To encourage self-help among persons with disabilities, LCD supported programmes in South Asia are promoting self help groups (SHGs) of persons with disabilities. In Sarvay Reddy Palem village of Prakasam district (Andhra Pradesh, India), one such group called Sahaja Vikalangula Swayam Sahayaka Sangam was formed in October 2007. LCD staff had conducted an orientation meeting on SHGs for persons with disabilities in the village. 17 people attended the meeting, where the concept of a SHG and its activities were explained. Following the meeting, 10 participants came forward to form a SHG for persons with disabilities.

Such a group was being formed for the first time in their village. Under the guidance of LCD staff, the members decided their group name and democratically elected two representatives Paleti Prabhudas as first leader and Rudrapati Elisha as second leader. They also decided to save a fixed sum every month. To deposit the savings a bank account was opened. On the 4th of every month the group members meet at the leader's house to discuss issues faced by them.

In the first group meeting, a list of problems faced by the members and an action plan to address these issues was prepared. Within a year, as per the action plan the group was successful in getting tricycles, hearing aids, medical certificates, wheelchairs etc. to meet the individual requirements of the members.

As part of the group awareness and capacity building initiative, LCD programme staff conducted orientation programmes on various disability legislations and provisions. The group members were also trained in account keeping, leadership and other skills.

Today, SAHAJA group has a savings of Rs5500 (£69) which is given out as loans at a nominal interest to the members. The repayment has been timely till date. Examining the good savings record of the group in their account, the bank lent them a loan of Rs50,000 (£625) at 9% interest rate. The members have divided the loan amount equally among themselves to meet their livelihood and domestic needs. Till date, they have repaid Rs8000 (£100) of this loan.

Looking at the functioning of SAHAJA group, a village organisation (VO) comprising of self help groups approached them to join the VO. Following discussion the members decided that it was beneficial for their group to be a part of the VO which had a reserve corpus fund of 40 lakhs (£50000). This would not only help them get bigger loans but, also bring about awareness among other VO members about disability.

The group leader, Prabhudas, says “Earlier no one cared for us, but today they respect us in the community. We have been successful in lobbying with government officials to issue job cards for people with disabilities under the government's 100 days work scheme. As a result, six of our members are currently employed under this scheme. In the future, we plan to promote another self help group of persons with disabilities in our village.”

Contributed by
A. Rajkumar
Project Manager
LC Disability and Development Programmes
Andhra Pradesh, India