b) Disabled Small Entrepreneur Development Project

Access Bangladesh started a project for the sustainable development of disabled people titled “Disabled Small Entrepreneur Development Project”. Through this programme it provides necessary training to the disabled small entrepreneur for building their capacity and to provide financial support in the form of interest free credit.

Disabled woman is running her own shop with the support of Access Bangladesh

The purpose of this project is to encourage the disabled hawkers to raise their existing earning capacity and living standard and to give inspiration to other disabled persons. The project is located in different Rail stations, Bus terminals and footpaths where disabled hawkers run their small businesses. Access Bangladesh is playing a facilitator role in the establishment of Disabled hawkers club, providing skill development training, logistical and financial support.

Meeting at open park with the disabled hawkers | A Disabled Hawker is running his small shop.

e) Self Help Initiative of Persons with Disabilities

To ensure establishment of rights of persons with disabilities, community based approach is a must. Through this community program Access Bangladesh helps to form Self Help Groups by the disabled people themselves. Access Bangladesh facilitates this group through group meetings, discussion and training so that the group members can build their capacity to solve their own problems and improve the wellbeing of themselves and their families. Access Bangladesh also provides medical support and financial support to the stakeholders. To ensure community participation, it involves local government officials, media people and community people so that the mass people will be aware about their responsibility.

Weekly meeting with Self Help Group

f) Faith and Light

This group consists of the children with disabilities and their parents. There is much linking these families together. They get together once a month to share their joys and sorrows and to do different activities. Access Bangladesh motivates this group to build a strong family base towards their children.

Photographer

Shahinur Islam, Program Officer, Access Bangladesh