With a noble intent, bold vision and smart execution, APD seems well placed in aiding the physically challenged and helping them become a part of mainstream life with minimal hiccups.

As I drove through the bylanes of Lingarajpuram to the Association of People with Disabilities (APD), I was trying to estimate the ‘management quotient’ of the NGO machinery. The reason behind this thought was the relative scale of operation at APD which seemed quite vast from their website. Given this background, it was quite apt that I met Mr. Abhijit Mukherjee, Asst. Director – Institution, at APD. A management graduate, he had spent more than 20 years at Hindustan Unilever and Duncans Tea. After a diploma in counseling and a few stints in the NGO sector, he joined APD over two years ago. “It is about how you achieve value in your life”, says Mr. Abhijit. And, as we conversed, several smart moves came to light which have helped APD reach where it is today.

Humble origins
APD was started way back in 1959 by Ms. Hema, a physically challenged person, who wanted to contribute to the lives of others like her. As Mr. Abhijit says, “Ms. Hema had two important qualities – she was very creative and her organizing abilities were excellent”. In the early years, APD trained physically disabled people in fabrication skills and tailoring. In the 1970s, various public sector & central government undertakings were provided with mechanical fabrications from APD.

Sensitizing the eco-system
The goal of APD is to enable their students to succeed in the mainstream world. “I want to work and earn like my brother”, says Dinesh, an enthusiastic student at the multimedia center.
As a first step, the collaboration group acts by sensitizing parents, employers and other stakeholders about the aspirations of the disabled as well as their needs. One of their recent successes in 2008 has been a public rally which convinced the BBMP to include disability in its agenda. Another aspect is the composition of the students at Shraddanjali, APD’s school for the disabled. The school has an 80-20 ratio of disabled to normal children. This has proven to be a smart move, as it helps sensitize both types of students. Another advantage is the pressure it puts on the teacher to adjust the pace of the syllabus such that an even playing field is achieved. Most of the teaching is activity based. The teaching staff consists of two special educators who have trained the rest of the teachers. The philosophy of learning by experience and collaboration helps the APD run a tight ship. “After my corporate stint, I had to learn and unlearn, to run APD on a shoe string budget”, says Mr. Abhijit.
The operations of APD bear striking resemblance to the running of an efficient privately owned enterprise. The 220 office bearers of APD can be classified into two categories – The ‘Network Outreach’ group and the ‘Institutional Development’ group.

Network, collaborate and reach out
The success of APD lies in increasing the number of lives it can touch and impact. In 2008, 3021 people enrolled in their direct support programmes, taking the total to 12,164. The group has collaborated and networked with the various Govt. departments like Panchayat Raj Institutions, education and health as well as voluntary organizations.
APD reaches out to the disabled section of the society through a scientific approach. As a first step, they use the data provided by the government on the distribution of disabled people in Karnataka. Next, they periodically conduct screening camps followed by motivational camps. “We don’t force anyone to come over to our institution. It has to come from the parents and the affected person himself. We are only a catalyst”, says Abhijit.

The network reach out arm of APD faces some of the biggest challenges in executing its plans. In certain communities, it is difficult to convince the parents of a disabled child because they feel that it is “God’s will” and don’t allow the APD volunteers to even touch them. In such cases, the APD team has to work and spot the key influencer such as a community leader who can influence the family. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t”, says Mr. Abhijit, with a measure of objectivity.
The community connect team consists of a therapist, a teacher and most importantly a “developer”. The role of the developer is to motivate the student, the parent and other key influencers on the career options he has.
APD strives to keep itself lean while aspiring to increase numbers. “We adopt the build-operate-transfer mechanism to achieve this”. APD scouts for local organizations and individuals who are then trained in therapy, rehabilitation and vocational training and can continue the execution.

In 2008, the APD supported 39 voluntary organizations by providing staff capacity building services and technical support to assist them in the areas of advocacy, medical rehabilitation and education among others.

Institutional Development
Selected students can avail of various training programs at APD’s facilities depending on their aptitude and capability levels. The IT department trains the students on topics ranging from basics of computers to multimedia design. Students are trained for workshop, fabrication and other mechanical engineering activities. There is also a tailoring section for young disabled women. APD constantly looks to expand its areas of training. “Well, why not a beauty parlor by these talented girls”, says Mr. Abhijit.

The institution has a six-stage approach: rehabilitation, therapy, psychological intervention, education, empowerment and career placement. Corporates like IBM, Marks & Spencer, ITC, Madura Garments and a few investment banking firms collaborate on various activities ranging from donations, providing IT investment and tailoring machines to volunteer involvement.

The future
Targeting a significant increase in their reach out program is a key aspiration. APD is looking forward to revenue generation and minimizing risk on their fund raising base. Currently more than 50% comes through foreign grants and donations.

With a noble intent, bold aspirations and smart execution, the APD seems well on its way to continue to aid disabled people and help them become a part of mainstream life with minimal hiccups.