Reports on "Dignity in Care "Serving 500 PWDs in Pakistan"

Project Report | Nov 18, 2025
Walking Toward Dignity: Quarterly Progress Report

By Sohail Rais | Project Director

During this quarter, the Dignity in Care project continued to empower and support 500 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Karachi, Thatta, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Ubaro and rural Sindh. The project focused on restoring dignity, improving mobility, enhancing independence, and strengthening community inclusion for marginalized persons with disabilities.

Key achievements include:

Provision of assistive devices, including wheelchairs, tricycles, walkers, and mobility aids.
Home-based personal attendant support for severely disabled individuals.
Medical assessments, physiotherapy sessions, and psychosocial support.
Awareness sessions in communities on disability rights and inclusive practices.
Strengthened partnerships with local government bodies, corporate CSR wings, and international disability networks.

3. Progress During the Quarter A. Mobility Support
- 132 wheelchairs distributed.
- 18 customized tricycles for persons with lower-limb deformities.
- 40 mobility repair services conducted at DWA’s Mobility Workshop (free of cost).
- Mobility assessments conducted by trained technicians.
B. Personal Attendant & Home-Based Support
- 62 individuals received dedicated attendant support for daily living activities.
- Support included feeding, bathing, dressing, repositioning, and mobility assistance.
C. Medical & Rehabilitation Services
- 214 physiotherapy sessions delivered across Karachi & Thatta centres.
- 49 medical consultations, including assessment of pressure sores, spinal issues, and chronic conditions.
- Distribution of medicines and hygiene kits to vulnerable PWDs.
D. Training & Inclusion Workshops
- 6 community awareness sessions held focusing on:
  - Disability rights
  - Inclusive disaster preparedness
  - Caregiver training
  - Prevention of neglect & abuse
- Over 450 community members reached.
E. Livelihood & Empowerment
- 23 PWDs enrolled in digital skills training and stitching classes.
- 7 beneficiaries linked with employment opportunities via partner companies.
4. Human Stories (Impact)

(GlobalGiving strongly prefers beneficiary stories)

Story 1: Restoring Hope for a Young Girl with Cerebral Palsy

A 10-year-old girl from Thatta, previously carried everywhere by her mother, received a custom wheelchair enabling her to attend school regularly. Her mother shared that “this chair has brought dignity back to my daughter's life”.

Story 2: Mobility Restored After 8 Years

A 42-year-old man with spinal injury from Ubaro received a new wheelchair and physiotherapy support. He can now independently access his workplace and resume earning for his family.

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Jul 21, 2025
Empowering Lives: Skills, Strength, and Solidarity

By Sohail Rais | Project Director

1. Overview of Activities

Over the past quarter, DWA has continued to uphold its commitment to supporting the dignity, independence, and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially women and youth. This quarter, we served over 180 beneficiaries across multiple centers in Sindh, Pakistan, through the following key initiatives:

Vocational Training for Women with Disabilities
In partnership with organizations such as UN Women and the Government of Japan, we conducted hands-on skill development workshops including tailoring, embroidery, and stitching training. These sessions not only promote financial independence but also nurture confidence and community among participants.
Independent Living Training
Interactive peer sessions and life skills coaching were conducted to build self-advocacy, confidence, and decision-making skills. The sessions targeted young women with physical disabilities and fostered a supportive environment for self-growth and leadership.
Educational and Literacy Workshops
Basic reading, writing, and communication skills were imparted to young girls and women who were previously unable to access formal education.
Inclusive Sports and Recreational Therapy
A wheelchair basketball event was organized to promote physical activity, mental well-being, and inclusion. This initiative had a remarkable turnout and received coverage on social media, inspiring others in the community.

2. Outcomes & Impact

180+ PWDs directly engaged in trainings and workshops
40 women completed certified vocational programs
15 participants transitioned to income-generating activities
20 youth joined our inclusive sports program
100% reported improved confidence and self-reliance

3. Voices from the Community

“For the first time in my life, I feel I have value to offer to society. I stitched my own clothes and now help my neighbors too.”
— Shazia, 24, wheelchair user and tailoring student

“The basketball court is where I forget my limitations. I feel powerful.”
— Fahad, 19, from our adaptive sports program

4. Challenges

Rising operational costs (transportation, equipment) due to inflation
Power outages affecting vocational equipment during trainings
Limited mobility assistance devices for new participants

We are currently working on strengthening our donor network to address these challenges and enhance service coverage.

5. Next Steps

Expand vocational training to 2 more districts
Launch digital literacy & online income programs for women with disabilities
Procure assistive devices (wheelchairs, sewing machines, etc.) for 50 new participants
Organize a Disability Awareness Week across schools and colleges

Photo Highlights

Photos included in this report showcase real beneficiaries participating in various activities such as:

Tailoring sessions
Empowerment workshops
Group discussions on independent living
Wheelchair basketball training
Classrooms filled with engaged women with disabilities

(You can upload these images on GlobalGiving using the platform’s image uploader under the report section.)

Thank You

We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners whose support enables us to continue championing the dignity, inclusion, and rights of PWDs in Pakistan.

Together, we are not only caring for 500 lives—we are helping them thrive.

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Feb 18, 2025
Upholding Dignity

By Sohail Rais | Project Director

The Dignity in Care project is dedicated to improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan by providing essential healthcare, assistive devices, skill-building opportunities, and community support. This initiative aims to empower PWDs by fostering independence, inclusion, and dignity in their daily lives.
Since its inception, the project has impacted 500 individuals, offering them medical aid, rehabilitation services, vocational training, and psychosocial support. This report highlights key achievements, challenges faced, and the way forward.

Key Achievements (Last Reporting Period)

Healthcare & Rehabilitation

Support 300+ PWDs received medical check-ups, therapy, and medication support.
Assistive devices (wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids) were distributed to 150 beneficiaries.

Physiotherapy & Counseling provided to individuals with mobility challenges.

Skills Development & Economic Empowerment:

Vocational training in tailoring, IT skills, and handicrafts enabled 120 PWDs to generate income.

Awareness & Advocacy:

Conducted 5 community awareness sessions on disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion.
Strengthened partnerships with local organizations and policymakers for sustainable impact.
Community Support & Social Inclusion Recreational activities & support groups established for emotional well-being. Launched peer mentoring initiatives, where empowered PWDs support new beneficiaries.

Challenges Faced:

Limited Resources: Demand for assistive devices exceeds available funding.

Accessibility Barriers: Many public spaces remain inaccessible for PWDs, limiting opportunities.

Social Stigma: Cultural biases continue to hinder full societal integration.

Despite these challenges, the project continues to make a significant impact through resilience, community engagement, and advocacy.

Future Plans & Sustainability: Expand vocational training programs to increase employment opportunities. Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers for enhanced rehabilitation services. Advocate for policy-level changes to ensure accessibility and inclusion for PWDs. Scale up assistive device distribution to reach more individuals in need.

Gratitude & Call for Continued Support: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to GlobalGiving and all donors for their generous contributions. Your support is changing lives, fostering dignity, and creating lasting impact. As we move forward, we seek continued funding to expand our reach and make Pakistan more inclusive for PWDs. Together, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, lives with dignity, independence, and hope.