1. I NCLUSIVITY ENROUTE TO EMPOWERMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES A case study by Samarthanam Mahantesh.G.K & Rajendra. K.R.

2. W HAT IS I NCLUSION ? Exclusion is the manifestation of blatant discrimination and structural inequities for a specific section of communities in the society; Exclusion results on account of potential barriers encountered by these sections on a day to day basis such as attitudinal, institutional, structural, informational etc., Persons with disabilities are among the most excluded and poorest of the poor sections of the society; Persons with disabilities exhibit lower economic, social, health, education and political outcomes as a result of sheer exclusion;

3. I NCLUSION CONT D …. Accessibility and universal designs are the pre-requisites for inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities; One of the principles of rights based approach mandates all the development actions and processes to have a clear focus on these groups; Combat exclusion to promote inclusion through the removal of all the barriers stated above is must; Promoting equity and justice can be an effective strategy to end exclusion and inequities to facilitate inclusion; Promoting access to education, health care, livelihoods, participation and representation are the key strategies applied by Samarthanam to combat exclusion and ensure inclusion;

4. H OW WE PROMOTE I NCLUSION ? The success stories and good practices of Samarthanam follows to demonstrate how we promote inclusion……….

5. R EVERSE INCLUSION SCHOOLS Primary and Secondary schools encouraging reverse inclusion; i.e, encouraging non- disabled poorer children from villages to study along side disabled children.

6. S UPPORTING STUDENTS FOR INCLUSION Disabled Young adults are provided with hostel facilities, education support to study in mainstream colleges. Additional disability specific support is provided by Samarthanam.

7. I NCLUSION IN LIVELIHOODS Preparing young disabled boys and girls to get employed in open market – IT and ITES training.

8. T O WORK ALONGSIDE NON - DISABLED We make sure that physically and visually challenged young adults work in BPOs. BPO Training:

9. I NNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES 100 seater call centre – Rural BPO model encourages and prepares disabled young adults to work and earn their livelihood. Trades are selected in line with market needs. Young disabled adults are trained to be job ready for emerging sectors in India - I T and ITES, Hospitality, Retailing, Insurance and Banking.

10. C HANGE ATTITUDES TO PROMOTE I NCLUSION T20 Blind Cricket – entertainment, empowerment, mass awareness and attitudinal change maker.

11. P ROMOTE I NCLUSION THRO A RT & C ULTURE Sunadha - Classical and performing arts and dance troupe with visually and hearing impaired boys and girls along side non-disabled peers.

12. S AMARTHANAM S TRIVES TO PROMOTE I NCLUSION Our work force have 40% people with disabilities at all levels of jobs. 70% of Board of Trustees are visually impaired. Encourage non-discriminatory measure in all its actions. We walk the talk in Inclusion.

13. Thank You