Advocacy on Disability Rights - A group initiative of LCD programme in Prakasam, India

To encourage self-help and advocacy among persons with disabilities, LCD supported programmes in South Asia are promoting self help groups (SHGs) of persons with disabilities and their family members. These SHGs act as a focal point for micro-advocacy on disability rights and experience sharing among members.

One of the SHGs in Kothapatnam village of Prakasam district undertook a unique initiative with support from LCD-SARO project in the area. 12 members from the group came together and started a Disability Resource Centre to provide services to persons with disabilities in nearby areas.

They began by renting a small place in the village and collecting unused books. In a short period of time, the DRC had academic, competitive and many other books worth Rs50,000 (£600) for use by disabled and non-disabled people. To run the centre, the DRC members contributed money from their own pockets and also gathered resources like furniture, infrastructure etc. from other organisations in the village. Today, thanks to the efforts of the DRC, many persons with disabilities have access to books. The DRC also provides therapy services and regularly conducts skill training for women and parents of disabled children.

Through the DRC 13 children with intellectual and communication disabilities are receiving preparatory education support so they can be enrolled in mainstream schools in the future. Recently, the DRC members met authorities from nearby schools and convinced them to enroll these children into their schools.

The DRC members have also strongly taken up advocacy on disability rights. Six months back they met the local government officer (revenue department) and requested her to allot land as per a government scheme for the DRC. In spite of their repeated visits and discussions, no action was taken by the concerned officer. The members then decided to fight for their rights. On 3rd December (International Day of Persons with Disabilities), they sought support from a local legislator (elected representative) on the issue. Inspite of the officer's assurances to the legislator that the land would be identified and allotted soon, nothing happened. Finally, the members along with 40 other persons with disabilities resorted to a peaceful hunger strike in front of the government revenue office demanding their rights. They shouted slogans on equal treatment and disability rights.

The hunger strike attracted the attention of political parties and media representatives, who also participated in the protest. Within few hours, the officer concerned issued a Housing Order to the group and requested them to stop the protest. The DRC members were happy that their persistent efforts paid off.

Today, the DRC provides information and resources not only to persons with disabilities but to the entire community, specially children and women. Community people visit the center to get information on government schemes, NGO services and other similar support. The DRC has been recognised as an authority by the local government department to identify and refer eligible disabled persons to them for pensions.

The DRC has also become a focal point where people with and without disabilities meet, share their experiences and knowledge, and come together to support disability rights.