One of the districts most severely affected by the three-decade-long conflict is Poonch, a border district. Compared to other districts in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch has the highest number of people with disabilities.
According to the 2011 Census, Poonch district has the second-highest population of persons with disabilities. This made it evident that the district required immediate intervention to ensure that people with disabilities could live functionally independent lives.
The ongoing conflict has worsened the situation, with constant violence steadily increasing the number of individuals with disabilities.
We are currently implementing an intervention program in Poonch, funded by the HCL Foundation. The objective of this project is to provide physical rehabilitation services to people with disabilities, enabling them to become more self-reliant and independent.
Several activities have been designed to meet the specific requirements of persons with disabilities, tailored to their unique needs. The project has successfully empowered beneficiaries and helped them lead more fulfilling lives. Under the HCL Foundation project, we have identified, through surveys, people with disabilities living in remote areas, particularly those residing near the international border with Pakistan.
A rehabilitation program has been developed based on factors such as type of disability, geographical challenges, and reluctance to visit institutions for treatment. Rehabilitation is carried out through two modes: institutional rehabilitation and community-based rehabilitation (CBR).
"I have known Hope Disability Centre for over 13 years. Hope Disability Centre can be truly defined as a locally led organization that thrives on innovation and scaling up services for persons with disabilities. The organization stands out for its work in communities in areas of inclusive health, livelihood, and education. It has forged diverse partnerships across government agencies, the private sector, and international development actors, which uniquely positions it to drive its mission. With its clear organizational objectives and professional team, Hope Disability Centre is a dream organization to work with. ."
Bindya VachhaniHead of Institutional Funding at Oxfam Great Britain
"I had resigned myself to a life of dependency, never imagining I could become self-sufficient. Everything changed with the intervention of the She Hope Society. Alongside my treatment, their doctors encouraged me to seek financial independence by explaining various government programs for the welfare of persons with disabilities (PwD). With the support of SHSFWE and the government, I was able to establish a tailoring shop, and I now earn a living with dignity. I owe my newfound independence and identity to HDC for their unwavering support and guidance. ."
Ashiq HussainMughal Beneficiary, Hope Centre at Kashmir
""I consider myself privileged to have the opportunity to work with the Hope Disability Centre and to be able to serve the disadvantaged sections of our society. Through my experiences, I was able to truly understand and appreciate the struggles faced by Persons with Disabilities, and the positive impact of intervention in their lives to provide a second chance at living a fully functional and independent life. The dedication and hard work of HDC's leaders and management in promoting the rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, especially in underserved rural areas, is truly admirable. Their commitment to going above and beyond, by pushing us to work overtime and ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare, is something I greatly respect."."
Riyaz AhmadCommunity Worker, Hope Disability Centre at Kashmir
"During my visit to the Hope Disability Centre, I had the privilege of meeting some of the beneficiaries personally. The satisfaction and joy they expressed about the services provided by the organization was truly heartwarming. I was impressed by the Centre's dedication towards giving new hope to people with disabilities. Not only do they tirelessly strive to integrate these individuals into mainstream society, but they also advocate for their rights with relevant stakeholders. This organization is making a significant impact on the lives of many individuals with disabilities, and it was an honour to witness their work in person.."
Farooq Khan For advisor to Lt, Governor Shri Manoj Sinha Ji at Kashmir
"Their commitment and dedication towards advocating for the rights and entitlements of persons with disabilities are truly impressive and inspiring. I was moved by their tireless efforts to push for accessibility in public places, offices, and schools. Their work on physical rehabilitation for persons with disabilities is awe-inspiring and has undoubtedly improved countless lives over the years. I wish the Centre all the best in their continued efforts to make our society more inclusive and accessible for all. ."
Baser KhanFormer, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir at Kashmir