How Do NGOs Work Towards Wellness Of Children With Disabilities

Sneha Patro Nov 22, 2022

About 15 per cent of the population of the world lives with some kind of disability, and 2-4 per cent of them experience severe difficulties in daily function. The United Nations estimates that 80 per cent of the world's one billion people with disabilities reside in developing nations.

According to the National Mental Health Survey 2015-16, 150 million Indians suffer from various mental health issues, and approximately 83 per cent of Indians do not receive necessary care. Every fifth person in India's massive population is an adolescent aged 10 to 19, and every third person is between the ages of 10 and 24. India has the most kids in the world, with over 430 million. A young and healthy population can be a valuable asset to the country and a source of good fortune.

There are several Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) that see after and provide help to children with disabilities.

Rouble Nagi, founder, Rouble Nagi Art Foundation said, "There are a few NGOs that are doing a commendable job in delivering a positive and desired outcome in advocating child rights, also implementing projects that are significant to the cause. These NGOs are constantly addressing issues through implementing sustainable solutions for fighting child labour, malnutrition and medical disorders amongst children."

NGOs deal with disability by being home for disabled

Because disability is seen as a development issue, people with disabilities risk being excluded from wider social and economic opportunities. But like any problem for which there is a solution, NGOs deal with disability. Such people are drawing attention through their scientific and medical characteristics, and NGOs have long stood by the disabled. As NGOs are home to children with disabilities, they play a huge role in making them aware of their needs and rights and ensuring they meet them.

Shraddha Soparkar, founder and principal trustee, Madhuram Charitable Trust said, "NGOs working with special children are essentially a ‘safe space’ for them to voice their concerns about availability, affordability, and accessibility to their special needs. Providing such children with opportunities to develop their communication, vocational skills, negotiation skills, presentation skills etc, NGOs lead them to live a life of dignity."

These NGOs can also help parents to understand and prioritise the special needs of their children. Based on these interactions, observations and experiences, the NGOs formulate advocacy points and changes to be implemented and reach out to the government.

"Most importantly, they create awareness among the communities about the identification of disabilities, acceptance of children with disabilities, equal rights and access to public services, and health and other welfare schemes started by the State and central government," Soparkar said.

Saving the rights of the disabled

When talking about the rights of disabled people, one could not imagine a handicapped person working in an office or children with developmental delays participating in high-level sports. Non-governmental organisations rely on organisations to bring about much-needed change and development in society. Their range and diversity vary markedly.

Nagi said, "All over the world, children with disabilities are more exposed to abuse, exclusion and discrimination than others. Inclusion more than tolerance needs to be taught in schools, colleges and workplaces."

As per law in India, every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education. 5 per cent reservation in seats in government-aided higher educational institutions for persons with benchmark disabilities.

"Access to education for children with disabilities is difficult and unsuited to their needs. We conduct workshops talking about promoting the rights of disabled children advocating to generalise inclusive education, and giving children with disabilities the same learning opportunities within the school system as other children. Workshops are conducted in private and government schools as well. Post the workshop the inclusive approach encourages students, schools and their staff to be ready to accommodate a disabled child."

What does the collaboration of NGOs and the Healthcare system bring?

"The crucial part of taking care of a child with special needs is to start their medical treatment and therapies at the earliest," said Soparkar.

The NGOs help in getting the disability certificate, eye check-ups and oral health check-ups of the disabled. They also provide technical and financial support at public and private healthcare facilities at the secondary as well as tertiary levels. These facilities are provided by individuals as well as trusts through NGOs and take care of the overall health of children with disabilities. Mobile Medical Units and Free Medicine Services are a few examples of last-mile help made available by NGOs through CSR initiatives.

The advocacy actions are often implemented using an alliance strategy between the healthcare sector and NGOs that focused on bringing benefactors together, strengthening their skills and creating a synergy of action.

Nagi said, "Collaborations are extremely beneficial and should be promoted, from capacity building to create better infrastructure, advocacy and legal aid are some major areas where such collaboration can work wonders. NGOs working in this field need to exchange and develop strategies and synergies with healthcare sectors for advocacy with disabled children."

Should NGOs be backed by the government?

Since there are several charities or NGOs that are dedicated towards human service, some of them get inactive due to a lack of funds and support. In India, there might be one or two NGOs that are backed by the government.

"The government should propose a partnership with NGOs who are working at a grassroots level to understand the actual problem on the ground and come up with solutions to address these concerns. NGOs have access to on-ground data and problems, they can help the government by advising/recommending policy issues when it comes to child rights," said Nagi.

Though individuals and organisations do come forward to lend financial aid to NGOs, the support of the government is incomparable.

Soparkar said, "Since the government policies and systems can help the disabled pan India, NGOs to work tirelessly in this direction with their support. The local government functionaries at the grassroots level and the NGOs ensure a better reach to the needy. The different departments of the government provide funds and grants to efficient projects by NGOs aimed at improving the lives of local communities."

Some non-governmental organisations do a remarkable job, if they get the support of the government, it is sure that they will accomplish all the needs and rights of disabled children.