E 2nd NCPEDP HELEN KELLER_ t~vVARDS 1

THE 2nd NCPEDP HELEN KELLER AWARDS

m .is the faith that leads to achievement."

- 9ielen 9<eller

I

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement."

- Helen Keller

We have entered the new millennium with ne;W hope, determination and confidence. We see more doors opening, more barriers being broken, and new initiatives being taken.

This year, the World Disability Day is truly a day of celebration for all of us! We celebrate five years of the passage of The Persons with Disabilities Act; we celebrate the inclusion of the question on disability in Census 2001 ; and above all, we celebrate a strong and vibrant cross-disability movement! In difficult times and when faced with challenges, we came together. Each person in the disability sector joined hands and thus, we achieved targets which initially may have seemed like impossible tasks. This has reinforced our faith in the strength of a national cross- ~isability network.

We have seen how much the contribution of each individual matters. The NCPEDP Helen Keller Award salutes those individuals and organisations who have done their bit in promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and have worked towards· the larger goal of nation building. New people have brought in innovative ideas and the more experienced persons have given further guidance to the sector.

As more and more people from different walks of life join the disability movement in the country, we have a lot to look forward to, and a lot to work for.

Let's celebrate! !!

JavedAbidi Executive Director NCPEDP

E D I T O R I A L L A R 0 T D

We have entered the new millennium with new hope, determination and confidence. We see more doors opening, more barriers being broken, and new initiatives being taken.

This year, the World Disability Day is truly a day of celebration for all of us! We celebrate five years of the passage of The Persons with Disabilities Act; we celebrate the inclusion of the question on disability in Census 2001; and above all, we celebrate a strong and vibrant cross-disability movement! In difficult times and when faced with challenges, we came together. Each person in the disability sector joined hands and thus, we achieved targets which initially may have seemed like impossible tasks. This has reinforced our faith in the strength of a national cross-disability network.

We have seen how much the contribution of each individual matters. The N C P E D P Helen Keller Award salutes those individuals and organisations who have done their bit in promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and have worked towards the larger goal of nation building. New people have brought in innovative ideas and the more experienced persons have given further guidance to the sector.

As more and more people from different walks of life join the disability movement in the country, we have a lotto look forward to, and a lot to work for.

Let's celebrate!!!

Javed Abidi Executive Director N C P E D P

'

or most young people around the world, the future is shaped by the trends of globalisation, shifting employment and increasing resource

disparity which affect the environment as well as social justice. All these trends are inherently linked to the current practices of corporations, governments and society.

We at Shell, believe that socii responsibility begins with the individual , and that all employees of Shell need to involve themselves in their communities to better understand the real problems that exist in our world.

It has been a matter of great pride to us in Shell to witness the success of the students that we have been able to support through the NCPEDP scholarship programme. We have derived immense pleasure at their achievements. A physical disability should not become a stumbling block for progress in an individual's life. The students that we have seen through this scholarship programme have proved that with support from society, they too can become constructive, contributing members of their community.

Recognising the enormous range of needs in India, our aim is to ensure that our social investments are bo~h effective and appropriate, and being a part of the progress towards equal employment opportunities for the disabled is a sure step towards sustainable development.

Vikram Singh Mehta Country Chairman Shell Group of Companies in India

®Shell

For most young people around the world, the future is shaped by the trends of globalisation, shifting employment and increasing resource

disparity which affect the environment as well as social justice. All these trends are inherently linked to the current practices of corporations, governments and society.

We at Shell, believe that social responsibility begins with the individual, and that all employees of Shell need to involve themselves in their communities to better understand the real problems that exist in our world.

It has been a matter of great pride to us in Shell to witness the success of the students that we have been able to support through the NCPEDP scholarship programme. We have derived immense pleasure at their achievements. A physical disability should not become a stumbling block for progress in an individual's life. The students that we have seen through this scholarship programme have proved that with support from society, they too can become constructive, contributing members of their community.

Recognising the enormous range of needs in India, our aim is to ensure that our social investments are both effective and appropriate, and being a part of the progress towards equal employment opportunities for the disabled is a sure step towards sustainable development.

Vikram Singh Mehta Country Chairman Shell Group of Companies in India

S h e l l

y husband, Rajiv Gandhi's vision for the disabled was to empower them to lead a life of dignity and respect. He believed that the

21 ., century would bring not only more avenues for employment, it would awaken a sense of responsibility among us all to make this possible. He believed, as I do, that the disabled do not need pity or charity; they need opportunity and independence.

The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) began work four years ago. It has accomplished a great deal , not least in creating an awareness about the world of the disabled among people at large. There have always been in India charitable organisations and philanthropic individuals who have helped disabled people over the years. But it takes coordinated effort and an understanding of the nature of disability to transform our attitudes and create the infrastructure that disabled people need to achieve their potential and to contribute to society.

One of the biggest achievements this year has been the inclusion of a question on disability in the Census 2001. From this we will obtain , for the first time, authentic data and information on disability. Only then can we, whether society at large or the authorities, begin to comprehend the problem and frame relevant and well thought out policies relating to disabled people.

We would do well to remember that census statistics are not mere numbers; we are dealing with human beings, with their feelings, their aspirations and their hopes. Each life is important. Each disabled person who is counted next year in the census, is a citizen of this great nation, entitled to at least as much as any other citizen. The 70 million or so disabled Indians must not be an 'invisible' part of us. This is the time to bring each and every disabled man, woman and child into our mainstream, and for us to do all we can to ensure that they are fully integrated into the larger family of Indians.

Sonia Gandhi Chairperson NCPEDP

I

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR PROMOTION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE E P E O P L D D I S A B L E F O

T E M P L O Y M E N F O PROMOTIO R F O E C E N T R NATIONA

My husband, Rajiv Gandhi's vision for the disabled was to empower them to lead a life of dignity and respect. He believed that the

21 s t century would bring not only more avenues for employment, it would awaken a sense of responsibility among us all to make this possible. He believed, as I do, that the disabled do not need pity or chari ty; they need opportunity and independence.

The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) began work four years ago. It has accomplished a great deal, not least in creating an awareness about the world of the disabled among people at large. There have always been in India charitable organisations and philanthropic individuals who have helped disabled people over the years. But it takes coordinated effort and an understanding of the nature of disability to transform our attitudes and create the infrastructure that disabled people need to achieve their potential and to contribute to society.

One of the biggest achievements this year has been the inclusion of a question on disability in the Census 2001. From this we will obtain, for the first time, authentic data and information on disability. Only then can we, whether society at large or the authorities, begin to comprehend the problem and frame relevant and well thought out policies relating to disabled people.

We would do well to remember that census statistics are not mere numbers; we are dealing with human beings, with their feelings, their aspirations and their hopes. Each life is important. Each disabled person who is counted next year in the census, is a citizen of this great nation, entitled to at least as much as any other citizen. The 70 million or so disabled Indians must not be an 'invisible' part of us. This is the time to bring each and every disabled man, woman and child into our mainstream, and for us to do all we can to ensure that they are fully integrated into the larger family of Indians.

Sonia Gandhi Chairperson NCPEDP

LN

R

' \\

e can II

o more ... ' .

- 9-lelen 9<eller

"We can

do more..." - Helen Keller

2nd NCPEDP HELEN KELLER AWA RDS

Today, on the occasion of the World Disability Day, 2000, we are proud to present the 2nd NCPEDP Helen Keller

Awards. Instituted last year, these Awards seek to honour those individuals and organisations who have contributed considerably towards ensuring that disabled people are rehabilitated, gainfully employed and are not discriminated against.

Instituted in the name of Helen Keller, perhaps the most prolific activist for disabled people in our times, the Awards have been specially created by two students of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad -- Abhimanyu Nohwar and Chandrashekhar Badve.

As last year, our selection process has been totally democratic, transparent and thorough. This time, there were five members in the Selection Committee -- all well-known personalities and achievers in their respective fields -- representing both, the industry and the disability sector. Nominations for the Awards were invited and received, and each form evaluated in detail; a final list of 1 O was then drawn up.

Once again, we would like to say that NCPEDP is very happy and proud to present the Awards. We salute the 1 O role models, who sincerely believed in and worked towards people with disabilities getting equal opportunities in the workplace -- 'Opportunities Without Prejudice'.

I

T H E 2 n d N C P E D P H E L E N K E L L E R A W A R D S Today, on the occasion of the World Disability Day, 2000, we are proud to present the 2nd N C P E D P Helen Keller

Awards. Instituted last year, these Awards seek to honour those individuals and organisations who have contributed considerably towards ensuring that disabled people are rehabilitated, gainfully employed and are not discriminated against.

Instituted in the name of Helen Keller, perhaps the most prolific activist for disabled people in our times, the Awards have been specially created by two students of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad -- Abhimanyu Nohwar and Chandrashekhar Badve.

As last year, our selection process has been totally democratic, transparent and thorough. This time, there were five members in the Select ion Committee -- all wel l -known personalities and achievers in their respective fields -- representing both, the industry and the disability sector. Nominations for the Awards were invited and received, and each form evaluated in detail; a final list of 10 was then drawn up.

Once again, we would like to say that N C P E D P is very happy and proud to present the Awards. We salute the 10 role models, who sincerely believed in and worked towards people with disabilities getting equal opportunities in the workplace -- 'Opportunities Without Prejudice'.

S E L E C T I O N C O M M I T T E E Subodh Bhargava Currently the Advisor to the Eicher Group of Companies, Subodh Bhargava has been the Past National President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He is one of India's most influential spokespersons for Indian Industry, contributing towards and influencing government policy and working with the industry to evolve an adequate response to the changing environment.

Jayant Bhuyan The Secretary General of The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex industry organisation of India, Jayant Bhuyan has worked extensively for many years with the Association of Indian Engineering Industry (AIEI) and has also headed the International Division of the Confederation of Indian Industry. He has wide international experience, having travelled all over the world with industrial missions and delegations of CEOs.

Alop Kumar Mittal Alop Kumar Mittal is currently Advisor (Corporate Affairs) to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). A wheelchair user as a result of a road accident in 1984, Alop Mittal leads a normal working life. His responsibilities include managing events on issues of policy concerns to Indian business and industry, as well as policies concerning India's international trade.

Lal Advani Lal Advani holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy from Punjab University, and M. Ed. Degrees in Special Education and Mental Retardation from London and Boston, respectively. He has worked extensively with the Ministry of Education, and is currently working on a number of research projects. Holder of several national and international awards, Lal Advani has published over 50 research articles as well as a book on disability and rehabilitation.

Dr. Onkar Sharma Dr. Onkar Sharma holds an Honours Degree in Hindi from Punjab University and an M.A. (Previous) in Sociology from Mysore University, in spite of having become totally hearing impaired at the age of 13. He has been a Member of the Delhi Association of the Deaf since 1953, and of the All India Federation of the Deaf since 1955. He has held senior positions in the disability sector and is now the President of DPI-lndia.

I

' SELECTION COMMITTEE

Subodh Bhargava

Currently the Advisor to the Eicher Group of Companies, Subodh Bhargava has been the Past National President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He is one of India's most influential spokespersons for Indian Industry, contributing towards and influencing government policy and working with the industry to evolve an adequate response to the changing environment.

Jayant Bhuyan

The Secretary General of The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex industry organisation of India, Jayant Bhuyan has worked extensively for many years with the Association of Indian Engineering Industry (AIEI) and has also headed the International Division of the Confederation of Indian Industry. He has wide international experience, having travelled all over the world with industrial missions and delegations of CEOs.

Atop Kumar Mittal

Alop Kumar Mittal is currently Advisor (Corporate Affairs) to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). A wheelchair user as a result of a road accident in 1984, Alop Mittal leads a normal working life. His responsibilities include managing events on issues of policy concerns to Indian business and industry, as well as policies concerning India's international trade.

LalAdvani

Lal Advani holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy from Punjab University, and M. Ed. Degrees in Special Education and Mental Retardation from London and Boston, respectively. He has worked extensively with the Ministry of Education, and is currently working on a number of research projects. Holder of several national and international awards, Lal Advani has published over 50 research articles as well as a book on disability and rehabilitation.

Dr. Onkar Sharma

Dr. Onkar Sharma holds an Honours Degree in Hindi from Punjab University and an M.A. (Previous) in Sociology from Mysore University, in spite of having become totally hearing impaired at the age of 13. He has been a Member of the Delhi Association of the Deaf since 1953, and of the All India Federation of the Deaf since 1955. He has held senior positions in the disability sector and is now the President of DP I-India.

E S

An engineering graduate (B.E. Mech.), Dilip Deshpande is an industrial safety consultant, well known in Maharashtra and Goa. He is

also a qualified Chartered Engineer.

In the course of his profession in industrial safety, Dilip came across various cases of victims of industrial accidents. Often the accidents resulted in severe disabilities to the workers.

Realising that the victims of such accidents were experts in their respective trades, but unable to work only due to their disability, Dilip decided to somehow utilise their expertise. After discussions with managements, workers, unions, NGOs and disabled persons, he developed a rehabilitation project known as Entrepreneurship Development and Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped (EDARCH). This was a unique scheme whereby a heterogenous group of disabled people were established on a commercial footing in the production and supply of industrial products by imparting on- the- job vocational training.

Such a group, comprising of people with visual, hearing and mental impairments and orthopaedic disabilities, has already supplied more than 15,000 V.R. Lever Assemblies to Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., Pune, according to their exact specifications and quality standards.

Two other groups are currently undergoing on-the­job training in Tata Safari car door plastic components, and Tata Sumo and other vehicular stepney covers. Another is involved in the production of Industrial Plastic Caps.

For their untiring efforts to rehabilitate disabled persons, EDARCH has received the National Award for Outstanding Placement Agency for the Disabled from the Prime Ministerof India.

Tel.: 020-4457636; Fax: 020-4455697 E-mail: edarch@pn2.vsnl.net.in

Dilip Deshpande

TRAIL­BLAZER His unfque

I

scheme to establish cooperatives of heterogenous groups of disabled people has resulted in never before opportunities for them in the industrial sector.

A W A R D E E S An engineering graduate (B.E. Mech.), Dilip Deshpande is an industrial safety consultant, well known in Maharashtra and Goa. He is

also a qualified Chartered Engineer. In the course of his profession in industrial safety, Dilip came across various cases of victims of industrial accidents. Often the accidents resulted in severe disabilities to the workers. Realising that the victims of such accidents were experts in their respective trades, but unable to work only due to their disability, Dilip decided to somehow utilise their expertise. After discussions with managements, workers, unions, NGOs and disabled persons, he developed a rehabilitation project known as En t repreneursh ip Development and Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped (EDARCH). This was a unique scheme whereby a heterogenous group of disabled people were established on a commercial footing in the production and supply of industrial products by imparting on-the-job vocational training.

Such a group, comprising of people with visual, hearing and mental impairments and orthopaedic disabilities, has already supplied more than 15,000 V.R. Lever Assemblies to Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd., Pune, according to their exact specifications and quality standards. Two other groups are currently undergoing on-the­job training in Tata Safari car door plastic components, and Tata Sumo and other vehicular stepney covers. Another is involved in the production of Industrial Plastic Caps. For their untiring efforts to rehabilitate disabled persons, EDARCH has received the National Award for Outstanding Placement Agency for the Disabled from the Prime Minister of India. Tel.: 020-4457636; Fax: 020-4455697 E-mail: edarch@pn2.vsnl.net.in

Dilip Deshpande

TRAIL­BLAZER His unique scheme to establish cooperatives of heterogenous groups of disabled people has resulted in never before opportunities for them in the industrial sector.

Jayshree Raveendran

WOMAN POWER ·

What can one woman do? A

lot as Jayshree has shown us.

Despite a hearing

disability, she has many ·

achievements to her credit.

J ayshree Raveendran, a severely hearing impaired person with perfect speech, holds a research degree in English literature, and has

held varied jobs as an academician, advertising writer and as a senior corporate executive.

She started Ability Foundation at Chennai 5 years ago, with the objective of contributing to the betterment and understanding-of disabled people.

What began with the publishing of India's first cross disability magazine Success & ABILITY, has flourished into myriad activities.

In 1997, the Foundation initiated classes for hearing impaired people in computer application skills, personality development and speech reading, the first package of its kind in the country. It is a matter of great pride that every single student has found employment. This encouraged the Foundation to initiate a PlacementWing.

1 n 1998, the Ability Foundation Sub Study Centre was accredited as the first ever Study Centre for people with disabilities by the Indira Gandhi National Open University.

SHARE, a pioneering integrated club to promote community activities, is a platform for people, both disabled and non-d.isabled, to meet.

The Ability Foundation also conducts public awareness programmes as and when possible. SANGAMAM, a dance programme where two visually impaired boys performed with non-disabled professional dancers, motivated the Tamil Nadu government to review a few of its disability policies!

A lot of achievements in just five years? We are sure Jayshree would disagree. Here's wishing her all the best for much, much more.

Tel.: 044-491'5478; Fax: 044-4413013 E-mail: abilityindia@vsnl.net

Jayshree Raveendran

WOMAN POWER

What can one woman do? A

lot as Jayshree has shown us.

Despite a hearing

disability, she has many

achievements to her credit.

Jayshree Raveendran, a severely hearing impaired person with perfect speech, holds a research degree in English literature, and has

held varied jobs as an academician, advertising writer and as a senior corporate executive.

She started Ability Foundation at Chennai 5 years ago, with the objective of contributing to the betterment and understanding disabled people.

What began with the publishing of India's first cross disability magazine Success & ABILITY, has flourished into myriad activities.

In 1997, the Foundation initiated classes for hearing impaired people in computer application skills, personality development and speech reading, the first package of its kind in the country. It is a matter of great pride that every single student has found employment. This encouraged the Foundation to initiate a Placement Wing.

1n 1998, the Ability Foundation Sub Study Centre was accredited as the first ever Study Centre for people with disabilities by the Indira Gandhi National Open University.

SHARE, a pioneering integrated club to promote community activities, is a platform for people, both disabled and non-disabled, to meet.

The Ability Foundation also conducts public awareness programmes as and when possible. SANGAMAM, a dance programme where two visually impaired boys performed with non-disabled professional dancers, motivated the Tamil Nadu government to review a few of its disability policies!

A lot of achievements in just five years? We are sure Jayshree would disagree. Here's wishing her all the best for much, much more.

Tel.: 044-4915478;E-mail:

Fax: 044-4413013 abilityindia@vsnl.net

'

k Das is a man with a mission. Holder of a Masters Degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, Kaushik always

excelled in his academic career (he was an All India Merit Scholarship holder for 10 years).

After working for 22 years in premium tea companies of India, in 1996, he willingly left his commercial career to devote his time to voluntary service. He started 'Atma Nirbhar -- Ek Challenge', a registered society in Guwahati, working for the economic rehabilitation of disabled people. The primary objective is to offer disabled persons an opportunity to work with dignity, earn a living, and to become economically self-reliant.

Atma Nirbhar is an income generating project, wherein tea and spices are packaged and marketed under the brand name 'Nav Jeevan' (new life). A small unit with just 11 workers, it employs people with various types of disabilities, including 4 persons with mental disabilities. What is common to all the disabled employees working at Atma Nirbhar is that they are happy because they are making a useful contribution and working under stress free conditions.

Today, Nav Jeevan products are also being marketed in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mumbai and Pune.

Kaushik is also instrumental in starting an advocacy group called Pragati in Assam, which has Disability NGOs and individuals as its members.

Being a full time volunteer, Kaushik is associated with many other social welfare and voluntary organisations. Kaushik has been an active Rotarian since 1985, and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Guwahati South.

Tel.: 0361-471668

I

' Kaushik Das

MA WITH A MISSION He left. a 22 year old career in premium tea companies to join the social sector. He now uses his outstanding abilities to generate employment for disabled people.

Kaushik Das is a man with a mission. Holder of a Masters Degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, Kaushik always

excelled in his academic career (he was an All India Merit Scholarship holder for 10 years).

After working for 22 years in premium tea companies of India, in 1996, he willingly left his commercial career to devote his time to voluntary service. He started 'Atma Nirbhar -- Ek Challenge', a registered society in Guwahati, working for the economic rehabilitation of disabled people. The primary objective is to offer disabled persons an opportunity to work with dignity, earn a living, and to become economically self-reliant.

Atma Nirbhar is an income generating project, wherein tea and spices are packaged and marketed under the brand name 'Nav Jeevan' (new life). A small unit with just 11 workers, it employs people with various types of disabilities, including 4 persons with mental disabilities. What is common to all the disabled employees working at Atma Nirbhar is that they are happy because they are making a useful contribution and working under stress free conditions.

Today, Nav Jeevan products are also being marketed in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mumbai and Pune.

Kaushik is also instrumental in starting an advocacy group called Pragati in Assam, which has Disability NGOs and individuals as its members.

Being a full time volunteer, Kaushik is associated with many other social welfare and voluntary organisations. Kaushik has been an active Rotarían since 1985, and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Guwahati South.

Tel.: 0361-471668

Kaushik Das

MAN WITH A MISSION He left a 22 year old career in premium tea companies to join the social sector. He now uses his outstanding abilities to generate employment for disabled people.

Meenakshi Balasubramanian

DRIVING FORCE

Amazing · organisational ·

skills. Leadership

qualities. Great networking.

Meenakshi is the force behind ·

many projects to train disabled ·

people.

eenakshi Balasubramanian has been working as Director, National Job Development Centre (NJDC), The Spastics

Society of India, Mumbai.

Over the last 8 years, she has been responsible for

assessment and admission of students, selection of an appropriate area of training, evaluation and certification, finding suitable jobs in alternative

models of employment, finding avenues of training to match new employment opportunities, upgrading training models to suit technology requirements and raising sponsorships for the cost of training of needy students.

Under her leadership, NJDC has created training facilities in high technology areas like web designing, desktop publishing and multimedia to enable disabled people to secure jobs in the open market. NJDC has been able to train over 700 students with disabilities, out of whom nearly 400 have been able to get employment in the corporate sector. Self-employment and sheltered employment in the community ranked next in order amongst the alumni.

Meenakshi networks with the corporate world, both public and private sectors, to educate them on the capabilities of persons with disabilities, the advantages to the organisation in particular and to society as a whole in employing them, and how employment can be made more feasible through a more positive attitude.

Meenakshi has received an award for social awareness called 'Key to Competitiveness -­Service Excellence', presented by the Institute for Research & Development in Service & Management.

Tel.: 022-5519413, 5585267; Fax: 022-556681 o E-mail: meenakshi@netscape.net

Meenakshi Balasubramanian

DRIVING FORCE

Amazing organisational

skills. Leadership

qualities. Great networking.

Meenakshi is the force behind

many projects to train disabled

people.

Meenakshi Balasubramanian has been working as Director, National Job Development Centre (NJDC), The Spastics

Society of India, Mumbai.

Over the last 8 years, she has been responsible for assessment and admission of students, selection of an appropriate area of training, evaluation and certification, finding suitable jobs in alternative models of employment, finding avenues of training to match new employment opportunities, upgrading training models to suit technology requirements and raising sponsorships for the cost of training of needy students.

Under her leadership, NJDC has created training facilities in high technology areas like web designing, desktop publishing and multimedia to enable disabled people to secure jobs in the open market. NJDC has been able to train over 700 students with disabilities, out of whom nearly 400 have been able to get employment in the corporate sector. Self-employment and sheltered employment in the community ranked next in order amongst the alumni.

Meenakshi networks with the corporate world, both public and private sectors, to educate them on the capabilities of persons with disabilities, the advantages to the organisation in particular and to society as a whole in employing them, and how employment can be made more feasible through a more positive attitude.

Meenakshi has received an award for social awareness Called 'Key to Competitiveness -­Service Excellence', presented by the Institute for Research & Development in Serv ice & Management.

Tel.: 022-5519413, 5585267; Fax: 022-5566810 E-mail: meenakshi@netscape.net

'

Dr. P. Athiannan is the owner of varied businesses like bus and lorry transports, in addition to a petrol station. A disabled person

himself, he came up the hard way and was dismayed at the slowness of governmental schemes to provide disabled people with employment and equipment.

Deciding to take matters into his hands, he set up the Salem Physically Handicapped Welfare Association, of which he is currently the President. A brief look at some milestones:

He himself employs 1 O disabled persons in his business concerns.

Over the years, he has been instrumental in guiding and assisting more than 2,500 members of the Association in finding employment.

He is one of the key office bearers of the Lorry Owners Association of Salem & Namakel districts and regularly provides employment to disabled persons through it.

He distributes tricycles, artificial limbs, calipers and crutches to disabled people.

Dr. Athiannan is one of the Trustees of the Tamil Nadu Education Trust at Salem, which conducts vocational training for disabled students in dressmaking and hair dressing.

He also actively coordinates with the District Collector, Salem, as well as District Employment Offices for getting disabled persons employed in the private sector.

He has received an honorary doctorate from the Inter American University, the Udavikkaram Award from the Tamil Nadu Association for the Welfare of the Physically Handicapped, and the Best President Award from the Lions Club International.

Need we say more?

Tel.: 0427-418904, 417115

Lion Dr. P. Athiannan

A TRUE HERO

I

A businessman . who fought all odds. An employer who believes in equal opportunities.

Dr. P. Athiannan is the owner of varied businesses like bus and lorry transports, in addition to a petrol station. A disabled person

himself, he came up the hard way and was dismayed at the slowness of governmental schemes to provide disabled people with employment and equipment.

Deciding to take matters into his hands, he set up the Salem Physically Handicapped Welfare Association, of which he is currently the President. A brief look at some milestones:

He himself employs 10 disabled persons in his business concerns.

Over the years, he has been instrumental in guiding and assisting more than 2,500 members of the Association in finding employment.

He is one of the key office bearers of the Lorry Owners Association of Salem & Namakel districts and regularly provides employment to disabled persons through it.

He distributes tricycles, artificial limbs, calipers and crutches to disabled people.

Dr. Athiannan is one of the Trustees of the Tamil Nadu Education Trust at Salem, which conducts vocational training for disabled students in dressmaking and hair dressing.

He also actively coordinates with the District Collector, Salem, as well as District Employment Offices for getting disabled persons employed in the private sector.

He has received an honorary doctorate from the Inter American University, the Udavikkaram Award from the Tamil Nadu Association for the Welfare of the Physically Handicapped, and the Best President Award from the Lions Club International.

Need we say more?

Tel.: 0427-418904, 417115

Lion Dr. P. Athiannan

A TRUE HERO

A businessman who fought all odds. An employer who believes in equal opportunities. I

Gupta

'

PIONEERIN EFFORT Using his

goodwill in the IT world, he has been successful ·

in opening the doors of this cutting edge

field for better job opportunities

for disabled · people.

radeep Gupta is a pioneer in the true sense of the word. An Electrical Engineer from 1.1.T. , Delhi, and an alumni of the Indian Institute of

Management (Calcutta), P rad eep is an entrepreneur with varied business interests in the field of Information Technology.

As early as in 1982, he launched Cyber Media (India) Ltd. , when the computer industry was very small and in its nascent stages. Today, his businesses include publishing of leading computer magazines in India and abroad, IT Portals, Marketing Research, IT Exhibitions and Seminars, TV Programmes and CD-ROM distribution and publishing.

Another pioneering effort for Pradeep has been the launching of the IT campaign in collaboration with NCPEDP to sensitise the IT Industry towards the issue of better employment opportunities for disabled peopl~. The specific objectives of this campaign are to bring together the corporate IT sector, NGOs and the government, to create a platform to facilitate exchange of ideas to not only promote employment opportunities but also, catalyse the use of information technology as an empowerment tool for people with disabilities.

·As part of this campaign, the first Roundtable was held in Delhi , where Pradeep was successful in bringing together 19 CEOs of leading IT companies, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi and the IT Principal Secretary to brainstorm about ways to enhance the fruitation of the above mentioned objectives. One more Roundtable in the Southern region and a National Seminar will be held before 31st Marc~, 2001, as a part of this campaign.

Tel.: 0124-6384803, Fax: 0124-6380694 E-mail: pradeepg@cmil.com

Pradeep Gupta

PIONEERING EFFORT

Using his goodwill in the

IT world, he has been successful

in opening the doors of this cutting edge

field for better job opportunities

for disabled people.

Pradeep Gupta is a pioneer in the true sense of the word. An Electrical Engineer from I.IT., Delhi, and an alumni of the Indian Institute of

Management (Calcut ta) , Pradeep is an entrepreneur with varied business interests in the field of Information Technology.

As early as in 1982, he launched Cyber Media (India) Ltd., when the computer industry was very small and in its nascent stages. Today, his businesses include publishing of leading computer magazines in India and abroad, IT Portals, Marketing Research, IT Exhibitions and Seminars, TV Programmes and CD-ROM distribution and publishing.

Another pioneering effort for Pradeep has been the launching of the IT campaign in collaboration with NCPEDP to sensitise the IT Industry towards the issue of better employment opportunities for disabled people. The specific objectives of this campaign are to bring together the corporate IT sector, NGOs and the government, to create a platform to facilitate exchange of ideas to not only promote employment opportunities but also, catalyse the use of information technology as an empowerment tool for people with disabilities.

As part of this campaign, the first Roundtable was held in Delhi, where Pradeep was successful in bringing together 19 CEOs of leading IT companies, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi and the IT Principal Secretary to brainstorm about ways to enhance the fruitation of the above mentioned objectives. One more Roundtable in the Southern region and a National Seminar will be held before 31st March, 2001, as a part of this campaign.

Tel.: 0124-6384803, Fax: 0124-6380694 E-mail: pradeepg@cmil.com

ubhash Anant Datrange is a person with severe visual impairment. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics and is the Executive

Director of National Association for the Blind (NAB), India, with which he has been associated for the last 25years.

As the Head of NAB, Subhash's responsibilities include monitoring and coordinating projects, launching initiatives for new programmes and developing a countrywide network of NAB.

Subhash 'is also currently the Vice-Chairman of the World Blind Union Standing Committee, which has carried out a global survey of occupations for the blind and formulated a scheme for international awards for promotion of employment for visually impaired people.

He set up India's first Research and Development Workshop for aids and appliances. He also established India's first Resource Centre for persons with visual impairment, called NAB Amarson's Museum. As part of Low Vision Rehabilitation Initiative, he set up Low Vision Service Centres at various places.

He has authored three books on blindness and has presented and contributed several articles at national and international fora.

As the founder of Andh Seva Mandal, Maharashtra, and as the Hon. Secretary General of the Blind Men's Association, Mumbai, Subhash has actively promoted employment for the visually impaired in the Western region.

For his outstanding. contributions, Subhash has been awarded the Lions Club International District Award, the Panchsheel Handicapped Trust Award, the Lalchand Milapchand Dadha Award, and more.

Tel.: 022-4935370, 4936930; Fax: 022-4932539 E-mail: nabin@bom3.vsnl.net.in

I

Subhash Anant Datrange

DETERMINATION · WINS

Being .visually impaired did not stop him from making significant contributions. His 25 year old crusade has paid rich dividends.

Subhash Anant Datrange is a person with severe visual impairment. He holds a Masters Degree in Economics and is the Executive

Director of National Association for the Blind (NAB), India, with which he has been associated for the last 25 years.

As the Head of NAB, Subhash's responsibilities include monitoring and coordinating projects, launching initiatives for new programmes and developing a countrywide network of NAB.

Subhash is also currently the Vice-Chairman of the World Blind Union Standing Committee, which has carried out a global survey of occupations for the blind and formulated a scheme for international awards for promotion of employment for visually impaired people.

He set up India's first Research and Development Workshop for aids and appliances. He also established India's first Resource Centre for persons with visual impairment, called NAB Amarson's Museum. As part of Low Vision Rehabilitation Initiative, he set up Low Vision Service Centres at various places.

He has authored three books on blindness and has presented and contributed several articles at national and international fora.

As the founder of Andh Seva Mandai, Maharashtra, and as the Hon. Secretary General of the Blind Men's Association, Mumbai, Subhash has actively promoted employment for the visually impaired in the Western region.

For his outstanding contributions, Subhash has been awarded the Lions Club International District Award, the Panchsheel Handicapped Trust Award, the Lalchand Milapchand Dadha Award, and more.

Tel.: 022-4935370, 4936930; Fax: 022-4932539 E-mail: nabin@bom3.vsnl.net.in

Subhash Anant Datrange

DETERMINATION WINS Being visually impaired did not stop him from making significant contributions. His 25 year old crusade has paid rich dividends.

SHOWING THE WAY :

A company that takes its

responsibility to society seriously.

It has already · trained several

disabled people in different skills.

Initiated many rehabilitation programmes.

Opened a disabled-friendly · hostel. Jyoti, we

think, is aptly : named!

JYOTI LIMITED

Jyoti Limited, established in 1943, is a multi­project, multi-plant engineering company in Vadod ara, Gujarat, wh ich develo ps,

manufactures and markets a wide range of hydraulic and electrical equipment. Currently, the Company employs around 2,100 perse)ns, out of which 42 are persons with disabilities.

However, unlike the majority of companies in India today, social responsibility is an accepted obligation for Jyoti. It's corporate philosophy revolves around the fact that any progressive organisation has to be not only functionally efficient but also socially responsible.

Jyoti Limited started with training just one visually impaired person, way back in 1968. Subsequently, more disabled people were trained in suitably identified jobs. So far, the company has trained about 190 disabled people in different skills, many of whom have been absorbed by Jyoti Limited, while the rest have found employment with various local public and private sector organisations.

Apart from training and employment of disabled persons, the Company has taken up many rehabilitation programmes for its disabled trainees and employees. After consultations with medical specialists, orthopaedically disabled persons are provided with orthotic and prosthetic aids, and the hearing impaired people with hearing aids. Five orthopaedically disabled persons have been provided with artificial limbs after corrective surgery.

And tha(s not alll In 1977, the Company constructed a hostel -- 'Abhilash' -- which can accommodate about 60 disabled persons. This hostel, located in the Company's residential premises, is specially designed for persons with disabilities.

SHOWING THE WAY

A company that takes its

responsibility to society seriously.

It has already trained several

disabled people in different skills.

Initiated many rehabilitation programmes.

Opened a disabled-friendly hostel. Jyoti, we

think, is aptly named!

JYOTI LIMITED

Jyoti Limited, established in 1943, is a multi-project, multi-plant engineering company in Vadodara, Gujarat, which develops,

manufactures and markets a wide range of hydraulic and electrical equipment. Currently, the Company employs around 2,100 persons, out of which 42 are persons with disabilities.

However, unlike the majority of companies in India today, social responsibility is an accepted obligation for Jyoti. It's corporate philosophy revolves around the fact that any progressive organisation has to be not only functionally efficient but also socially responsible.

Jyoti Limited started with training just one visually impaired person, way back in 1968. Subsequently, more disabled people were trained in suitably identified jobs. So far, the company has trained about 190 disabled people in different skills, many of whom have been absorbed by Jyoti Limited, while the rest have found employment with various local public and private sector organisations.

Apart from training and employment of disabled persons, the Company has taken up many rehabilitation programmes for its disabled trainees and employees. After consultations with medical specialists, orthopaedically disabled persons are provided with orthotic and prosthetic aids, and the hearing impaired people with hearing aids. Five orthopaedically disabled persons have been provided with artificial limbs after corrective surgery.

And that's not all! In 1977, the Company constructed a hostel -- 'Abhilash' -- which can accommodate about 60 disabled persons. This hostel, located in the Company's residential premises, is specially designed for persons with disabilities.

'

efforts in the rehabilitation of disabled people have been duly recognised by the Central and State governments, by way of three National and three State Awards. The Company has been awarded as an 'Outstanding Employer of the Handicapped' in the years 1971 , 1975 and 1979.

Jyoti's commitment to the empowerment of disabled people can enlighten many in the corporate sector. May this 'light' spread far and wide in the Indian industry!

Tel.: 0265-380633, 380627; Fax: 0265-380671 E-mail: cmd.jyoti@sm3.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net.in

Jyoti's efforts in the rehabilitation of disabled people have been duly recognised by the Central and State governments, by way of three National and three State Awards. The Company has been awarded as an 'Outstanding Employer of the Handicapped' in the years 1971, 1975 and 1979.

Jyoti's commitment to the empowerment of disabled people can enlighten many in the corporate sector. May this 'light' spread far and wide in the Indian industry!

Tel.: 0265-380633, 380627; Fax: 0265-380671 E-mail: cmd.jyoti@sm3.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net.in

MARKETING HOPE .

MAXIMISING EMPLOYMENT TO SERVE THE HANDICAPPED

M aximising Employment to Serve the Handicapped, or MESH, as it is better known, provides opportunities for disabled

people, especially those affected by leprosy, to be rehabilitated in order to suppoft themselves.

This goal is met by training or re-training disabled people to produce goods suited to their capabilities; by guiding in the selection of what will sell best; by assisting in obtaining raw materials; by maintaining quality control; by paying promptly for goods to ensure a smooth cash flow and working capital for continued production; by guiding village industries in preparing cost sheets to include a fair wage for artisans, as well as, percentages for overheads and profits; and by securing orders with the aim of providing full-time employment.

MESH buys products from already established groups (leprosy colonies or rehabilitation workshops) and markets them through the MESH shop, sells them wholesale to institutions and even exports.

In the last ten years, MESH has marketed handloom and handicraft products, as well as, poultry successfully, both in India and across the world.

Its handloom and handicraft sales have shown a significant increase over the last year -- 51 % increase in exports and 14.5% increase in domestic sales. Its earnings for the year 1999-2000 were: Retail -- Rs. 18,68,483/-, Institutional -- Rs. 1,43,922/-,and Exports -- Rs.44, 77,087 /-.

Apart from marketing products, MESH also takes a special interest in women's development. All three leprosy colonies with whom it works closely now have functioning Mahila Mandals and two have their own savings and credit schemes.

Honing skills. Encouraging

production. Finding markets

worldwide. MESH gives a

new thrust to marketing

products made by disabled

persons. persons disabledby

madeproductsmarketing

to thrustnew a givesMESH

. worldwide marketsFinding

. productionEncouraging

skills.Honing

MARKETING HOPE

MAXIMISING EMPLOYMENT TO S E R V E T H E HANDICAPPED

Maximising Employment to Serve the Handicapped, or MESH, as it is better known, provides opportunities for disabled

people, especially those affected by leprosy, to be rehabilitated in order to support themselves.

This goal is met by training or re-training disabled people to produce goods suited to their capabilities; by guiding in the selection of what will sell best; by assisting in obtaining raw materials; by maintaining quality control; by paying promptly for goods to ensure a smooth cash flow and working capital for continued production; by guiding village industries in preparing cost sheets to include a fair wage for artisans, as well as, percentages for overheads and profits; and by securing orders with the aim of providing full-time employment.

MESH buys products from already established groups (leprosy colonies or rehabilitation workshops) and markets them through the MESH shop, sells them wholesale to institutions and even exports.

In the last ten years, MESH has marketed handloom and handicraft products, as well as, poultry successfully, both in India and across the world.

Its handloom and handicraft sales have shown a significant increase over the last year -- 5 1 % increase in exports and 14.5% increase in domestic sales. Its earnings for the year 1999-2000 were: Retail -- Rs.18,68,483/-, Institutional -- Rs. 1,43,922/- and Exports -- Rs.44,77,087/-.

Apart from marketing products, MESH also takes a special interest in women's development. All three leprosy colonies with whom it works closely now have functioning Mahila Mandais and two have their own savings and credit schemes.

.

'

income generation activities have been started in Anandagram. In Amarjyoti Leprosy Colony, four women have been trained in making necklace kits, while Bethany Leprosy Colony, A.P. has been asked to make shoe fresheners to be exported to Britain.

In an imperfect world, the effort MESH puts in goes a long way in making a big difference.

Tel.: 011-6568048; Telefax: 011-6965039 E-mail: mesh@del6.vsnl.net.in

Several income generation activities have been started in Anandagram. In Amarjyoti Leprosy Colony, four women have been trained in making necklace kits, while Bethany Leprosy Colony, A.P. has been asked to make shoe fresheners to be exported to Britain.

In an imperfect world, the effort MESH puts in goes a long way in making a big difference.

Tel.: 011-6568048; Telefax: 011-6965039 E-mail: mesh@del6.vsnl.net.in

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LEADERSHIP : DIFFERENC

Ingrained in its : philosophy is :

equal : opportunity As · .

well as, training , and·

rehabilitation. : Tata Tea adds a : . new dimension .

to leadership. . '

' . . ' . ' . . . . . . .

TATA TEA LIMITED

ata Tea evolved as a wholly owned Indian conglomerate in 1983. Today, it owns and operates 55 tea estates and 1 coffee estate,

making it the world's largest integrated tea company, providing employment to around 60,000 people, including 320 disabled employe'es.

In keeping with its corporate philosophy, Tata Tea has undertaken a number of initiatives towards rehabilitation of disabled people.

In 1993, the Company set up three Vocational Training cum Production Centres for disabled family members of its tea estate workers in Oooars, West Bengal. Two of the Centres produce stationery items and undertake paper cutting and silk screen printing. The third is for exclusive production of jute gunny bags used by the Company's estates. As a result, the lives of disabled youth working in these Centres has been transformed.

The Welfare Complex situated in the Company's Nullatanni Estate, SRISTI, houses three units for rehabilitation of djsabled youth and children. The first, Developmental Activities in Rehabilitative Education (DARE), is the Company's school for disabled children. The 11 special educators at OARE provide rehabilitative services to about 77 children between 5 and 15 years of age .

The second, Athulya, is the Vocational Training , Centre for disabled youth, which started with just 14 youths. Today, it provides vocational rehabilitation to 32 youths, aged between 16 and 35 years, who have been trained by the unit in book binding, fi le making, printing, envelope making, etc. Athulya also recently started a hand-made paper unit.

The third, Aranya, was started in 1995 and is a vegetable dye unit, providing vocational rehabilitation to 11 youths .

LEADERSHIP DIFFERENCE

Ingrained in its philosophy is

equal opportunity As well as, training

and rehabilitation.

Tata Tea adds a new dimension

to leadership.

TATA T E A LIMITED

Tata Tea evolved as a wholly owned Indian conglomerate in 1983. Today, it owns and operates 55 tea estates and 1 coffee estate,

making it the world's largest integrated tea company, providing employment to around 60,000 people, including 320 disabled employees.

In keeping with its corporate philosophy, Tata Tea has undertaken a number of initiatives towards rehabilitation of disabled people.

In 1993, the Company set up three Vocational Training cum Production Centres for disabled family members of its tea estate workers in Dooars, West Bengal. Two of the Centres produce stationery items and undertake paper cutting and silk screen printing. The third is for exclusive production of jute gunny bags used by the Company's estates. As a result, the lives of disabled youth working in these Centres has been transformed.

The Welfare Complex situated in the Company's Nullatanni Estate, SRISTI , houses three units for rehabilitation of disabled youth and children. The first, Developmental Activities in Rehabilitative Education (DARE), is the Company's school for disabled children. The 11 special educators at DARE provide rehabilitative services to about 77 children between 5 and 15 years of age.

The second, Athulya, is the Vocational Training Centre for disabled youth, which started with just 14 youths. Today, it provides vocational rehabilitation to 32 youths, aged between 16 and 35 years, who have been trained by the unit in book binding, file making, printing, envelope making, etc. Athulya also recently started a hand-made paper unit.

The third, Aranya, was started in 1995 and is a vegetable dye unit, providing vocational rehabilitation to 11 youths.

'

T

This eco-responsible rehabilitation project uses only plant waste, dried leaves, dried fruit rinds and weeds, all of which are available locally.

Tata Tea's pioneering work won it the prestigious FICCI Award in 1998 for its outstanding achievements in the training and placement of persons with disability.

It is not just the manufacturing and marketing excellence, but also its ability to nurture its people, especially those with disabilities, that makes Tata Tea a true world leader .

Tel.: 033-2470747, 2473654; Fax: 033-2472159

This eco-responsible rehabilitation project uses only plant waste, dried leaves, dried fruit rinds and weeds, all of which are available locally.

Tata Tea's pioneering work won it the prestigious FICCI Award in 1998 for its outstanding achievements in the training and placement of persons with disability.

It is not just the manufacturing and marketing excellence, but also its ability to nurture its people, especially those with disabilities, that makes Tata Tea a true world leader.

Tel.: 033-2470747, 2473654; Fax: 033-2472159

DISABILITY · FRIENDLY .

CORPORATE LOGO

Can a single graphic show ·

that you care? We, at the

National Centre for Promotion of · Employment for

Disabled People, believe it can.

And this is how we set about · achieving it.

We wanted a logo that we could present to companies that are disability friendly; companies that realise that a disabled

person is very much a part of our society; that he or she needs understanding, not our charity or misplaced compassion.

I

We also wanted a logo that companies would strive to attain. Over time our logo would evolve into an easily recognisable message aimed at bringing about a change in attitude in companies across India.

The logo was unveiled last year, and has already made a mark!

The visual portrays a reaching out by the corporates on the one hand and the disabled community on the other. The offer of a handshake by the corporate is a gesture of affirmation. It shows that the disabled person is not alone; there is someone who will participate with him in living life with dignity. The understated graphic of the yin and yang represents the twin energy forces of life and depicts the disabled and the non-disabled in a positive environment.

Let us, together, reach out to all and ensure that, by getting more opportunities in the workplace, people with dis~bilities are allowed to lead a life of productivity and fulfilment. Let us aim at recreating the image of a disabled person as someone who can contribute to the building of a new India in the new millennium.

THE DISABILITY FRIENDLY

CORPORATE LOGO

Can a single graphic show

that you care? We, at the

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for

Disabled People, believe it can.

And this is how we set about achieving it.

We wanted a logo that we could present to companies that are disability friendly; companies that realise that a disabled

person is very much a part of our society; that he or she needs understanding, not our charity or misplaced compassion.

We also wanted a logo that companies would strive to attain. Over time our logo would evolve into an easily recognisable message aimed at bringing about a change in attitude in companies across India.

The logo was unveiled last year, and has already made a mark!

The visual portrays a reaching out by the corporates on the one hand and the disabled community on the other. The offer of a handshake by the corporate is a gesture of affirmation. It shows that the disabled person is not alone; there is someone who will participate with him in living life with dignity. The understated graphic of the yin and yang represents the twin energy forces of life and depicts the disabled and the non-disabled in a positive environment.

Let us, together, reach out to all and ensure that, by getting more opportunities in the workplace, people with disabilities are allowed to lead a life of productivity and fulfilment. Let us aim at recreating the image of a disabled person as someone who can contribute to the building of a new India in the new millennium.

THE

CENTRE FOR PROMOTION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

25 Green Park Extension Yusuf Sarai New Delhi 110016

Tel.:6854306,6967910 Fax:6963030 E-mail : ncpedp@vsnl.com

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR PROMOTION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

25 Green Park Extension Yusuf Sarai New Delhi 110016

Tel.: 6854306, 6967910 Fax: 6963030 E-mail: ncpedp@vsnl.com

al c; c .. >: "' :g @ C 'C .. ..

A National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People Publication

Courtesy: Shell India

I

A National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People Publication

Courtesy: Shell India