Category: Uncategorized

Executive Summary

We, Blind Lead Trust, a non-profit organization, have launched a social enterprise initiative, HopeMade.  Under this brand we are seeking funding to establish a soap manufacturing facility that will create sustainable employment for visually impaired individuals. This facility will provide meaningful work opportunities while producing high-quality soap products. The  HopeMade enterprise aligns with the local government’s goals for inclusive employment, economic development, and social equity, with the added advantage of being strategically located in East Jaintia Hills, an area rich in resources and with a growing economy.

Our trustees have undergone skill development training provided by COLKS, funded by the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS). This training has equipped us with the necessary skills and knowledge to establish a successful soap-making enterprise.

Problem Statement

The visually impaired community faces significant barriers to stable employment due to societal and physical challenges. This often results in social isolation, financial insecurity, and limited career prospects. Despite their abilities, visually impaired individuals struggle to access job opportunities, particularly in the formal job market. There is a pressing need for accessible employment initiatives that can empower this demographic and help them achieve economic independence and social integration.

Project Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are:

1. Create employment for X Amount of  visually impaired individuals in stable, skilled roles.
2. Provide job training and skill development to visually impaired workers, preparing them for careers in soap production and quality control.
3. Generate economic independence through fair wages for all employees.
4. Stimulate the local economy by producing soap products that will be sold in regional and local markets and by the employment of some local sighted people as assistants to the blind employees.

Project Description

Soap Making Process Overview

Soap making is a relatively simple process that involves mixing fats or oils with an alkaline solution (typically sodium hydroxide or lye), resulting in a chemical reaction known as saponification. The basic steps in soap production are:

1. Preparation of Ingredients: Mixing oils such as palm oil  with an alkaline solution to initiate saponification.
2. Saponification Reaction: The oils react with lye to form soap and glycerin.
3. Moulding and Curing: The soap mixture is poured into moulds and allowed to harden over a period of time (usually 4-6 weeks for curing). This ensures that the soap is safe to use and has the right texture.
4. Cutting and Packaging: Once the soap is cured, it is cut into bars and packaged for sale.

In our facility, we will initially make laundry bar soap made from high quality ingredients. Workers will be trained to safely make the soaps, perform quality control, and package the final products with the HopeMade packaging.

Location in East Jaintia Hills

The East Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya presents several strategic advantages for the soap manufacturing facility:

1. Abundant Local Resources: The area is rich in natural resources like high-quality plant oils (which can be used in soap production) and access to locally grown herbs that can be incorporated into our products. 
2. Economic Growth Potential: The region is seeing a rise in economic activity, making it an ideal location for new businesses. Our facility will not only contribute to local job creation but also encourage the growth of local supply chains, from raw materials to distribution.
3. Community and Infrastructure Support: The East Jaintia Hills growing economy, access to highways and tourism industry make it a strategic location for an enterprise such as HopeMade . The local government is actively supporting infrastructure development, which will benefit our operations in terms of transport, accessibility, and utilities.
4. Inclusive Community Focus: Locating the facility in this region also will boost awareness of the rights and value of blind and disabled people in the area. By creating employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals, we can set a precedent for other businesses in the area to follow.

Marketing Strategy

To ensure the long-term success of the soap manufacturing facility, we will implement a comprehensive marketing strategy that targets both local and regional markets. The marketing approach will focus on creating awareness of our products, their quality, and the social impact of our facility. Key components of the strategy include:

1. Brand Positioning:
   We will position our soap products as premium and socially responsible. The brand will emphasize the quality of the ingredients used  and the social impact of employing visually impaired individuals.
2. Local Market Engagement:
   We will establish strong relationships with local retailers, hospitals, and hotels to sell our products directly in the community. We will conduct in-store promotions, product demonstrations, and community outreach to create awareness about the facility’s mission and the high-quality soap products we produce.
3. Digital Presence and Online Sales:
   To expand our reach, we will develop an online platform to promote our products and facilitate direct-to-consumer sales. We will leverage social media channels, especially platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to engage with a wider audience, highlighting both the quality of the products and the positive social impact of supporting the visually impaired.
4. Partnerships and Collaborations:
   We will seek partnerships with businesses and organizations focused on social equity, this way we can further expand our market presence and generate support for the initiative.
5. Community Events and Awareness Campaigns:
   To promote our products and create a positive image of our cause, we will organise awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and local community centres. These campaigns will showcase the abilities of visually impaired individuals and promote the importance of inclusive employment. 
6. Packaging and Distribution:
   Packaging will be designed to be eye-catching and informative, highlighting the unique aspect of the business, the employment of visually impaired individuals. Distribution channels will initially focus on local markets, with plans further expansion once the business grows

Expected Outcomes

• Employment for X amount  visually impaired individuals in the first year, providing them with stable income and career development opportunities.
• Increased income levels for participants, reducing their dependency on support from charity or their families and enhancing their social integration.
• Marketable products that can expand from local markets to regional and national distribution, providing long-term sustainability for the business.
• Enhanced awareness and social inclusion of visually impaired individuals, fostering a more inclusive community and changing perceptions of their capabilities.

Sustainability Plan

The facility aims to become self-sustaining through soap sales within two/three years. Profits will be reinvested into expanding the brand and its range of products and creating more job opportunities. Additionally, we will continue to build relationships with local and regional distributors, and develop corporate partnerships to ensure continued business growth.

Conclusion

This project is a unique opportunity to create meaningful employment for visually impaired individuals, contribute to the local economy, and promote social inclusion. By providing training, sustainable employment, and a high-quality product, we will not only enhance the lives of visually impaired people but also promote a more inclusive and equitable society.

We respectfully request support in funding this initiative. Your contribution to this project will create lasting change for individuals with visual impairments, ensuring they lead dignified and independent lives.

Thank you for your consideration.

On January 6th, 2025, we were delighted to welcome three MSW students from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University in Tamil Nadu to Blind Lead Trust in Shillong, Meghalaya.

We are thrilled to have the students join us for their winter internship (5-7 days) and are confident that their contributions will be invaluable to our organization.

Blind Lead Trust is honored to assist these aspiring social workers and believes this collaboration will be mutually beneficial.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the students and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University for their commitment to social service and their willingness to support the work of Blind Lead Trust.

We would also like to extend an open invitation to all students and faculty at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University to consider volunteering with or interning at Blind Lead Trust.

By joining our organization, you can directly contribute to the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

We believe in creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all, and your involvement would be instrumental in achieving this goal.

#winterinternship #students #blindleadtrust #ameritavishwavidyapeetham #university #tamilnadu #shillongmeghalaya

Jitendra’s story and how he began for the Blind Lead Trust (BLT) as a Co-Founder of the organization.

At the beginning Mr. Jitendra was in his village when he was at the age of 18 or 19th years old and the work he did was to labor someone if anyone can give him a job and he also used to sole the sand after he was taken it from the river in order to    help his family to support his mother related to buying things at home like rice, vegetables, and anything which were needed to purchase for the needs of our house. Whatever he can as a young blind man he always helps his mother, if he gets any amount of the money he used to give it to his mother so that she can buy something in our house.

So, one time he used to work together with his family members and all other citizens of his village through the scheme of the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee act (MGNREGA) and because of his blindness problem he couldn’t perform his duty as per the other normal people did, either he did tried. But he collapsed on the floor. Due to that problem he stopped it and the headmen and other big people used to complain and chased him from that work and asked him to not come anymore since he could not do the work like other people did. So, on the next day again he came back because his mother’s sister called him to go again with the promise that she will talk with the headmen. Of course, she did. But the headmen do not listen to her and chased back Mr. Jitendra with anger and slang words. By that time Mr. Jitendra Dkhar goes back home with sadness and brokenness and he angers himself just because of his blindness and it happens to him in that way. He felt jealous of himself and cried at home for two or three days.

Another step that he faced was with the state bank of india in his local branch:

So, for a long time the bank asked to open the account for the joining account with Jitendra’s mother in order to receive some amount of the  scheme from the government, because they said that he could not have a bank account by himself because he is blind and it will risky to him if the bank allow him to do that. But Jitendra did fight by himself to get his rights among all of these problems that had arrived in front of him.

Therefore, after he goes through all of these  struggles in his life, one day he sits at home and thinks about the way that he passed to fight for his rights. In that way he got the opportunity to think and concern about other of his friends who are the persons with disabilities if they have to do all of these struggles like he did. If they lose their opportunity like this happens to him, or if they are able to fight for their rights, and why do the PWDs have to challenge all of these.

Due to that challenge Jitendra wanted to start the organization in order to protect the rights of the people with disabilities, especially for the visually impaired. Hence, he does not know how to start and what needs to be done before starting as an organization. What is the first thing to do if he wants to do that?  There were many questions in his mind by that time.

So, at the end, he remembered his friend who is the sighted person from NewYork of America who taught him about how to use the drilling machine, Hammers, screwdrivers, etc, and about the basic design in the workshop at Bethany Society which is organized by Late. Dr. Theodore Moallem was a biological engineer from MIT university. Is because of the full support and guidance of Late Dr. Theodore  Jitendra can start working to register for the Blind Lead Trust Non-Government Organization with the help of one of the ladies to translate between english and khasi about how he wants to design his organization and what is the aim and objective he has for his community etc.

So, after we discussed this through the telephone, we decided to meet together and start together for the Blind Lead Trust (BLT) and got registered on the 26th of June 2018 along with five other trustees to support us as both Co-Founders. 

Jitendra didn’t get a chance to go to the school like the other students in his village even though he really wanted to. Because he loves to follow his neighbors to learn something about what their teacher is being taught or dictate them in their schools and he keeps following his neighbors from time to time. But one day, during the exam , everyone needs to be focused on their exams. So, when the teachers saw Jitendra there in the class, she chased him outside because he was disturbing other students during their exams, she said. But Jitendra never keeps up with following his neighbors to the schools every time whenever they go in the morning even though the teachers have chased him from time to time.

If the teacher chased Jitendra outside he wouldn’t go home he would still stay outside of the school and listen from outside of the about what the teacher taught for the students and he used to catch from that and then he would know how to spell the words in Khasi or Jaintia. At the same time, the people in his village it’s really challenged and look at him as the useless person just because he is blind. Most of them didn’t call him by his name. They always call him a blind man. The people in his village look down of their house and his mother because she was a single mother. But Jitendra at the time he started to grow and when he was a young he used to fight with all of those people who always tried to fault them with such activities with his mother. Once upon a time, people used to complain about him to the local committee to summon him. And also sometimes he has to go to the police station because he used to fight for his mother’s and brother’s rights. Even though sometimes people used to threaten him because he always protected his family. In Fact  all of that, Jitendra wins off that harmful for his family and till now people never disturbs his family even though if they want too they have to think twice about it.

So, during his adult life before getting married, he actually didn’t have a plan to get married because he thought about his family. They are a very poor family. But most of his neighbors including his mother’s sisters they always used to comments about him because he is blindness there will be no one will be marry with him and then his mother have to by something for him to be marry with him when he will die which will cover a lakhs of the amount and which will be designs with the type of the trees. So, at that time, he thought and field about it like a threat to his mother. Therefore, he works hard to get married with someone , at least his mother will be free of that kind of staff even if they will not love him also. So, when he got married it was a big challenge to his life! Because of his wife’s family they wouldn’t allow them to stay together even though they love each other and they already have their first daughter. Because they thought that he cannot take care of his children due to his blindness. At that time, he was heartbroken and crying everyday even though he cannot eat. By that time though he had no job and he did not have a chance or experience to use the smartphone and computer and also he didn’t know any words of english. However, until and unless he got to connect with Late Dr. Theodore Moallem and discussed with him how to begin the organization then Jitendra started to have the smartphone and started learning english words at least single word in a day because Theodore provided him with the basic salary in order to support his family and also he can start working and prepare on how to start the organization.

After they registered the organization Jitendra and Theodore they were together in shillong and Theodore had his own project also which is related to the technology designs he taught to the science students in the schools under the Meghalaya and Theodore brought Jitendra everywhere along with him to make Jitendra to start learning from time to time even theodore involve Jitendra in his project technology design. However, as the time went on Jitendra started to improve day by day especially for the English and Theodore was very proud of him. At that time, they were staying together in the rented house along with two other blind people at Lower laschumire Shillong and they registered the blind lead trust there. So, for almost a year they were staying there then the owner of their house are discrimination them by stopping provided them for the water supplies. so, Jitendra and his friends were begging from time to time for the owner to please provide them with the water just to survive.

No matter how hard they try, the owner doesn’t listen to their requests. By that time Theodore wasn’t there with Jitendra. So, the owner continues to against them like that. One day when Late Dr. Theodore Moallem came back, he went upstairs to check if the water was there or not and he pressed the green button and then we got the water but without the permission of the owner. So, the owner against Theodore as the trespassed and called the police to take theodore to the jaile. Hence, the complaint by Jitendra to the police was not taken care of even though Jitendra called the police multiple times also! And not just that, the police Laitumkhrah was refused the case first information report of Jitendra’s when he filed a complaint to the police against the owner due to the discrimination them in their house. The reason behind this was that the police were afraid of the house owner because she was the magistrate and powerful people in their family. At the time we are going to submit the FIR of Jitendra’s then the police took Late Dr. Theodore Moallem to the jail for three days instead. So, after sometime the police reply with Jitendra’s case as non cognizable because the police based only the fight on that day. So, they forget about the complaints of Jitendra’s in the past. But one time before the fight the police have came to the place Jitendra’s stay when he called the police that they were discrimination by house owner. Even though Jitendra’s have shown the police that there was no water and a lot of plates or other dirty utensils and clothes but still the police said to Jitendra the police cannot help them because they are blind and they have no proves. So, from that day onwards Jitendra thought that there was no protection for the blind people.

Therefore, from that day ahead there were other cases of Late Dr. Theodore Moallem Jitendra had to witness them in the district court and high court of Meghalaya after his death on the year of 2021. The police are always following Jitendra.

During the Late Dr. Theodore Moallem was there with the Blind Lead; there were no problems at all inside related to the financial. Even though before he died he had engaged with his family to support the blind lead for one year, and at that time the blind lead had staff and everyone got their salaries. After the support was stopped by Theodore’s family Jitendra had a lot of challenges for the blind lead related to the financial situation! However, later we made a request with some of our friends and we met RK. Vijay Byrsat and they have helped the blind lead as much as they can along with his team. So now, the blind lead facing challenges with the financial constraints. The blind lead had two projects which it wanted to implement. But Jitendra is unable to proceed with them, even if he tries so hard to find out where they can get financial support. That is why, Jitendra lost hope in it since he also works for his organization for free of course and then again he faced the challenges with his family because he is unable to pay his children school fees, hospital fees, daily needs of his family etc. so, Jitendra lost of his mind right now and he feels very difficult what to choose and what to do.

Mission Statement

To empower individuals with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired, by advocating for their rights, providing access to education and opportunities, and fostering a supportive community.

Jitendra’s Journey

Jitendra’s journey began with personal experiences of discrimination and barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. His determination to create a more inclusive society led him to co-found the Blind Lead Trust (BLT).

Key Experiences:

• Early Struggles: Faced difficulties in accessing education, employment, and basic services due to his blindness.
• Advocacy: Overcame obstacles to open a bank account and participate in government programs.
• Inspiration: Witnessed the positive impact of the late Dr. Theodore Moallem, a biological engineer from MIT, on his life.
• Founding BLT: Co-founded BLT to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities, focusing on the visually impaired.

Skills and Experience

• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills through his role as a co-founder and advocate.
• Technology: Proficient in computer usage, including screen readers and online tools.
• Advocacy: Experienced in advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Project Management: Coordinated and managed projects, such as the Blind Lead Organization’s ATM Talking Software.
• Community Engagement: Actively involved in community outreach and awareness programs.

Vision for BLT

Jitendra envisions a world where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities, are valued for their contributions, and can live fulfilling lives. BLT aims to achieve this vision by:

• Advocating for policy change: Promoting legislation and policies that support the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Providing education and training: Offering programs to enhance the skills and employability of people with disabilities.
• Fostering community support: Creating a network of individuals and organizations that support the needs of people with disabilities.
• Developing innovative solutions: Exploring and implementing technological solutions to address the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

Through his personal experiences and unwavering commitment, Jitendra has become a driving force in empowering individuals with disabilities and creating a more inclusive society.

Prompt: report on a World White Cane Safety Day celebration organized by the Ephatha Society in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District.

World White Cane Safety Day Celebration: A Success in Khliehriat

On October 15, the Ephatha Society, under the leadership of Co-Founder/Managing Director Pastor Sympooh and Society member Shri. Kermiki Siangshai, successfully organized a World White Cane Safety Day event in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District. The event was graced by the presence of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of East Jaintia Hills District as the chief guest.

The SDO expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the event and emphasized the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of the visually impaired community. He highlighted the need for greater awareness and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in society.

During the event, Shri. Jitendra Dkhar, Co-Founder/Managing Director of Blind Lead Trust, spoke about the significance of World White Cane Safety Day as a global recognition of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. He urged citizens to collaborate with visually impaired people and NGOs to create a more inclusive and accessible world.

The event also featured a heartfelt sharing of experiences by Shri. Kermiki Siangshai, highlighting the specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in East Jaintia Hills. He pointed out issues such as unsafe roads, inaccessible buildings, and a lack of awareness among the general public.

The event served as a platform to raise awareness about the needs of the visually impaired community and to advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility. It was a resounding success, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

https://YouTu.be/kvsio32zzna?si=cptluont4av88-hp

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Jitendra’s Suffered: I just wanted to express my opinions about my experience just recently with the Ganesh Das Hospital which is the big hospital in the state of Meghalaya and who is taking care of pregnant womens.

I was admitted by my wife there as an emergency patient, because she was transferred from the Nazareth hospital and from there they told me that it was very dangerous for the mother and child if we didn’t do the operation as soon as possible. So, as a blind person I am very serious and afraid for my wife and my child. I feel that if anything happens to them it was my failures as responsible as a man and father. That is why I am the one who was requested from the doctor nazareth due to the financial constraints to transfer to the Ganesh Das hospital which is the government hospital with the hope and trust I will get help from there as my wife and my newborn baby. I thought we would get special treatment if we were admitted there, and the government has already provided special treatment to the persons with disabilities and their family patients. Unfortunately it was a backstab and hurd me when we were there!

So, it was one day and one night my wife was admitted there. But the doctor doesn’t explain anything to me or to my wife about what is wrong, whether negative or positive and if it is an emergency or not. So, in the next morning I am planning to leave from the Ganesh Das hospital and admit my wife to another hospital. However, by that time the doctors were there and they asked my wife why she wanted to leave from the ganesh das hospital. But she told them that it would be better if they talked with me. Hence, when I went there they asked me the same question. And I told them as per my concern to my wife and my newborn baby girl that I have admitted my wife one day and night in Ganesh Das hospital as an emergency pregnant patient, but you guys did not tell or say anything to us. Moreover, I think I wouldn’t trust you, I said to the doctors. Therefore, they are very angry and show action at me when I say that to them instead of explaining their protocol in their hospital and what they have found Related to this case. If I asked them the questions they were very rude and angered me. At the same time, after they saw that I am also confident even they are angry at me and explaining to them that they need to tell and explain to me because I am a blind person. So, they started to try to give off their collaboration from the next day. Because I have also called the minister incharge of the health department to tell her about this even if she was not in Shillong, her staff tried to solve my problem. On the same day the doctors were angry at me, I was also pushed outside very hard by the security guard of the Word Room of the Ganesh Das Hospital. They treated me like a child just because they saw me as a blind person. I also heard some of their staff hate me when they saw me walking around inside the hospital. Most of the staff are not helpful people. Even though they saw it was very difficult for me to move around inside the hospital, they wouldn’t give their hands to help me.

I think the government must do something and bring the solutions to solve future problems. They must launch special rights for the PWDs patients including their families so that it will be as a part of encouragement for the inclusive society. The government must enroll at least one assistant to each and every department especially in the hospitalities which is a very urgent need. Most of the departments of the government of MDA2’s are not aware about the rights of the persons with disabilities in our state. So, the question to the minister incharge of social welfare is what he does about the welfare and society of the PWDs in our state out of those previous activities or schemes?

#Disabilities #Development #BlindLeadTrust #SocialWelfareDepartment #MinisterIncharge #MeghalayaGovernment #MDA2’s #PWDsPatients #PWDsRights

We at Blind Lead Trust (BLT) are thrilled to share the progress of our trainee, Ms. Lucy Lamare! Lucy, a young woman with visual impairment, is diligently learning chocolate making under the guidance of Colks Company and the MSSDS program.

Similar to our first trainee in soap making, Lucy initially faced challenges due to her visual impairment. However, the supportive and encouraging trainers at Colks Company quickly made her feel comfortable and engaged. Their dedication is truly commendable!

And the best part? We got to taste Lucy’s chocolate today, and it’s delicious!

We eagerly await receiving the startup tools from the government so we can launch our products and share them with the market.

Calling All Chocolate Lovers:

Stay connected! We can’t wait for you to try these high-quality, delicious treats made by talented visually impaired individuals. This is a first-of-its-kind social enterprise in our state, and we’re confident it will create numerous employment opportunities for people with disabilities and youth.

Your Support Matters:

As a disability-led organization, we rely on your support to achieve our goals. Please consider donating or volunteering to help us empower individuals like Lucy and build a brighter future for all.

Spread the Word!

Help us create a buzz! Share this post and join the conversation using the hashtags:

#BlindLeadTrust #ColksCompany #Socialenterprise #ChocolateMaking #LucyLamare #Support #HelpingHands #TrainingCourse

Website: blindlead.org

Social media post to honor Mr. Sanbor Shulai and the Blind Lead Trust (BLT)

Let’s celebrate inclusion and empowerment!

The Blind Lead Trust (BLT), a Shillong-based organization for the welfare of people with disabilities (PWDs), is recognizing MLA Sanbor Shulai (South Shillong) for his incredible support.

Why does Mr. Shulai deserves our appreciation?

• He consistently encourages and facilitates PWDs across Meghalaya, regardless of their constituency.
• His compassion inspires PWDs to strive for their goals in education, sports, leadership, and more.
• Stories of his support motivate others to promote inclusivity.

These are rare acts in Shillong, and we need to celebrate them!

From: Co-Founder/Managing Director, Blind Lead Trust (BLT)

Registration No: 757-2018

Website: https://blindlead.org

Mr. Jitendra Dkhar

Date: 20/07/2024

To: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) & 60th constituency of South Shillong

Mr. Sanbor Shulai

Subject: Deep Appreciation for Your Support of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

Dear Mr. Shulai,

On behalf of the Blind Lead Trust (BLT), a registered non-governmental organization (Registration No: 757-2018), I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your recent act of generosity towards six individuals with disabilities from three special schools in our state.

We at BLT deeply understand the hardships faced by PWDs in their daily lives. Your initiative to directly help these individuals demonstrates a remarkable understanding and compassion that is truly inspiring. This kind of leadership, which goes above and beyond, is something we rarely witness. Many people remain unaware of the challenges confronted by the disabled community.

While your contribution may seem small to you, it holds immense significance for the beneficiaries. They may not be able to express their gratitude in words, but their hearts are undoubtedly filled with immense appreciation. We are certain they will offer their prayers for your continued support and generosity.

We at BLT urge you to continue your dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities within the South Shillong constituency and across the state. You are a true asset to the community.

Furthermore, we would like to humbly request your continued advocacy for the betterment of PWDs across the state. We urge the government to focus on critical areas such as accessibility, relevant schemes, job opportunities, education, and sports initiatives specifically designed for the disabled community.

Specifically, we request the launch of new schemes and the allocation of a dedicated budget for PWDs. Additionally, we believe appointing an IAS officer, rather than an MCS officer, as the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities would be a significant step forward.

Thank you once again for your kind act. We look forward to your continued leadership in making a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.

Sincerely,

Mr. Jitendra Dkhar

Co-Founder/Managing Director

Blind Lead Trust (BLT)

#BLT #InclusionMatters #SupportPWDs

You can check with the following details.:

Press Release for The Blind Lead Trust (BLT)

Subject: BLT Addresses SBI Malki Branch’s Refusal to Accept Thumb Impressions as Signatures

Shillong, Meghalaya – [Yesterday’s: 17/07/2024] The Blind Lead Trust (BLT) is holding a press conference to address the State Bank of India’s (SBI) Malki branch refusal to accept thumb impressions, the standard signature for visually impaired individuals, on a bank account resolution form submitted by our Board of Trustees.

Date of Press Conference: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

Key Points:

• SBI Malki branch’s action contradicts accessibility guidelines and potentially violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act) of 2016.
• This incident highlights the discrimination faced by the visually impaired community in accessing banking services.

Press Conference Aims:

• Raise awareness about this issue and its implications.
• Advocate for inclusive banking practices that respect disability rights.
• Encourage dialogue with the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on accessibility standards for banking services.

Following the press conference, BLT submitted a letter of closure to the Malki branch on July 15th, 2024. We will not tolerate discrimination and will seek banking services that uphold accessibility principles.

We kindly request your presence and support in disseminating this information to the public, including the government and the RBI.

For further information, please contact:

[[email protected]]

Social Media

Home

#DisabilityRights, #InclusiveBanking, #AccessForAll.

Blind Lead Trust Annual Report (2023-2024)

Executive Summary

This report highlights the activities of the Blind Lead Trust, a non-governmental organization (NGO) working for the welfare of visually impaired people in Shillong, Meghalaya, India, during the financial year 2023-2024.

The Blind Lead Trust focused on spreading awareness about visual impairment through various programs and exhibitions. They advocated for accessible transportation and accessible ATMs for the visually impaired. They also launched two innovative prototypes – Braille-X and Waxpen – to empower visually impaired people in communication and education.

The report acknowledges the financial challenges faced by the organization and the resulting suspension of training programs. However, it expresses optimism for future growth and highlights the ongoing collaboration with institutions like NIT Shillong for product development.

Website: https://blindlead.orgRegistration No.: 757-2018

Letter from the Managing Director, Mr. Jitendra Dkhar

The letter emphasizes the challenges faced by the organization due to financial constraints and the lack of consistent support. It highlights the need for a shift in societal perception of visually impaired people, who should be seen for their abilities rather than pitied for their disabilities. The letter expresses gratitude to the supporters and acknowledges their contribution to the organization’s work.

History of the Organization

The Blind Lead Trust was established in 2018 and is registered under the RPWD Act 2016 and the Income Tax Act. It is led by visually impaired individuals with sighted staff for assistance. The motto of the organization is “When the blind lead the blind, they can choose their own paths.”

Mission of the Organization

The Blind Lead Trust’s mission is to protect the rights of visually impaired people, empower them through education and skill development, and promote their access to equal opportunities.

Aims and Objectives

• Undertake programs for the personal and socio-economic development of visually impaired people.
• Promote awareness about the rights and abilities of visually impaired people.
• Advocate for public utility initiatives that benefit visually impaired people.

Activities Report

• Light in the Dark Event (December 16, 2023): This event, in collaboration with the Music Inclusive School, aimed to raise awareness about blindness by allowing sighted people to experience navigating in darkness.
• Inauguration of House for Visually Impaired Lady (May 6, 2023): The Blind Lead Trust helped inaugurate a house for a visually impaired woman named Mari Kyndait.
• Internship Program (May 9, 2023): The organization provided internship opportunities to students from Martin Luther Christian University, including a visually impaired psychology student.
• Talking ATM Project Survey (May 9, 2023): The Blind Lead Trust conducted a survey across Meghalaya to assess the availability of talking ATM software and trained visually impaired people on using ATMs.
• Meeting on Accessible Transportation (June 6, 2023): The Blind Lead Trust participated in a meeting organized by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disability to discuss accessibility issues in public transportation.
• Review of Spectacles for Visually Impaired (June 21, 2023): The Director of Blind Lead Trust was invited to review spectacles designed for the visually impaired by Vision-Pro company. The review identified limitations and high costs associated with the product.
• Handicraft Training (July 3, 2023): The organization initiated a handicraft training program for people with disabilities, including visually impaired, locomotor and speech-impaired individuals. However, due to financial constraints, the program was temporarily suspended.
• Visit from Colks Company and National People’s Youth Front (August 1, 2023): The visitors expressed their willingness to help the organization find new avenues for support.
• Memorandum of Understanding with RBI for Talking ATMs (August 3, 2023): The Blind Lead Trust submitted a proposal to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) requesting collaboration to ensure talking ATM facilities for visually impaired people in the state.
• Awareness Program on Accessible Transportation (August 12, 2023): The Blind Lead Trust participated in an awareness program organized by Ferdinand Lyngdoh to highlight the challenges faced by people with disabilities in using public transportation.
• Publicity Efforts (August 25, 2023): The Blind Lead Trust visited the Shillong Press Club to promote the organization and its activities.
• Patent Process for Braille-Labeler (August 29, 2023): The Director of Blind Lead Trust initiated discussions with the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Shillong to register the patent for the Braille-X