Social inclusion

We believe in promoting inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments or blindness, to reach their full potential.

A visually impaired man sits in his shop.

The employment rates for people with disabilities are significantly low.

There are several government-initiated schemes for the benefit of people with disability, but lack of awareness and inaccessibility often results in under-utilisation of the benefits of these schemes.

A lady sits outside her house with her grown up children.

What we’re doing

To enable social inclusion of people with disabilities, Sightsavers has concentrated its focus around three core areas: economic empowerment, strengthening Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and creating an enabling environment. Sightsavers thus supports people with disability through livelihood interventions and facilitates the formation and capacity building of Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs). It is crucial to enable them to effectively represent themselves and their community at all levels and on various platforms.

We work to bring positive change among communities and schools by ensuring they adopt socially inclusive policies towards people with disabilities. This enables a healthy attitude that aids the inclusion of people with disabilities with respect to healthcare, education and income.

Social inclusion for people with disabilities like blindness or visual impairment means ensuring they get equal rights and face no discrimination, especially concerning education, healthcare and income.

We work in collaboration with the government to implement its obligations under international conventions towards people who are visually impaired or blind. Aside from healthcare support, we promote social inclusion through:

Rehabilitation

  • We work to equip people with disabilities with the skills (daily living, vocational training, etc.), tools and assistance they need to earn a living and lead an independent life.
Neeta’s Story

Neeta’s story

After losing her sight, Neeta dropped out of school. But through Sightsavers rehabilitation project, she received training to manage her family's grocery store.

Read her story

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More on social inclusion

Sightsavers blog

"Communities, countries and ultimately the world, are only as strong as their women's health." - Michelle Obama.

This longstanding association within the healthcare sector has given Sightsavers a certain depth in understanding the requirements of Persons with disabilities.

Flarell Rose Caldeira, March 2023
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Fashion & Disability - Walking with a Difference

Suparna belongs to the Amta village, in West Bengal.

January 2023
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Bajaj Finserv collaborates with Sightsavers to bring inclusive education and promote disability rights across three districts in India

Bajaj Finserv Limited, the holding company of the financial services businesses of the Bajaj Group, one of India’s oldest and largest conglomerates, joined hands with Sightsavers India to launch the Inclusive Education and Social Inclusion programmes in Raisen, Mandla, Kasganj, and Pratapgarh districts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, respectively.

October 2022