10 Sep : National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities launched a Business Plan Tool Kit – Economic Enterprise and Empowerment (E3) Challenge-2010 for Person with Disabilities here today. Under this, the persons with disabilities and groups of member organizations will submit business proposals and the most promising ideas would receive the support of mentorship, guidance and education on the art of starting an enterprise. The project aims at creating sustainable and entrepreneur driven enterprises to improve the livelihoods that instill the drive of entrepreneurship and provide persons with disabilities to take control of their lives and future.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri D. Napolean stressed upon the need for boosting efforts for skill development of Person with Developmental Disabilities. He appreciated the effort of National Trust, National Skill Development Council and other organizations engaged in the project for working in this most needed area, which would not only increase the skill of person with these disabilities but also help in creating employment opportunities. The Minister lauded the efforts of all the registered organizations of National Trust for their support in carrying out the activities of the Trust across the country.
A multimedia kit for Parents of Children with Multiple Disabilities was also launched on the occasion by Sh. D. Napoleon. The kit will help parents and families to train and manage their children with Multiple Disabilities.
Earlier, the Minister gave away Annual Awards to the Awardees of National Trust Annual Award-2010. He complimented the Awardees for their outstanding contribution in their respective areas. The Awardees include Ms. Mausumi Mohanty, in the Best Individual (PWD) category, who is affected with Cerebral Palsy since birth and by her sheer perseverance she not only studied up to Secondary level but also acquired professional skill in Computers. Mr Ashwin Karthik, a 25 year old with cerebral palsy, was an another winner in the same category who topped at Senior Secondary level and got scholarship to pursue engineering studies.
Ms. Poonam Natarajan, Chairperson, National Trust presented the Annual Report (2009-10) and briefed the activities of the Trust being undertaken by nearly 900 Registered Organization across the country.
Earlier, National Trust had organized a Knowledge Workshop on “Skill Development and Micro-Enterprise Management” where the Business Plan Tool Kit- E3 challenge was introduced. The workshop was attended by a large number of Registered Organizations of National Trust, Persons with Disabilities and eminent persons in this field.