Due to the lack of representation, persons with disabilities are often unaware of their rights, entitlements, and the information available to them in society. To overcome these challenges and barriers, it is essential to inform them about the existing schemes and the procedures to effectively make use of them. The Deal Foundation addresses this by raising awareness and by forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for persons with disabilities, thereby enhancing their knowledge about the Right to Information. In each taluk, Livelihood Officers work closely with persons with disabilities, providing them with information and training through SHGs to empower them towards a self-reliant life. As a result, persons with disabilities are now increasingly able to become active participants in society.
Among such self-help groups for persons with disabilities, one notable example is the Siddeshwara Disabled Self-Help Group from Holalapur village in Shirahatti taluk. This group was formed after Rekha Maddi, the Livelihood Officer of Shirahatti taluk, visited Parasapur village, personally met all persons with disabilities in their homes, collected their details, and provided them with information about self-help groups and the Deal Foundation. She also informed them about the facilities and benefits available to persons with disabilities. Motivated by this initiative, the persons with disabilities came forward to form a self-help group. Rekha then brought together 13 individuals and officially established the group, naming it “Siddeshwara Disabled Self-Help Group.” With all necessary documentation, she helped open a bank account for the group at KVG Bank in Holalapur village.
Thus, all members of the group decided to contribute a monthly saving of ₹300 each. Following this, Rekha provided the group with various training sessions in 2016, including Disability Awareness Training, Book Writing Training, and Financial Leadership Training. All the members received the training without any obstacles and have been actively continuing the operations of the group ever since.
Later, Rekha provided information about employment-related training and encouraged the members by saying, “Take a loan through your group and pursue a job of your interest to lead a self-reliant life.” Inspired by this, the members discussed in a meeting that bank loans usually take time, so they decided to first utilize the group’s savings to provide internal loans for starting employment. Accordingly, loans were initially given to members in need from the group’s savings. Among them, Santosh Gunjal took a loan of ₹10,000 and started a grocery shop, beginning his livelihood. Similarly, Prakash Kambli also took a loan of ₹10,000 and began working in agriculture. Seeing this, other members who had observed their peers taking loans and starting their own work also developed an interest in employment. As a result, all the members came forward to apply for bank loans.
After one year of the group’s formation, with the consent of all members, Rekha collected the required documents from each member and, along with the loan application, identified their preferred employment areas. She then submitted the consolidated application to the bank. Considering the group’s consistent savings and proper documentation, the bank sanctioned a loan of ₹1,00,000 to the group. This loan was availed by five members of the group Mahadevappa Donkeballi took a loan of ₹15,000 and started a goat-rearing business, which has contributed positively to his financial stability. Neelanagouda Patil availed a ₹20,000 loan to begin a dairy business, receiving support from his family to start the venture. Somappa Ramagiri also took a loan of ₹20,000 and began working in dairy farming. Suresh Honakeri took a ₹20,000 loan to expand his grocery business, allowing him to operate on a larger scale. Prakash Kambli, who had earlier started farming, took an additional loan of ₹25,000 to invest further in agriculture.
Thus, all the members have engaged in self-employment and are experiencing improvements in their financial condition. They have been repaying the loan installments regularly every month without any defaults, and through their efforts, the persons with disabilities have established their identity in society and are moving forward with confidence.
All the persons with disabilities have received training from the Deal Foundation and have engaged in employment, thereby progressing financially and independently. It can be said that the Deal Foundation is the key reason behind this positive transformation. In appreciation, all members of the group have shared their heartfelt feedback about the organization. They expressed that it is a matter of pride that such a foundation is working exclusively for persons with disabilities. They particularly acknowledged Rekha Madam, who personally visited each household, provided detailed information, helped them recognize their potential, and supported the formation of the self-help group. Because of this initiative, they said, “We are now able to identify our own capabilities and stand with confidence.” Rekha not only provided awareness but also arranged training programs that have helped members in saving money, which is now contributing—even if modestly—to their children’s future. Moreover, she guided them towards employment opportunities and stood by them as a pillar of support. On behalf of all the members, the group extends sincere thanks to the Deal Foundation and Rekha Madam for their immense support. They also expressed their hopes that the Foundation will continue to encourage and uplift more people like them, enabling both the individuals and the organization to grow together.
In this way, the Deal Foundation is actively working in every taluk through Livelihood Officers to uplift persons with disabilities. All persons with disabilities and women wish for the further growth and expansion of the Deal Foundation at even greater levels.
For any specific questions related to this blog or for any assistance, please contact us at Info@deal-foundation.com. To learn more about the work we do, please visit and log in to www.deal-foundation.com.
Thank you.