United for a cause
Caliber was formed by a group of people with disabilities
COIMBATORE: “The Government and society are still apathetic to the needs of people with disabilities,” says Surya, Founder Trustee of Caliber, a training and empowerment centre for the physically challenged in Coimbatore. The reservations for jobs for the disabled in the Government sector are not met. “There are vacancies for about 30 typists in the Government sector out of which, only five posts have been filled up,” he adds. Even for setting up private enterprises, they are at a loss as no banks would offer loans more than Rs.15,000 to the disabled, Mr. Surya points out. Caliber was formed by a group of people with disabilities with the objective of empowering themselves and others like them. Formed two years ago, it now has 150 members, all with disabilities. From providing training programmes in DTP, computer and English communication, the organisation seeks to make its members self-reliant. One of its main goals is enlightening society on plight of the disabled.
It has identified English language skills as a key area for self-development. “Even for those who have completed Class X, the centre is giving coaching in spoken English,” Mr. Surya adds.
It caters to the disabled population at Periyanaickenpalayam and Sarkar Samakulam blocks. It is also identifying more people with disabilities who have no access to education.
The system of giving monthly pension to the physically disabled is flawed, he remarks. Despite falling into the above 60 per cent disabled category, many cannot avail of it if they happen to live with their relatives or family members.
Staff Reporter
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