Aatapi initiated its work in 2008 with Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in 45 villages of Jambusar block and expanded to Vagra block in 2023. The Foundation supported access to government entitlements such as disability certificates, bus passes, assistive aids, scholarships, and social security schemes, helping individuals move towards greater self-reliance.
Implementation Strategy
Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is the core approach that promotes a participatory and rights-based approach to disability. It focuses on social inclusion, equal opportunities, and reducing barriers through joint efforts of persons with and without disabilities, improving quality of life and enabling dignified community participation.
1. Screening Assessment
2. Collectivising, Strengthening, Leadership Development
3. Linkages to Rights and Entitlements, Skill Building
4. Advocacy and Inclusion
Aatapi nurtured the emerging leadership and facilitated the shift from beneficiary to Right holders and from individual to collective rights. This led to the formation of the Viklang Parivartan Sangathan in Jambusar block and Divyang Sahyog Sangathan in Vagra, a block level advocacy group of disabled persons for the rights of disabled persons.
Aatapi formed 5 Shelf Help Groups of PwD in 5 villages Vagra block till date saving done by them is nearly 1lacs.
Aatapi provide skill training to PwD’s like Rakhi making, Diya Decoration, Warli Painting, Toran Making, Organic Soap, Khada Masala Packing and Dhoop Cup from these training they earned nearly 2,000 during the festival days i.e. in average 4-5 days.
In partnership with PGP Glass Pvt. Ltd., sustainable livelihood opportunities have been created, with 22 PwDs currently engaged in organized job work, earning around ₹12,000 per month.
Total 5 batches of Bottle sorting course batch completed till date and 69 PwDs register for these course and out of 46 placed in PGP Glass with the average salary of 12,000 per month.
Inclusion through Sports Activity: The focus will be on raising community awareness about their capabilities, promoting inclusivity, and identifying and nurturing talented athletes. The activities span over targeting individuals with cerebral palsy, intellectual impairments, physical impairments, visual impairments, and hearing impairments.
97 PwD’s participated in district level Khel Mahakumbh out of these 57 PwD’s received medals in different sports
12 PwD’s participated in State level Khel Mahakumbh out of these 3 PwD’s received medals in different sports