VOSAP empowering empowering specially abled people to support themselves, and their families. / VOSAP

Have you ever wondered how $100 can change a life for someone and their family forever?  Well today, in this article let me share with you our experiences of changing people's lives.

We all know that opportunity is the catalyst for advancement and beneath every aspiration lies the need for a chance—a chance to succeed, to grow, and to live with dignity. 

At VOSAP, we focus on ‘ABILITIES’ of an individual and strongly believe at core that given a chance, support and right assistive device, a Specially Abled Person can overcome their physical limitations or manage them far better to create a better life for themselves and their families. In a world where opportunities are scarce for Specially Abled People, VOSAP is dedicated to offering thousands the chance to break free from poverty's grip and embrace a life of dignity.

We have seen thousands rise from poverty's grasp, becoming pillars of their communities and driving India's economic ambitions forward. As part of VOSAP Vision 2047 for Divyangjan, we aim to be catalyst to empower 15 percent of India’s specially-abled population to actively contribute to the nation’s economic growth, ultimately achieving a $1 trillion contribution of the disability sector by 2047 in Viksit Bharat and to achieve this goal VOSAP is enabling Specially Abled People with assistive devices and self employment kits making them functional and active contributors.

Our experience shows that traditional assistive devices like tricycles and motorized sewing machines are not just tools for mobility or productivity; they are catalysts for economic empowerment, transforming lives across regions.In this article, I bring to you the stories of several beneficiaries whose lives are a testament to the profound impact of VOSAP intervention by providing devices, beauty parlor kits, electrical kits, massage kits, agro kits etc. for livelihoods and dignity. 

To our own surprise, our beneficiaries have not only embraced the opportunities presented but have thrived by becoming cobblers, flower sellers, incense merchants, electric repair shop owners and even garlic vendors in the community. Through the VOSAP donated item of just $100, we've not only provided independence but also instilled a sense of responsibility—empowering individuals to support themselves, and their families, and contribute to the nation's economy by earning an average of monthly Rs 8,000 (~$100). 100% of it is consumed as this hardly goes for savings so it multiplies the impact.

Let’s witness the transformative power of opportunity through the following stories:
 

Vinod / VOSAP

Vinod received a tricycle from VOSAP in a camp. This enabled him mobility and he started his business of tyre repair and puncture shop. He can commute there easily. Now he even wants to establish a bigger shop to repair truck tires etc. by commuting to the highway, employing people, and becoming an entrepreneur by taking loans!
 

Balakrishna J Arundekar / VOSAP

Balakrishna J Arundekar is a person with mobility impairment. He runs a roadside shoe shop now in Belagavi city of Karnataka from which he earns around 400 to 500 rupees per day (12,000-15000 monthly, ($140-$150)). Commuting from his home to the shop and back was a challenging task for him. With VOSAP intervention he received mobility which allowed him to be successful to go to the market every day and also do the deliveries!!!
 

Baraiya Ishvar Jadavbhai / VOSAP

Baraiya Ishvar Jadavbhai, is another VOSAP beneficiary, whose life took a remarkable turn when he received a tricycle. With locomotor disability, his life was limited to cutting betelnuts (supari) at home for meager earnings of 500-700 ($6-8) rupees per month. With the tricycle provided by VOSAP, Ishvar’s world expanded. He could now venture out into the market, actively seek work, and engage with the shops to take orders and deliver the cut “supari”. His newfound mobility empowered him to find more work and earn a steady income. This transition increased his income to Rs 2500-3000 ($30-36) per month.
 

Pintu Devi / VOSAP

Pintu Devi, from Jodhpur, faced significant challenges due to her 70 percent locomotor disability. Her financial constraints were hindering her aspirations of cracking competitive exams. However, her life took a positive turn when VOSAP provided Pintu with a self-employment beauty parlor kit. Pintu turned her skills into a source of income earning Rs 10,000-12,000 during the season. This income enabled her to support herself and her family and also provided her with the financial means to pursue her dream of cracking the Indian Administrative Service exams (most competitive and respected government of India exams).
 

Chetan / VOSAP

Chetan, lives with his wife and daughter in Jodhpur. His dreams were constrained by physical limitations. His days were spent at a tailor shop for a meager income of 5000-7000 rupees per month. VOSAP enabled sewing machine Chetan’s income increased, reaching heights of 10,000 to 15,000 rupees per month ($100-$115).

These stories underscore the economic impact of traditional assistive devices and self employment kits, where a one-time donation of $100 translates into an economic output of $10,000 over the device's lifespan.

VOSAP's initiatives redefine the idea of disability, harnessing the economic outcomes, financial independence and dignity. These transformations are not merely about numbers; they signify the restoration of dignity and the ability to provide for oneself and one’s family. With VOSAP's unwavering support, these stories depict the journey from dependency to self-sufficiency, demonstrating that with the right tools and opportunities, Specially Abled People can surmount obstacles and flourish in society.

As founder of the Organization, I urge you to witness the transformative power of giving. A hundred units of kindness, a hundred gestures of support, a hundred moments of empathy—they all culminate into a world of change. Let's embark on this journey together, where each individual action resonates beyond measure. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a difference—one hundredfold.

Change a Life with VOSAP Today, Donate at www.voiceofsap.org/donation

 

 

Pranav Desai is founder of Voice of SAP (www.voiceofsap.org), an organization working in the disability sector and in a Special Consultative Status with UN Economic and Social Council.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)