Rehabilitation and Livelihood Programme in Tsunami-affected Tamil Nadu
WJR has worked with Leonard Cheshire Disability since 2008 to expand its Community-Based Health and Rehabilitation Programme into 50 new Tsunami-affected villages in the Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts of Tamil Nadu, focusing on the critical health and rehabilitation needs of approximately 1,850 disabled people.
This support was funded out of WJR’s restricted Tsunami funds raised during the emergency in 2004. Over the next year, WJR will continue to support the project which helps disabled clients and their families, providing them with a lifeline from poverty-stricken situations.
The project provides health assessment services and appropriate rehabilitation, medical and surgical intervention to disabled people as well as facilitating disabled people’s access to mainstream health & rehabilitation services. Leonard Cheshire Disability works with mainstream health providers to ensure their services are accessible for disabled people. The project builds the capacity of community workers and family members on disability issues, advocates for the removal of legislative policies which prevent inclusion and build inclusive communities that nurture, value and respect all who live in them.
Aruldoss' Story
Aruldoss developed polio in his left leg when he was only eight months old, and his mobility became gradually more restricted as he grew up. He had to stop his education prematurely because of his disability and poverty.
Now a father of three, living in the Tsunami-affected village of Thaahakuppam in Cuddalore, his part-time job in a tailoring shop was not enough to provide for the seven family members who depended on his wage.
The WJR-supported project provided with counselling, financial advice and training in leadership and careers skills. He received funds to buy his own sewing machine which enabled him to open his own tailoring business. His income has increased since starting the business and helps provide for his family’s needs
Aruldoss notes that “before getting to know the LCPN team, I was not earning sufficient money because I never thought I could do any better. But today despite all difficulties and barriers I live a dignified life and even have become a role-model for my disabled peers”.
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