Strengthening the Capacities of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
The AWAM launched the project "Strengthen the Capacities of Persons with Disabilities" in the districts of Faisalabad and Chiniot to address the social, legal, and infrastructural challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The objective was to improve access to reserved government facilities, connect PWDs to essential services, and promote inclusive governance and social visibility. The project emphasized capacity-building for both PWDs and service providers to bridge the gap between policy and practice.
AWAM identified 500 unregistered PWDs—300 with physical impairments and 200 with intellectual disabilities—and facilitated their registration with NADRA, enabling them to obtain NICs with disability logos and access reserved services. The campaign formed a Disability Rights Action Group (DRAG) in each district, composed of 70 members including lawyers, media, NGOs, and government officials. This network successfully advocated for stronger implementation mechanisms and helped PWDs connect with employment, healthcare, and educational services.
Notable achievements included increased responsiveness from government departments like Social Welfare, Labour, and DHQ Hospital, the activation of the District Rehabilitation and Training Centre (DRTC), and issuance of assistive devices including 39 wheelchairs, 12 crutches, 10 hearing aids, and 7 white canes. Moreover, through legal and social advocacy, 8 commercial banks in Faisalabad constructed accessible ramps, and 11 building plans were rejected for not accommodating accessibility needs.
The initiative influenced policy beyond the target districts, leading Punjab authorities to issue directives for DRTC activation across all 36 districts. Additionally, the project mobilized special education institutions and mainstream schools to host inclusive sports events. From documentation to awareness, the project shifted the disability discourse from charity to a rights-based approach and created replicable models of inclusive development in Punjab.
Contact
- Address: P-98/15, Street 1, Block-B, Al-Fayyaz Colony, Satyyana Road, Faisalabad-Pakistan (38000)
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel/Fax: +92-41-8554335
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