ACTIVITIES

The Blind Lead Trust, a non-profit organization, is focused on providing social welfare services and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Over the past several years, we have served over 180 plus beneficiaries, establishing a strong community presence through awareness programs, training programs and other initiatives.

Recognizing the need for a more sustainable and impactful model, The Blind Lead Trust has created a social enterprise- HopeMade. Our aim is to create employment opportunities for the visually impaired through the production and sale of many products including but not limited to soap, processed food, chocolate,broomsticks, handicrafts etc. To achieve this, our trustees are undergoing skill development training provided by COLKS and funded by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS).

While financial constraints necessitate a phased approach, our long-term goal is to establish a self-sustaining enterprise that empowers individuals with disabilities through employment and skill development. By generating revenue, we aim to create long-term economic independence and social integration for the visually impaired community.

Our ultimate vision is to foster development, employment opportunities, and empowerment for people with disabilities, enabling them to achieve self-reliance.

To fully realize our vision, the organization requires land and building infrastructure. However, given the immediate need to create employment opportunities, we prioritize securing initial financial support to establish a small-scale manufacturing unit. This strategic approach allows us to commence operations without delay while we work towards acquiring a permanent location.

Establishing this manufacturing unit necessitates initial investments in human resources, including salaries for employees, Rent House, electricity, equipment, startup tools, and assets of the office needs etc. We understand that achieving sustainable self-sufficiency through product sales will take time. Therefore, a robust management structure is crucial to guide the organization through this developmental phase.

By focusing on these immediate steps, we aim to create a solid foundation for the long-term empowerment of the visually impaired community.

Key points addressed:

Prioritization of financial support for initial operations.
Recognition of the need for human resources and management structure.
Emphasis on the long-term goal of self-sufficiency.
As an organization of visually impaired individuals, we aim to become self-sufficient through entrepreneurship in the soap, food processing, chocolate, and handicraft industries.
The organization emphasizes accessibility and independence for visually impaired individuals.
Concise and Clear: By the end of this year, our organization aims to commence operations in soap and food processing, followed by chocolate and handicraft production. To achieve this, we require initial funding for startup costs, staff salaries, and assistive technology. Our visually impaired trustees, equipped with relevant training and certifications, will lead these initiatives.
Through this pioneering initiative, we aim to empower countless individuals with disabilities to build their dreams into reality. As the first organization of its kind in Meghalaya, we are committed to transforming the lives of the visually impaired community through social enterprise. By creating sustainable employment opportunities, we hope to alleviate the historical challenges faced by this marginalized group. Our goal is to generate thousands of jobs, enabling visually impaired individuals to live with dignity and independence.
Furthermore, a critical gap exists within our state’s training center landscape: the complete absence of facilities accessible to visually impaired individuals. While commendable efforts have been made by various institutions, the stark reality remains that our state lacks a dedicated training center to empower the visually impaired to live independently and pursue their aspirations. Our organization strongly advocates for the establishment of at least one such center within our state, ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. So, the blind lead is the right one who can start for the future of all the young stars of the visually impaired.
Our primary goals are to:
Empower visually impaired individuals as independent employees and entrepreneurs.
Develop and implement accessible production processes.
Build a sustainable organization that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Blind Lead Trust currently supports eight visually impaired members and four family members, who are diligently pursuing various training courses to achieve their goals. These individuals share a rented accommodation while striving to turn their aspirations into reality.
To ensure the successful completion of these training programs and fulfill our organizational mission, we urgently require financial assistance. Our members, who are currently working without salaries, are facing challenges in covering essential expenses such as rent, utilities, transportation, food, and basic office supplies.
We are actively seeking additional funding to implement our proposed projects aligned with these training initiatives. Your support will be instrumental in empowering our members to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
SECOND:
The Blind Lead Trust (BLT), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the visually impaired community in Meghalaya, India, proposes to establish a computer training center. This initiative aims to bridge the existing gap in accessible education and equip visually impaired and other people with disabilities with crucial computer skills for self-sufficiency and improved job prospects.
The current structure of our organization is participating with many NGOs awareness program which is based for the welfare of the people with disabilities which is really important to change for the society towards the behavior and inclusion rights of the PWDs. and also the organization seeking for the support to implementing our current Computer Training Center Project and to establish a new training center for the people with disabilities in a good accessibilities and best facilities to them in the northeast reason. So, the aim that the organization would like to bring and higher now is growing based on these following.
The Blind Lead Project aims to empower visually impaired and other Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Meghalaya and the Northeast region through job creation and skill development. The project will establish a computer training center startup and provide employment opportunities for PWDs.
Set Up a computer training startup:
Establish a facility equipped with accessible tools and machinery for the training of computer projects.
Establish a training center: Create a specialized training center that caters to the needs of visually impaired and other PWDs, focusing on skills related to computer training and entrepreneurship.
Provide employment opportunities: Offer employment opportunities to PWDs within the startup and training center.
Benefit thousands of PWDs: Reach and positively impact a significant number of PWDs in the region.
Project Activities:
Design and set up: Develop training designs for establishing training center processes that are accessible to PWDs.
Market infrastructure: Develop a marketing strategy to promote the project/organization and ensure sustainable business operations.
Training and skill development: Implement training programs to equip PWDs with the necessary skills for technology, entrepreneurship, and independent living.
Accessibility assessment: Conduct assessments to identify and address accessibility challenges within the project facility and training center.
Skope project and Expected Outcomes
Job creation: Provide employment opportunities for a significant number of PWDs.
Skill development: Enhance the skills and capabilities of PWDs, enabling them to participate in the workforce.
Economic empowerment: Contribute to the economic empowerment of PWDs and their families.
Social impact: Improve the quality of life for PWDs in Meghalaya and the Northeast region.
Staff: Qualified computer instructor with experience teaching visually impaired and other PWDsindividuals.
Empowered Individuals: Equip visually impaired and other PWDs individuals with computer skills to navigate modern technology and pursue independent lifestyles.
Enhanced Job Opportunities: Prepare participants for various job opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
Improved Quality of Life: Promote self-reliance and create pathways for a brighter future for visually impaired and other PWDs individuals in Meghalaya.
A well-equipped and inclusive training lab.
A skilled and motivated team of technical staff.
A customized training curriculum that meets the needs of visually impaired participants.
A successful training center launch that addresses the needs of the target market.
Increased awareness and acceptance of products softwares designed for visually impaired other PWDs individuals.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Government agencies: Collaborate with government departments such as the Social Welfare Department and Disability Affairs Department.
NGOs: Partner with local and national NGOs working in the field of disability.
Corporations: Seek partnerships with corporations interested in corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Experts: Engage with experts in computer and other technology, accessibility, and disability studies.
Value Chain:
Inbound Logistics: Sourcing resources and partnerships for training programs, technology, and funding.
Operations: Developing and implementing skill development programs, providing technology and assistive devices training, and establishing training centers.
Outbound Logistics: Placing visually impaired individuals in sustainable employment opportunities and connecting them with potential employers.
Marketing: Promoting the organization’s mission, raising awareness, and attracting partnerships and funding.
Service: Providing ongoing support and mentorship to visually impaired and other PWds individuals and their families.
BLT’s Solution
BLT, with its experience and understanding of the challenges faced by the visually impaired, proposes a computer training center specifically designed for this population. This center will provide:
Free Training Courses: Cater to individuals from underprivileged backgrounds by offering free computer training.
Skill Development: Equip participants with foundational computer skills in programs like Notepad, Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Slides, and other relevant software.
Job Readiness: Enhance participants’ employability by fostering independence and preparing them for the job market.
Accessibility: Utilize assistive technologies like screen readers (Narrator, NVDA) to ensure a seamless learning experience.
Sustainability Plan:
Financial Sustainability
Objective: Increase annual revenue over the next five years through improved fundraising efforts, partnerships, and cost-effective operations.
Strategies:
Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes corporate sponsorships, grants, and individual donations.
Explore partnerships with government agencies and businesses to secure funding and resources.
Implement cost-saving measures to optimize resource allocation and reduce expenses.
Empowerment and Inclusion
Objective: Establish a leadership development program for PWDs to foster their skills and confidence.
Strategies:
Partner with local universities or training institutions to offer specialized leadership courses.
Provide mentorship opportunities for PWDs to learn from experienced leaders.
Create a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and accessibility.
Development and Growth
Objective: Expand the organization’s facilities and resources to better serve the needs of PWDs in the region.
Strategies:
Identify and acquire suitable properties or facilities that meet accessibility standards.
Invest in technology and equipment to enhance program delivery and support services.
Develop a strategic growth plan that outlines expansion goals and timelines.
Leadership in PWD Support
Objective: Become a recognized leader in providing comprehensive services and support to PWDs in the Northeast.
Strategies:
Collaborate with government agencies and NGOs to advocate for the rights and needs of PWDs.
Participate in relevant conferences and workshops to share best practices and expertise.
Develop a strong brand identity and reputation for excellence in PWD support.
Community Support
Objective: Foster entrepreneurship among PWDs in local communities through technology training, mentorship, and funding.
Strategies:
Offer vocational training programs to equip PWDs with the skills needed to start their own businesses.
Innovation and Impact
Objective: Develop and implement innovative programs and projects that address the unique challenges faced by PWDs.
Strategies:
Conduct research and needs assessments to identify emerging trends and gaps in service provision.
Encourage a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization.
Seek partnerships with research institutions and technology companies to explore new opportunities.