Background and Rationale
Persons with disabilities (PwDs) face significant barriers to employment, including discrimination, inaccessible workplaces, limited skills training, and social stigma. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability, and they are more likely to experience poverty and unemployment.
The International Labour Organization emphasizes that inclusive employment policies and accessible skills development programs are essential to ensure equal participation in the workforce.
This proposal outlines a community-based inclusive livelihood model aimed at improving economic independence and social inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Project Goal
To enhance economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities through inclusive skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment linkages.
Objectives
- Provide market-oriented vocational skills training to 500 persons with disabilities.
- Facilitate job placement and inclusive workplace partnerships.
- Support disability-led microenterprises through financial and business training.
- Raise community awareness about disability inclusion and rights.
- Strengthen local support systems and accessibility measures.
Target Beneficiaries
- 500 persons with physical, sensory, or mild intellectual disabilities
- 100 caregivers/family members
- Local employers and businesses
Indirect beneficiaries: Families and community members (approx. 2,000 individuals)
Key Activities
Skills Assessment & Individual Livelihood Planning
- Baseline skills and interest mapping
- Career counseling sessions
- Personalized livelihood plans
Inclusive Vocational Training
- Digital skills and data entry
- Tailoring, handicrafts, and agro-based enterprises
- Retail and customer service skills
- Assistive technology training
Entrepreneurship Development
- Business planning workshops
- Financial literacy training
- Seed grants or revolving funds
- Market linkage support
Job Placement & Employer Sensitization
- Partnerships with inclusive companies
- Workplace accessibility assessments
- Employer awareness workshops
- Internship and apprenticeship programs
Community Awareness & Advocacy
- Disability rights campaigns
- Engagement with local government
- Formation of disability self-help groups
Expected Outcomes
- 70% of participants gain employment or start income-generating activities
- Increased income levels among beneficiaries
- Improved community attitudes toward disability inclusion
- Strengthened local disability support networks
- Enhanced workplace accessibility
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Baseline and endline income assessments
- Employment placement tracking
- Business performance monitoring
- Participant satisfaction surveys
- Quarterly progress reports
Sustainability Strategy
- Formation of disability self-help groups
- Partnerships with local vocational institutes
- Integration with government disability schemes
- Development of employer networks
Estimated Budget (Sample – Medium Scale)
Vocational Training $XXXXX
Assistive Devices & Accessibility $XXXXX
Entrepreneurship Support Fund $XXXXX
Community Awareness Campaigns $XXXXX
Monitoring & Evaluation $XXXXX
Administrative Costs $XXXXX
Total Estimated Budget $XXXXX
Conclusion
Inclusive livelihood programs are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty among persons with disabilities. By combining skills training, entrepreneurship support, employer partnerships, and community awareness, this project promotes dignity, independence, and equal economic participation.
