With the vision of translating the CRPD principles into action at the local level, two organizations – PurvanchalGramin Seva Samiti (PGSS) and Naujhil Integrated Rural Project for Health Development (NIRPHAD) – came together under the leadership of CBM in the year 2012 to implement a holistic development program titled, ‘Parivartan – The Change’. Implemented in the districts of Gorakhpur and Mathura, Parivartan was initiated with the primary focus of bringing about the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream society. Based on the concept of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), the focus of the programme was on improving access of persons with disabilities to resources for health, education and livelihood while at the same time making them equal partners in initiatives to further their social development and empowerment.

Envisioning equality and fullness of life for persons with disabilities, CBM, PGSS & NIRPHAD initiated the implementation of Parivartan – The change in the year 2012. In the first phase, PGSS and NIRPHAD have worked with 2156 persons with disabilities. As an impact, the persons with disabilities have overcome some barriers such as low confidence level, ‘I Can’t’ attitude, social exclusion, social taboos etc. The programme has helped persons with disabilities to develop the quest for achieving dignified life, increase their knowledge levels on their rights and entitlements, the programmae also strengthened the financial conditions of few persons with disabilities through sustainable income generation activities.

Parivartan Project II

Drawing inferences from the previous phase end line evaluation’s key recommendations and voice of persons with disabilities (through focus group discussion, during development of multi-year plan), the second phase of the programme (2018-2021) aims at sustainable livelihood & social empowerment of 4156 persons with disabilities, including widows, women, poorest of poor. CBM, PGSS and NIRPHAD are resolute to bring about financial and social inclusion by exploring agricultural income generation activities, non-agricultural activities and formation of inclusive groups such as inclusive self-help groups, inclusive cooperatives and inclusive farmer producer organizations. The project propagates systematic approach integrated with general community based inclusive development, enabling people with disabilities to lead dignified life amidst their own community members.

Parivartan – The Change II is being implemented by PurvanchalGramin Seva Samiti, Gorakhpur (PGSS) and Naujhil Integrated Rural Project for Health and Development, Mathura (NIRPHAD). The programme is supported by CBM & Australian Aid Programme. The programme is being implemented in 4 blocks of two districts, the implementation team is working relentlessly towards overall inclusive development of 4156 persons with disabilities.

The overall objective of the programme aims towards the achievement of UNDP sustainable development goals, particularly poverty reduction, economic work and inequality (SDG 1, 8 & 10).

The specific objective of the programme is outlined to promote sustainable socio economic development of 4156 People with Disabilities, their family members in 04 blocks of 02 districts (Gorakhpur and Mathura) of State Uttar Pradesh, India, through skill building, financial inclusion and inclusive Livelihood opportunities by June 2022.

The second phase of the programme commenced on 1st January 2018. The project locations are Sardar Nagar and Brahmhpur block of Gorakhpur district; and Mathura and Baldevand Raya block of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. The selected areas are some of the most backward areas and in many ways considering social, economic and political scenario. Majority of rural population dwelling in the area has their primary dependency on agriculture, animal husbandry and daily wages. The farmers in the focus areas have very small land holdings and are often subject to natural calamities such as flood, drought etc.

The programme seeks to take the support of local resources, govt. systems and other local stakeholders. In harmony with the programme goals and objectives, the following key results are designed for the programme

Results

• The stake holders are sensitive and proactive in mainstreaming disability through inclusive development initiatives
• Persons with disabilities including women and children with disabilities and their communities have the capacity to access appropriate facilities for socio-economic development in health, education and livelihood
• Persons with Disabilities (especially women with disabilities) and their families have the capacity to participate in political and broader community development
• Persons with disabilities establish strong network and inclusive platform to advocate and access their rights and entitlements and take on issues on Poverty reduction and inclusion