Making the Blind Resources in India Work at Par with the Sighted Counterparts

Abstract

The blind and handicapped youth in India have been the least represented in the mainstream workforce. Their numbers exceed 20 million and this number is too large to remain unproductive. Such a large unutilized population is a drag to the economy and upsets the socioeconomic equilibrium that is vital for a resurgent society. Innovative approaches to tackle this problem need social innovation and thereby create a model where both the handicapped beneficiaries and their employers benefit in a win-win situation. This is absolutely necessary for a sustained growth and a meaningful solution to this problem. Nabet India has pioneered a model of employment for the disabled people in India. This model is designed to create employment avenues by seeking outsourced jobs, which are executed by those trained and nurtured under the aegis of Nabet’s skill development center. Regular employment for the disabled not only directly helps the handicapped but also uplifts the family by economically empowering them, and equips them with resources and skills required in the corporate workforce. Training is done in a manner which maps the individual’s ability with the identified job roles from the industry. Special software, assistive devices and a well-researched, government- approved course curriculum designed with industry consultation is provided free of charge to the beneficiaries.