The spread of the Corona virus world over is causing unimaginable human losses. The halt of the spread of the virus is utmost important and a priority over every other need. This is particularly so in the case of Persons with Disabilities, who are very vulnerable due to poor immunity. Added to this, the precautionary measures introduced by the governments, though absolutely necessary, have put the PwDs into more hardships.
People with disabilities need workers and caregivers to support their needs including movement, bathing, feeding and other. Their physical condition and medical co morbidities put them at higher risk of developing severe complications. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many PwD who operated small businesses or other informal livelihood ventures are unable to work and there is a significant loss of income. They face twin problems of protecting themselves from the virus and loss of earning.
We embarked upon the novel idea of preparing the relief kit in our own premises and delivering it to about 1600 families of PwDs identified in our area. As the cost of readymade chemicals and masks were prohibitive in the retail market, we purchase the raw materials in bulk and prepare the solutions as per established norms. The face masks are stitched in our Garment Section. Each kit will consist 200 ml hand sanitizer, 400 ml hand wash and 10 face masks which will last for about every 10 days.
The long term impact of our initiatives will be seen in the context of protecting the lives of the PwDs in our region that they not only not get the virus, but also feel solace in our efforts of reaching out to them by means of supplying the COVID kit, the relief materials, give direct personal education of protecting themselves and their families from the virus, distribute leaflets and other materials related to this issue and so on. The PwDs face in the light of the current pandemic.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
