BY GORKY BAKSHI
People with special needs should be integrated with the society and should not be discriminated. Such people need special care and a lot of emotional support. We know this, but what the society needs to know is that they are different, but with support they can perform much better than any of us.
Nobel winner physicist Stephen Hawkins is one such person, who has been an inspiration to many. Children with autistic and mental disabilities participate in games, marathons and other activities all over the world, because they get support from the society.
People with disabilities are capable in all walks of life, but in India most of them have been deprived of opportunities. They can do the routine work without any help, if only the society and the government offers them more facilities.
Sambhav is one of the NGO that makes the life of disabled people a lot easier, by creating a supportive environment. In charge of Green Park branch, Ms. Manuja informs: “Disabled people should have equal human rights and fundamental freedoms. Persons with disabilities continue to face constraints, which hinders their participation in the society. Through Sambhav we are trying to provide inclusion for their full and effective participation as equal members of society.”
Sambhav gives the concept of a ‘reasonable accommodation’ for the disabled – who are either physically, mentally, or visually challenged. The NGO emphasizes on the designs of products, domestic environment, services that should be usable by all. Reasonable accommodation means necessary and appropriate modifications and adjustments within the house, to provide more comfort.
Sambhav offers ways in which the principles of universal design (usable for all) can be applied in different areas of life, such as communication (enhancing listening, understanding and alternative modes of communication), learning, (play, teaching, self learning), movements (transfer, walking with support, mobility and outdoor travelling), leisure and life (for well being, safety, eating, work, rest, self care etc.)
Domestic life
All human beings need to carry out household tasks like preparing meals, washing cloths, caring for household etc. Sambhav provides all the necessary things such as adjustable dining chairs, spoons, almira, utensils, bed, lights and everything. As it is a concept home one can find everything unique, which is designed in a way that disabled people can use it smoothly.
From user-friendly entrance to adjustable accommodation everything is universal. Sambhav showcases comfortable room that has low height bed with alarm button on the sides. Bed can be supported with sitting platform. It is valuable for those who cannot sit without any back support.
It also offers support for wheelchair. The almirah have special cases for equipments such as wheelchair space, pulling bars (one can pull out the bars from it), money bag etc. Bathroom has special features like light showers, low height seats, alarm buttons, handles and bars in bathroom etc.
Communication
Communication difficulties can lead to social and educational isolation and it can obstruct the growth of human being. Sambhav provides writing and typing facilities through tactile devices, Braille devices, spelling devices, word prediction software, modified typewriters, modified keyboards etc.
Ms. Manuja informs: “For example Foot pedal keyboard, it is a three button programmable keyboard. It lets the feet type anything through the pedal keyboard.
It also has a mouse, which can be clicked through the feet.” “Key actions such as shift, enter and space can be managed with three-foot pedal clicks. Scanning and reading software, it is a scanning and reading machine to enable the blind and low vision students to read the books independently. One can prepare notes, send emails, convert word books into audio files.”
Mobility
Grab rails can be used in various situations to improve the access. They have powder coated rails for a homely look and also have stainless made for maximum life span. There are large variety of supports available to assist people to move around comfortably and enjoy their daily life.
Wheelchairs such as self propelling, specialized, paediatric and motorized wheelchairs, which are made available for those who cannot move while eating aids and reading aids in the form of shoe horns to gripping aids and lots more is available in Sambhav.
Address:
Sambhav House Number – 2, Balbir Saxena Marg, Green Park, New Delhi Phone number: 011-26966331