Expenses
7,000
*Total Estimated Project Cost*
*₹1,10,000*
*10. Sustainability and Future Plan*
Snehankit Helpline plans to continue this project as a *long-term outreach
and rehabilitation programme* by:
- Expanding surveys to other remote areas
- Linking beneficiaries to education, vocational training, and
rehabilitation centres
- Developing partnerships with donors, CSR initiatives, and government
departments
------------------------------
*11. Conclusion*
The Outreach Project addresses a deeply neglected section of
society—visually impaired persons living in remote and tribal areas.
Through identification, awareness, mobility training, and assistive
support, this project aims to bring hope, dignity, and independence into
their lives.
This project is very close to our heart, and with dedicated staff now in
place, Snehankit Helpline is committed to ensuring that *no visually
impaired person remains in darkness due to lack of awareness or support*.
--
Disclaimer:
1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the
person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity;
2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent
through this mailing list..
Search for old postings at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"AccessIndia" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAPGGfVB0MOZ3oRcYxc_dgRqzbCSb2X6C1jQybCJPDzT-swgczg%40mail.gmail.com.
