Cater the needs of the disabled through Apna Rozgaar Scheme

Disabled people form 10 per cent of the population in India. Over 90% of them are unskilled, unlettered and live in poor socio-economic conditions with no job opportunities either in government/ public or private sector for such individuals.

Based on the concept, 'Don't give them fish, teach them fishing', the Apna Rozgaar Scheme, which started in 1998, is one of the major projects of FOD.

Under this scheme, disabled people who are illiterate, unskilled and poor with no opportunity of getting employed either in private or government sector, are economically rehabilitated by initiating them into a trade of their choice. This enables them to financially support themselves as well as their dependants.

FOD, through its Apna Rozgaar Scheme, is assisting people with disabilities to break away from this vicious circle of poverty-illiteracy- unemployment by offering them interest free financial loans.

FOD has a number of firsts to its credit including publishing of India's first magazine on disability as well as projects like Apna Rozgaar, Beyond Limits and Gyan Path.

We strive to enable disabled people with low socio-economic status earn their livelihood, promote quality education amongst children, encourage artists and artisans with disabilities to showcase their talent and create awareness on issues related to disability. Besides these we take other initiatives to mainstream persons with disabilities.

ARS is aimed at alleviating poverty, reducing unemployment and main-streaming people with disabilities. It also prevents them from falling prey to anti-social elements who exploit their disability to meet their nefarious goals.

Till date ARS has reached out to 380 poor disabled individuals, in and around Delhi, in gainful employment with the success rate of above 80%. We cater to all kinds of disabilities, though the majority of ARS entrepreneurs are physically disabled; hearing impaired, visually impaired and leprosy cured people.

FOD was conferred with the prestigious Helen Keller Award 2003 exclusively for this service on the eve of World Disabled Day and Red & White Bravery Award for its exceptional act of social courage.