Blind Welfare Council, Dahod

The Blind Welfare Council (BWC) was founded to support disabled individuals by providing shelter, education, and medical care. Based in Dahod, a region with a high population of disabled individuals from backward communities, BWC has expanded its reach to ensure that people with disabilities live with dignity and respect in mainstream society. Their mission is to advocate for the rights of disabled people through both service delivery and advocacy. BWC envisions a world where all Divyangjan (people with disabilities) have equal opportunities, leading to improved lives and full societal participation.

Major Interventions:

Residential Schools for Children with Hearing Impairment:
The Multiple Disabled Residential School supports children with multiple disabilities through free education, lodging, and boarding. It provides specialized training for children with hearing impairments, utilizing sign language, charts, and models. Teachers, specially trained in special education, ensure the children’s academic and personal growth, despite the challenges posed by limited government staffing.

Lions Divyang Talim Centre:
BWC provides vocational training to young people with disabilities, equipping them with skills for employment. The centre offers various programs including computer operation, offset printing, stitching, embroidery, carpentry, and more. Individuals with special needs gain valuable skills and become financially independent by entering various trades and businesses.

IEDSS (Inclusive Education for Disabled Children at Secondary Stage):
IEDSS provides inclusive education to children with disabilities from grades 1 to 12. Specially trained teachers cater to students with intellectual, hearing, visual, and locomotor impairments, ensuring they receive the necessary training and support. This initiative also helps students access government and non-government benefits, empowering them for better future opportunities.

Day Care Centres:
BWC provides free education and training, with students attending during the day and returning home in the evening. The dedicated teachers focus on the holistic development of these children, providing them with the skills needed for a better quality of life.

Community Radio Station:
RADIO AWAJ 90.8 FM is Dahod’s first community radio station. It broadcasts programs focused on health, education, agriculture, social welfare, and more, aiming to raise awareness across the district. The station also invites local schools and communities to participate in discussions and competitions, creating a platform for inclusive community engagement.