Lessons from Aurangabad testify that people with disabilities can be empowered through community-based models

A pioneering model has demonstrated that empowering PwDs through collectivisation can transform lives and communities

Aurangabad, an aspirational district in Bihar, is home to approximately 72,000 persons with disabilities (PwDs), as per the 2011 census.

Among them, many face disabilities caused by leprosy — a condition compounded by severe stigma, making life even more challenging for these individuals.

Recognising this dual burden, NLR India Foundation launched a transformative Community-Based Disability Inclusive Development (DID) project in 2016 which is aimed at empowering PwDs and breaking the cycle of marginalisation.

In collaboration with Vihar Viklang Adhikar Manch (VVMC), a fledgling Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) that initially had neither funding nor guidance, NLR India undertook the monumental task of creating an environment where PwDs could lead dignified, self-reliant lives.

Challenges faced by PwDs

The lives of PwDs in Aurangabad were marred by severe stigma, isolation, and poverty. Many struggled with basic health and mobility issues, rendering daily tasks — such as bathing, moving around, or even getting out of bed — monumental challenges.

Financial independence was almost unattainable, as many were fully dependent on family support, which was not always forthcoming.

These individuals also faced emotional and psychological distress, often exacerbated by concerns over their children’s education, employment, and marriage prospects. Social exclusion was the norm; they were rarely invited to community events, deepening their sense of alienation.

Building disability-friendly villages

To address these challenges, NLR India identified and trained 11 PwD community coordinators, each representing one of Aurangabad’s blocks. These coordinators, empowered with knowledge and skills, selected one village in each block to serve as a model disability-friendly village.

The project focused on three key areas of mobility, livelihoods and awareness about rights.

The ease in mobility for the specially abled was ensured by providing access to assistive devices like crutches and tricycles, while advocating for accessible infrastructure such as pucca roads and ramps in public spaces.

In terms of livelihood, PwDs were supported in initiating small businesses and gaining financial independence.

Additionally, the PwDs were educated about their rights as enshrined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act) and assisting them in accessing government services.

Power of collectivisation

A cornerstone of the initiative was the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Development Committees (VDCs), which included members from both PwD and non-PwD communities. These groups became platforms for collective problem-solving and advocacy.

Through sustained efforts, VVMC and NLR India forged strong connections with government departments, facilitating the distribution of assistive devices, construction of accessible infrastructure, and inclusion of PwDs in various government schemes.

Stories of empowerment

One of the most inspiring outcomes of the project has been the emergence of PwDs as leaders and changemakers. Several PwDs contested and won Panchayat elections, including women, breaking barriers of discrimination and stigma.

To empower adolescent girls from PwD households, NLR India initiated a mobile tailoring school, training over 500 girls. Many of them now earn a livelihood and even employ others, exemplifying a ripple effect of empowerment.

The SHGs, supported with seed capital and linked to banks, have enabled members to start small enterprises. Today, some of these PwDs are not only self-sufficient but also employ other PwDs, creating a sustainable model of economic growth and inclusion.

The results of the project, evaluated in 2023 [NLR India Evaluation Report], are a testament to its success:

    71.9 per cent of beneficiaries reported improved income or livelihoods

    84.4 per cent experienced greater social support and inclusion within their communities

    86.3 per cent expressed a significantly positive outlook on life, reflecting newfound optimism and resilience

The road ahead

This pioneering model has demonstrated how empowering PwDs through collectivisation, rights awareness, and livelihood support can transform lives and communities.

As Ramakant Bhagat, one of the PwD leaders, proudly stated, “I have learned to fly. I can now take care of myself and support others like me.”

This model of NLR India aligns with the theme of 2024 World Disability Day “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”

Encouraged by these successes, NLR India is mobilizing resources to scale up this initiative across other regions of the country. With over 63.28 million people (4.52 per cent of India’s population) identified as having disabilities in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the potential for this model to create widespread change is immense.

Together, we can build a society where disability is no longer a barrier to a life of dignity, opportunity, and fulfillment. NLR India calls others to join in this effort of inclusiveness and leadership to the PwDs.

Courtesy: Down To Eearth

Note: This news is originally published in downtoearth.org.in and is used completely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes especially for human rights