UDIS forum launching volunteer programme
UDIS Forum, a network that assists the disabled to find employment, in Coimbatore is launching a volunteer programme shortly.The idea behind the programme is to sensitise the youth in colleges and those working for service organisations on issues relating to disability. By motivating the youth to be sensitive to the needs of the disabled, the forum hopes to bring in a positive change in the way the community perceives persons with disabilities.The members of the forum would also visit schools to spread the message among the younger population. The children would in turn take the message across to the families and an entire community would be sensitised.The youth willing to volunteer for the forum are also welcome to extend their services. The forum has also been carrying out talks on a regular basis with institutions working for the prevention, education and rehabilitation of the disabled to include employment creation as one of their objectives. Garment industries, banking sector, educational and marketing institutions, cottage industries and handicrafts sector would be the focus areas of the forum.According to M.N.G.Mani, president of the forum, the employers also should be sensitised on the capabilities of persons with disabilities. “It serves as a link between the employers and persons with disabilities. It has also forged ties with the District Employment Exchange in order to extend help to a larger number of persons with disabilities.
The forum consists of persons with disabilities, their parents, employers, non-Governmental organisations working for the disabled and even entrepreneurs. It also organises skill training programmes for persons with disabilities on communication, personal interview and group discussion.It is also planning to start vocational enterprises that can be managed by persons with disabilities.
