Challenges for the planners

• To initiate and develop result-oriented services
• To expand services to reach a larger population
• To develop sustainable programs

Development of services for VIMD (Visually Impaired with Multiple Disabilities) in Asian countries

• Not evolved automatically or spontaneously
• Imported skills and knowledge
• Few services exist, and are mainly in urban areas
• Programs are at different levels of complexity and sophistication
• In some Asian countries there are no services yet started

Transition the BPA (Blind People's Association) way:

What is "Transition"?

A change from one setting to another, which presents unique challenges and can result in stress.  Transition planning is a process for easing this stress and to help in successful adjustment to new situations.  It is a process which includes individuals, families, teachers and other professionals concerned with the individual.

There are many kinds of transition, including:

• from home to school
• from one school situation to another
• from school to vocational training
• from vocational training to community

What do we consider when we plan?

• Gather information on the child (personal, medical, family, educational)
• Likes and dislikes
• Aspirations and dreams
• Strengths and limitations
• Information on relationships

How do we collect information?   ......By mapping!

• Dreams map
• Relationships map
• Places map
• Background map
• Preference map

• Transfer of friendship:  from very close trusting early relationship with mother to service providers.
• Change in service delivery, including the physical environment and teaching & learning methods
• Identification of changing needs
• Skill training

• Preparation in primary skills
• Assessment
• Preparing parents
• Negotiating with the school authorities
• Orientation of physical environment of school for visually impaired
• New friendships with other children and teachers
• Intensive support of existing teachers
• Gradual withdrawl of support until he was totally adjusted
• Preparing transition portfolio
• Submitting it to a new class teacher

• 8 years of sustained intervention prior to this transition
• Mapping of abilities
• Survey of avenues in the workshop
• Task analysis
• Simulation of task in special centre
• Familiarization with vocational environment
• Safety measures
• Confidence gathering of vocational staff
• Hourly aided workshop placement

• Mapping of abilities
• Inventory of resources
• Skill enhancement through planned intervention
• Simulation of work situation at home with active family help
• Establishment of self-employment venture with full support of community

• It is not a one-day process
• It is sustained and intensive
• All players must be involved
• If one idea does not work, try and try again
• Family participation is a must
• Do research. . . On programs, entitlements available like assured employment schemes in rural areas.

Existing facilities (India):

• Central Government Schemes – Assured Employment for 100 days , District rural development Agency ( DRDA) for self employment to BPL families
• State government Schemes – Sant Surdas yojna Rs. 600 monthly pension 
• National Trust Schemes – Niramaya health insurance scheme , Samarth Respite care services , Udayan Prabha
• Aarunam – For Marketing of products made by Nt Disabilities

Estimates of VIMD Population in India:

• 1.98 % of the total population of India has a disability.
• That is, there are 20 million disabled persons in India.
• 10% of the above, that is 2 million, could be the conservative estimate of persons with VIMD.

Transition -- some final words:

• Everybody experiences it.
• It can be stressful.
• Some transitions are sorted out by us on our own.
• Our target group needs intervention.
• Every transition leads to growth and progress.

For more information, contact:

Vastrapur, Ahmedabad-380 015
INDIA
Phone: +91 79 263 03346; 263 05082
Email: blinabad1@bsnl.in
http://www.bpaindia.org/