All India Confederation of the Blind (AICB)

All India Confederation of the Blind (AICB) is a body of blind persons working for and with the blind community. It is made up of various state level associations Braille Stenography and Computer Training courses, O.& M., ADL and Home Management training, placement of over 325 ex-trainees of Stenography courses in various government departments, banks and public sector undertakings.

• Computer Training

To enable visually impaired youngsters to keep pace with rapid changes in technologies and job-market requirements, AICB provides training in the use of computers. Speech synthesizers and special software which convert text to speech are used for the above mentioned purpose.

• Basic Computer training: The course provides training in basic computer skills for a duration of about 15 weeks. The training and other facilities are provided free of cost.

• Advanced Computer Training: The course has the duration of one year and prepares candidates for Government/corporate sector jobs based on advanced computer applications.

• Stenography

In early eighties, we started training in Braille shorthand and typewriting, in both Hindi and English. This has helped in creating a totally new employment possibility for persons with visual impairment. Over 350 blind men and women have been placed in Govt. departments, nationalized banks and public sector undertakings.

11 out of the placed blind stenographers were adjudged the best employees in their departments and they also received National Awards from the Govt. of India for their best performance. 

Currently, the organization is imparting training only in Hindi stenography and typing.

• Mobility & Orientation

Restriction in the ability to move around is viewed as a major limitation of visual disability. AICB strives to help its clients overcome this limiting condition as well. For this purpose, need-based training inside the premises as also outside using the white cane, is an integral component of all our training activities. 

The Association of People with Disability (APD)

APD works to mobilize marginalized youth with disability, train them through formal and informal courses, and place them in jobs that are suitable to their qualification and ability. We also sensitize employers towards the needs of PwDs for an equitable work environment.

APD’s Livelihood Program includes community mobilization, training and placement. 

• COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION

APD identifies working age PwDs in rural and urban groups through public records, community programs, career guidance workshops and collaboration with other developmental organizations, educational institutions and government agencies.

• TRAINING

Training is conducted based on the recommendations of the Placement team along with regular ongoing courses.

• Foundation Course

Before any domain training PwDs lacking life-skills go through a 2-month foundation course, a unique job-readiness program from APD. The course involves skilling up on self-management, daily living, basic communication, calligraphy and English language, basic mathematics, sign language, and more.

The required PwDs receive therapy support as well as aids & appliances. All candidates can access government entitlement schemes such as pension, disability ID cards, transport passes and more.

• Employer Led Training (ELT)

As part of this program, APD identifies candidates (through the recruitment unit) and provides them job-appropriate training for placement in the government or private sector. The curriculum is jointly developed with training partners, tailor-made to the needs of selected employers. The training period includes capacity building of the potential employers on a rights-based approach to recruitment, induction and mentoring, to promote a work culture that values diversity.

• Horticulture Training

The Horticulture Training creates livelihood opportunities for PwDs in sustainable agriculture and horticulture – in nurseries, community, landscaping, floriculture, tissue culture and horticulture industry. Trainees also learn communication and cooking. In addition, APD also offers:

• Non-formal Courses

APD also offers non-formal fitter and electronics and mechanic training for those PwDs who do not qualify for formal training from other institutes. These are 6-months courses.

• CAREER GUIDANCE AND PLACEMENT CELL (CGP)

APD’s CGP cell caters to all the training units under Livelihood. It works with over 120 prospective employers across Karnataka to nurture and expand employment opportunities for PwDs. Placement is promoted through community job fairs, employer orientation, industrial orientation, field visits and pre-employment training.

The Blind Relief Associations, Delhi

Helping Blind Help Themselves

Colors don’t matter to us as much as happiness and lights don’t matter as much as the warmth that it brings

The Blind Relief Associations provides vocational training in a wide range of industrial and other occupations to male and female visually impaired adults in the age group of 18-35 years. The training programs also include orientation and mobility, communication skills, personality development, understanding computers, Braille, and music to develop their core strength as individuals.

 This Institution work for  the children and adults with visual impairment as they deserve the right kind of recognition and opportunity in an inclusive environment. The Centre provides vocational training in a wide range of industrial and other occupations .

College of Fragrance for the Visually Impaired

COFVI is a unique education initiative in Mumbai, India, funded by fragrance industry partners.

Research conducted by us with the help of BPA & fragrance partners clearly shows that a heightened sense of smell in the visually impaired

Based on these finding COFVI was established by Trustees Sheetal Desai & Renuka Theaogaonkar In 2013. COFVI’s purpose is to educate the under privileged visually impaired students and find them employment in the fragrance, flavour and FMCG companies.

Enable Academy, powered by EnAble India, Bangalore

Enable Academy works with the believe that:

• Persons with disability engaged in livelihoods are critical for society’s progress.

• Persons with disability can be catalysts for great social change.

• Mainstream community can learn to overcome their own inabilities and challenges by being inclusive.

• Mainstream community can benefit tremendously by enabling livelihoods for persons with disability.

• Hence collaboration is the way forward. Everyone is good at something.

Enable Academy provides training, resources, services and interactive tools for persons with disability to make them ready for livelihood opportunities. Persons with disability include persons with visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disability, autism, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular dystrophy, learning disabilities and others.

Deep online support is available for the visually impaired through the following relevant questions:

• I want Job

• I want career growth

• I have problem at work

• I want to learn computers

• I want to improve computer skills

• I want to enhance my skills

• I want quick help

Enable Academy offers 

• Employers awareness

• Inclusion models

• Best practices

• Services

• Peer connects

• Interactive tools for hiring persons with disability

Services for PWDs

• Career Counseling

• Job opportunities

• Training

• Self-Employment / Entrepreneurship

• Support in your job

• Open Forum with Enable India Leaders

Mail to: helpdesk@enableindia.org for services

Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind

Vocational Training & Rehabilitation

As our children grew, we felt a conscious need for teaching sustainable skills to our students so that they could be financially independent. And the gap was large for skills training and placement for children with disabilities. This was when we decided to impart vocational training skills to our students to bridge the gap. HKIDB’s vocational training programs are employment / entrepreneur oriented.

Indian Association for the Blind

(CAREER & SKILL TRAINING)

Redefining Abilities, Re-scripting Lives

Since inception in 1985 the primary goal of IAB has been to make the visually challenged independent in every which way. Apart from providing education that equips students with knowledge, confidence and independence, IAB takes several initiatives to ensure that its students are highly employable. Comprehensive skill training is imparted to train students in areas of their interest and to enable them to access mainstream employment opportunities. Currently, in Tamil Nadu, out of the 30,000 x educated and vocationally trained visually challenged people, 20% are being educated, rehabilitated, and even employed by IAB.

Institute For Blind

Ever since its formation in 1972, the Society for the Care of the Blind, Sector 26, Chandigarh (Regd.) has been actively engaged in the Education, Training & Rehabilitation of Blind children and also working for the Prevention of Blindness. The objectives of the society are:

• To impart educational and vocational training to the blind children

• To help in the rehabilitation of children passing out of the Institute

• To create awareness among the general public, particularly the rural areas in and around Chandigarh, on the causes of blindness and promote its prevention

Education

The Institute for the Blind being run under the aegis of the Society, functions as a recognized Senior Secondary School affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi. It has a Braille library and a Braille production unit too. 

Training

• Vocational Training: The students are also trained in traditional crafts and vocational skills:

  • Caning of Chairs

  • Wax Candle Making

  • Handloom Weaving

  • Stitching & Knitting for Girls

  • Typewriting (English & Hindi)

  • Stenography in Braille script

• Orientation & Mobility Training: The blind students have mainly posture and gait problems. To overcome these problems, the students need physical exercise and mobility training. 

• Computer Training: Basic Computer Literacy Training is provided along with screen reading software like JAWS, NVDA and super Nova

• Music Training: Music training in Instrumental, Vocal, and Tabla are imparted as a vocation as well as recreation. 

Mitra Jyothi

Mitra Jyothi is aimed at empowering the visually impaired by supporting their educational needs, finding suitable jobs and making them independent enough to take charge of their lives. Besides various blind-friendly educational resource creation, awareness drive, women empowerment, the organization works on a variety of employment and life skill oriented training and support under the following programs:

• Independent Living Skills (ILS)

• Computer Training Center (CTC)

• Placement Cell

National Association for the Blind Delhi

National Association for the Blind Delhi has also been a pioneer in initiating services for children with visual impairment and additional disabilities since 1997. Centre for Multiple disabilities provides individualized intervention to multisensory impaired/deaf-blind children. education of visually impaired has been the core objective and the hard work of teachers and students make NAB Delhi education system one of the best. The Integrated Education (IED) is the core activity of NAB Delhi Education department 

The organization has set up the most contemporary Technology Training Centre with accreditation from NIELIT. It has four computer labs at its registered office at R K Puram. Each fully air-conditioned lab has computers with screen reading software and other necessary peripherals. The trainers are highly professional and are well-versed with their subject. The teaching methodology is based upon both theory and practical. An ‘industry-befitted’ curriculum has been crafted to enhance the employability of each trainee. 

National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)

NCVET was notified by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on 5th December 2018 has been set up as an overarching umbrella regulator establishing regulations and standards to ensure quality in the TVET space subsuming the existing skill regulatory bodies: National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) & erstwhile National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and will act as an overarching skills regulator. It was operationalized on 04.11.2019 through the assumption of additional charge by Secretary, MSDE and Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE as Chairperson, NCVET and Executive Member, NCVET respectively.

Regulation of Awarding body ecosystem and Assessment Agencies are the focus areas of NCVET considering the existence of multiple regulators and non-standardized norms leading to quality issues and poor outcomes of the training. The NCVET will strive to integrate fragmented regulatory system and infuse quality assurance across the entire vocational training value chain, leading to strengthened outcomes.

The major functions of NCVET include:

1. Recognition and regulation of Awarding Bodies (ABs), Assessment Agencies(AAs) and Skill related Information Providers

2. Approval of qualifications as per the NSQF (National Skills Qualification Framework)

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and Supervision of recognized entities

4. Grievance Redressal of the varied stakeholders

In terms of composition, the council shall be headed by Chairperson, NCVET, it will have two Executive members and three Non – Executive members along with a Nominated member.

National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD)

NIEPVD (formerly National Institute for the Visually Handicapped or NIVH), is a premier Institute in the field of visual disability working under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The Institute is committed to promote rights and dignity of persons with visual impairments. In order to achieve this laudable objective, the Institute produces trained manpower for providing quality education, vocational training and rehabilitation services to the visually impaired persons. It also undertakes research and developmental activities ensuring emergence of disability inclusive policies, programmes and practices. 

Department of Vocational Studies/TCAB

TCAB is the oldest unit of the Institute which has the onerous responsibility of opening up new and challenging training and employment opportunities for the visually impaired persons. The vocational courses being offered are continuously aligned with the latest market trends and present day industrial requirements. Most of the vocational courses have been recognized by National Council of Vocational Training (NCVT). 

Visually impaired men and women in the Age group of 18-40 years are entitled for admission to the vocational courses on fulfilling required conditions and qualifications.

Selection of candidates is made through interview & trade and aptitude tests. All selected candidates are entitled to free boarding and lodging, medical facilities, uniforms, books and equipment. They are also paid a small pocket money of Rs. 200/- per month. Apart from receiving training in the vocational subjects, it is mandatory for all the trainees to learn Braille, Mobility and Home Management Skills. They can learn vocal and instrumental music as per their choice.

Sarthak Education Trust

Centers: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Lucknow

Sarthak develops skills in young people with disabilities through basic training program, corporate linked training program, employability training program and rural training program. These candidates are placed with their partners Aegis, Infosys, Team Computers, Plan India, Yum International etc. Sarthak also conducts job fairs. It is a holistic platform for providing skills and empowering the disabled.

To Empower Persons with Disability, enabling them to live their life with dignity and respect.

Sarthak Educational Trust was started in year 2008. To achieve this vision of empowerment of persons with disability team Sarthak is geared "To establish SARTHAK ADARSH Kendras (Skill Building & Early Intervention Centers) across the Nation" Sarthak is aimed towards carving an equal stature for persons with disability by providing them a platform wherein, they have equal access to opportunities and resources. 

Education

Children with Disability are either not enrolled in regular schools or paucity of Inclusive Education system leads to drop out. And, once they are segregated from the mainstream it gets difficult to integrate at later stages. Inclusive Education is an effort to ensure Right to Education despite the special requirements or needs of children with disability.

Inclusive education works on ensuring inclusion of school going children with special needs in regular education setting with required intervention and support. Inclusion strategies includes range of services, namely, co-teaching, consultative services, paraprofessional support, modifications to curriculum or testing, accommodations for specific disabilities, and others.

Skill Building

Sarthak JEET (Job Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Training) Program for Persons with disability addresses the requirements of PwDs aged between 18-35 years by providing vocational skill building training and sustainable employment opportunities.

The 3-month skill building program comprises of

• Basic Skill Building: 1.5-month basic skilling (Computers, English, Life skills)

• Sector-Specific Training: 1 month sector specific (IT/ITes, Retail, Hospitality and Ecommerce) 

• Pre Employment Module: 15 days pre placement modules

Further, various allied activities (guest lectures, exposure visits, parents’ workshops) and corporate volunteering activities are part of 3-month extensive training programme.

For enrolment in Sarthak JEET Program, Persons with disability can register online Click here or drop an email to trainings@sarthakindia.org 

Employment

Employment Drivers of Change – Equal Opportunity Employers

With the support of our 1050+ Equal Opportunity Employers Sarthak provided sustainable employment support to 18000+ Persons with disability across different sectors. The indicative list of employers are given on the left.

Digital Literacy Program

Sarthak Educational Trust provides free Digital Literacy Training of 15 days to PwDs, so that after training they can start their own business/ enterprise or get self-employed.

Program Focus 

• Govt. Schemes, Loan Opportunities available for PwDs by Govt.

• How to start small business

• Digital Literacy (How to use smart phones, how to operate basic computers, how to make online payment etc.).

• Case Stories of other PwDs benefitted from Sarthak.

• Overcoming Disabilities.

• Soft Skills, Time Management, Communication Styles etc.

Enrollment Criteria

• Disability Type - OH/ HI/ Low vision

• Age - 18 to 51 years

In case of any further queries, email to us at sarthakedu@gmail.com 

The story of a doctor who lost his eyesight; fought back and helped 10,000 people with disability find jobs, Social Story - Your Story, 2017

Sense International India

We are the only national - level organisation supporting needs-based services which enable children and adults with deafblindness to overcome the challenges caused by deafblindness. Since 1997, Sense India's key objective is to provide the information, guidance, capacity building and training needed along with being committed to support persons with deafblindness and multiple disabilities and their families by raising awareness and campaigning for their rights, opportunities and services throughout the nation.

Training and Capacity Building

• Sense India builds the capacity of various stakeholders like persons with deafblindness, their parents and caregivers, special educators, senior professionals, caregivers, teachers from inclusive education system, medical and para medical professionals and government officials on identifying and understanding the needs and issues on deafblindness. 

• Online Course: Onsite training and mentoring services are the specialized services being carried out to all the partner organizations expert and highly qualified team from Sense India. This training focuses on identifying the needs of persons with deafblindness, their parents, caregivers, special educators and overall staff at various project partner locations in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Experts guide professionals to deliver standard and uniformed services to persons with deafblindness thought. Mentors are the senior professionals who are working in the field with profound knowledge on deafblindness and has the caliber to recognize and bridge the gaps between Sense International and the educators, caregivers, persons with deafblindness and ensures comprehensive services being carried out across India.

Course Content

• Unit 1: Understanding Persons with Deafblindness

• Unit 2: Screening and Assessment of children with Deafblindness

• Unit 3: Modes of Communication with persons with Deafblindness

• Unit 4: Individualized Educational Plan and Teaching Strategies

  • Unit 5: Orientation and Mobility

  • Unit 6: Teaching Learning Materials

  • Unit 7: Inclusive Education and Curriculum Adaptation6 Hrs.

  • Practical – 33 hours (1 week)

• • Conduct functional assessment of vision and hearing for two children with Deafblindness of different age group. Write and present assessment report of these children.

  • Develop an IEP for one child with Deafblindness.

  • Develop low cost functional assessment kit to be used in homes, schools and community.

  • Write functional assessment report of the child with recommendations.

  • Prepare communication profile for one child based on assessment findings recommend intervention approaches for the child.

• National Webinar Series on Deafblindness, approved by Rehabilitation Council of India, Aug-Dec, 2020 for Educators, Therapists and Caregivers

Technical Training Institute of Poona Blind Men's Association

The only think worse than being blind is having sight but no vision - Helen Keller

Trainings At TTI

PBMA’s Technical Training Institute has been established with the intent of empowering the visually challenged with knowledge and skills required to lead independent lives. We are always striving to revise and update our training programs and make them relevant to the needs of our students. Thanks to this on - going effort many of our students are today working as Accessibility Testers, Assistant Clerks, Customer Care officers, Managers, Trainers and so on in reputed Government/Private sectors or are successful businessmen or businesswomen.

About Courses

We offer number of industry relevant short term and long term courses that impart new employable skills and competencies to our students. Major ones are listed below

Our Extension Centers

For the convenience of our students based across Pune, TTI has tied up with various reputed educational centers & NGOs and arranged to provide training facilities to all. Our extension training centers are at Fergusson College, Wadia College, S.P. College and Ved Vasudev Pratishthan in Pune and TTI-DARE (Disability Advocate Research and Education) is at Nagpur.

Admission Process

The admissions process is conducted in June and December every year at the extension centers given above, while the courses begin in July and January.

Documents Required

• Original Disability certificate

• Aadhar Card

• 10th/12th/Graduation passing certificate

• 5 color passport size photographs

• Guardian ID proof

The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind (VMSB)

The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind (VMSB) – established in 1902 – is an institution dedicated to creating a bright and sustainable future for visually impaired boys through holistic education, skill development and self-empowerment.

The school offers its students – most of who are from low-income families 

• free of cost education up to class VIII

• a range of vocation-based training programs such as computer operations and massage therapy

• extra-curricular activities like training in music, handicrafts and sports

• boarding and lodging.

PROGRAMS OPEN TO ALL

These occupational training programs are offered within the school premises and are available not only for the residential students but also to any individual with visual impairment.

Our various centers offering these programs and facilities include:

• The VMS-Radha Subrahmanian Centre for Computer Education

• The VMS Navnit Shah Library and Resource Centre

• The Massage Therapy Training Centre

• Competitive Coaching Classes

BEYOND ACADEMICS

Our students enjoy a range of extra-curricular activities like music, handicrafts creation, sports and gymnastics, to name a few. Through the years, we have often seen these childhood passions turn into a vocation, opening up an avenue for a productive, satisfying life.

Some of the activities enjoyed by the students include:

• Sports  

• Excursions / Events

• Art and handicrafts  

• Music  Advanced Therapy sessions for students with special needs (offered at The VMS Learning Centre)

The Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged

Breaking Barriers... Achieving Access

The Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) is an integral part and department of St. Xavier's College - Autonomous, Mumbai.

The XRCVC was started in 2003 as an effort to ensure an inclusive environment at St. Xavier’s College, one of the most well-known educational institutions in the country, for its students with blindness and low vision. Having created an inclusive set-up for its own students, keeping with the college’s long tradition of creating social impact within the larger community, the XRCVC has today become a national advocacy and support center for the blind and low-vision across the city and the country.

The XRCVC offers a range of direct support and training services to persons with vision impairment, caregivers, educators and institutions.

• Training Services

With the right skills and know-how, independent living and working is an increasing reality for persons with vision impairment. At the XRCVC, you can equip yourself in the use of Computers and other assistive devices, Braille, Orientation & Mobility, English language or also join our Life Skills program.

• Training Calendar

• Course Curriculums

• To inquire more, feel free to contact us

The following training are available

• Computer and Assistive Technology Training

• Braille Training

• Orientation & Mobility Training

• English Language Training

• Life Skills Training

• Personal & Career Guidance

Developing the right understanding of visual impairment for oneself and for families and caregivers can often be a complicated process. Varied factors – eye conditions, age of onset, pre-held myths and lack of knowledge affect coping.

The XRCVC guidance services offer individual and family guidance for persons with vision impairment to be able to make the right choices and not let the impairment be a hindrance in their lives. These services are available on an appointment basis and you may contact our office for the same.

Employment Expanding Reach

XRCVC organized a career guidance seminar, Employment Expanding Reach sponsored by IBM, in order to inform visually challenged students about the career choices available to them.

Click here for brief descriptions of each session along with audio podcasts

The 35 videos are available on XRCVC YouTube Channel.

Check Employment for the Blind in India page for details.