Story and Photos by: Areej Altaf
Pakistan, the fifth most populous country in the world, faces significant challenges in providing adequate services to its people, particularly those living with disabilities. The barriers they encounter often go beyond physical limitations, encompassing social and economic hurdles that hinder their full participation in society.
Situated in Saddar, the NOWPDP (Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities Pakistan) House in Karachi is more than just a non-profit Shariah-compliant entity. It is a symbol of hope and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Wall of Honour: Showcasing the esteemed partners and sponsors whose support has been instrumental in empowering the initiatives at NOWPDP to support individuals with disabilities
Established in 2008, the organization’s mission revolves around creating an inclusive society by providing comprehensive services that promote economic and social inclusion. From vocational training and employment opportunities to educational initiatives and advocacy, NOWPDP’s multifaceted approach aims to break down the barriers that individuals with disabilities in Pakistan often face.
Displayed prominently at the NOWPDP Facility, the “Seven Pillars” encapsulate the organization’s comprehensive approach to empowerment and inclusion. These pillars are Rehnumai, Shanakht, Falah, Taleem, Hunar, Rozgar, and Khudmukhtari.
One of the most impactful initiatives under the Taleem pillar in Karachi is The Inclusion Academy (TIA).
Entrance of The Inclusion Academy (TIA): The doorway to inclusive education at NOWPDP.
This school, not only provides primary education to children with disabilities but also integrates them with children without disabilities, promoting an inclusive learning environment to equip children with disabilities to eventually join mainstream society. This approach also fosters empathy, understanding, and acceptance among all students.
The students at the lunch table after their exam.
Students lined up in a queue, awaiting the teacher’s signal to proceed to the van area. Hamza is assisting his friend Abdullah, who has multiple disabilities including physical, hearing, and speech impairments, by pushing his wheelchair.
The school has changed many little lives, and one of the shining examples of the school’s impact on the children is that of Dua Zeeshan.
Dua colors in a book at her teacher’s request, allowing for an assessment of her developing skills.
Dua, a four-year-old with intellectual challenges, is enrolled at the trainable level of TIA, where she receives intensive, individualized instruction to meet her unique needs. Her teacher, Miss Abeera, shared her progress: “Dua initially struggled with a weak grip and didn’t respond to questions. Over time, these issues have improved. I now see her engaging with other children, something she wouldn’t attempt when she first started.”
Dua following her teacher’s instructions to drag a chair from one point to another, helping to assess her motor skills development.
Dua slowly walking towards her teacher, upon request, as part of an assessment of her coordination and balance.
Dua demonstrating how she brushes her teeth at her teacher’s request, who is assessing her daily living skills and fine motor coordination.
A ‘Fine Motor and Writing Skill Development’ activity on a board for children with disabilities affecting their fine motor skills and writing abilities. Beside it, is a ‘Tactile Chart’ with various textures like sponge, rough, rocky, and smooth which aid visually impaired children in their sensory learning.
Miss Abeera, a dedicated special educator, has been teaching at The Inclusion Academy (TIA) for a year and a half. During this time, she has formed close bonds with all her students. Passionate about her role, Abeera learned Braille and now also trains teachers in Sujawal. She teaches using both sign language and speech to ensure that all the children can understand.
Abeera communicating with her deaf and mute student, Armaan
Abeera’s journey as an educator began in a regular school, but she seized the opportunity to join NOWPDP as a special educator. Initially, she did not know much sign language, but the children in her classroom helped her learn, correcting her every time she made a mistake. Now, Abeera, like everyone else working at the organization, is proficient in sign language. “Being a special educator is a completely different world,” she says, reflecting on the unique and fulfilling experience of working with her students.
Abeera’s work desk
Among the many significant initiatives of the Hunar pillar are courses that equip individuals with disabilities with digital literacy. Understanding the crucial role of these skills in today’s job market, these courses provide essential training in areas such as data entry in Microsoft Excel, call center operations, and computer usage. This prepares these people for various roles that require data management and analysis.
The 23-year-old Wasay Shabbir, with a physical disability, waiting with his mother for his Microsoft Excel class to start.
Students of the Advanced Excel Training Class during a lecture by the instructor Mr. Mumtaz, with Miss Nimra as his sign language interpreter. Mr Mumtaz has a teaching experience of 5 years in different institutes, but it’s his first time interacting with people with disabilities. He joined NOWPDP a year and a half ago. Miss Nimra who has an experience of 3 years of working with the deaf and mute, has recently joined NOWPDP 8 months ago.
Computers set up in the call center training room.
The commitment to vocational training extends beyond digital skills. NOWPDP offers a diverse range of programs to cater to different interests and capabilities.
The space where people are taught stitching.
Embroidery machines set up in the room people are taught embroidery in.
Under the Khudmukhtari pillar, comes an initiative called ‘The Shamil Initiative’. In which people with disabilities are educated about the importance of recycling the pollutants that contribute the most to the pollution in our environment, and are made to recycle paper, cloth, and plastic to create handmade, eco-friendly, and sustainable products. Through this initiative, these people with disabilities are economically empowered.
These tote bags and pouches are made as a part of an initiative under the Khudmukhtari pillar, called ‘The Shamil Initiative’.
As part of the Shamil initiative, individuals are also trained in the skill of screen printing. Amir Bhatti, the deaf-mute lead screen printer at NOWPDP, learned the skill from his late father, as it is a trade passed down through generations in his family. “I will also teach screen printing to my children,” said Amir.
Amir Bhatti working on a screenprinting project.
One of the oldest and most famous initiatives of the organization, ‘The Rickshaw Project’ also comes under the Khudmukhtari pillar. Through this initiative, people with lower limb disabilities are trained in rickshaw driving and road safety, and once their training is complete they are provided with a specially modified rickshaw designed to accommodate their needs. These modifications often include hand-operated controls which replace the standard foot-operated pedals, ensuring that drivers with lower limb disabilities can operate the vehicle safely and efficiently.
Adnan Shabbir, a 42-year-old disabled since childhood, joined NOWPDP a year ago upon the recommendation of a friend and has been an integral part of the organization ever since. NOWPDP trained him to become a rickshaw driver and then gave him a rickshaw modified according to his needs. During the day he works at the organization, he offers rickshaw rides to the clients that come to the NOWPDP facility or takes his rickshaw to any work he’s assigned. At night, he drives the rickshaw on the roads, taking rides, picking people up, and dropping them off.
From vocational training to initiatives like The Rickshaw Project, and inclusive educational environments like The Inclusion Academy, the efforts of NOWPDP in Karachi exemplify the profound impact that dedicated support and inclusive policies can have on the lives of individuals with disabilities. Through their initiatives, they’re not only providing them with economic empowerment, but they’re also equipping them with the ability to navigate society with greater confidence and independence.