In India: Creating Inclusive Communities with the John Lewis Partnership Foundation
Since 2024, Sense International India has been working with the John Lewis Partnership Foundation to connect adults with deafblindness and multiple disabilities with meaningful employment opportunities.
The Inclusive Communities project, which runs in Delhi and Alleppey, supports people with complex disabilities to learn a trade. Vocational trainers and special educators conduct assessments to ensure each participant is connected with the most suitable trade, and develop specialised learning plans taking individuals’ strength and needs into account. This enables people with disabilities who may be excluded from mainstream training programmes to earn a living, support themselves and their families, and connect with their local communities.
By the end of the project’s first year in March 2024, 58 young people were being supported, with many more families and businesses benefitting from the project’s wider impact. Through awareness and sensitisation sessions, project leads also aim to challenge stigma against people with disabilities within communities and markets. As a result of this advocacy, perceptions are being changed for the better, with sensitised vendors now more and more willing to order products made by people with disabilities – creating a positive outlook for the future of employment opportunities for people with deafblindness in these areas.
Siby’s Story
The impact has been lifechanging for families such as Siby’s, who has deafblindness, Down’s Syndrome, and physical disabilities. Through the project, Siby and his mother have learned to spin coir yarn from coconut fibres, a leading industry in the region. The family were supplied with equipment and materials to establish their business, and taught how to facilitate Siby’s involvement by supporting his specific needs, encouraging him to find fulfilment in the task. He is now more confident and independent, with a meaningful opportunity to participate in society.
The support and aid from Sense International India have brought a sense of reassurance and relief to our family. Our child likes his vocational trainer and special educator, feeling happy and at ease in their presence.
We believe that this will help us to navigate challenges and alleviate financial difficulties. It has significantly benefited our child and improved our lives
Siby’s parents on the Inclusive Communities vocational training programme
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