Empowerment of People with Disabilities

As per the statistics there are 116804 disabled in these 4 districts. We work not even 5 % of the disabled have access to the services. In order to empower the disabled and integrate them into the mainstream of society we have this programme.

We believe that integration of persons with disabilities is possible only by providing equal opportunities for which families, communities and the society as a whole is responsible.

Our mission is to identify and train all persons with disabilities especially from rural areas of Maharashtra to make them economically independent and socially productive citizens and thus integrate them to the main stream of society.
Following are the Activities :
Early Identification and Intervention
Special Education and Training
Integrated and Inclusive Education
CBR and HBR Programs
Awareness Programs and Disability Prevention campaigns
Creation of Public Opinion in favor of the Disabled
Guidance, Counseling and Emotional support to the Parents
Vocational Training and Rehabilitation
Respite homes and Care centers for persons with severe and profound disabilities
Training programs for the special educators
Empowering the disabled persons to fight for their rights
Linkages with governmental and non governmental organizations
Formation of parents’ associations

Special education

In order to meet the special needs of mentally challenged children from rural areas SMS runs three special schools. Anugrah in Khed village in Ratnagiri district, Jeevdan in Zarap village in Sindhudurg district and Prathiksaha at vilavade village in Ratnagiri district.
Prathiksha and Jeevdan provide boarding facilities for children from remote villages and where parents are not able to cater to their needs Autism center attached to Alphonsa school, Miraj provide integrated education to autistic children from the Sangli Miraj and Kupwad towns.
Though recognized by social welfare department of Maharashtra none of these schools receive an grant from the government.

CBR & HBR

We provide medical and social rehabilitation to the disabled in their communities Providing appliances for improved mobility, orthotic and prosthetic appliances, educational support, Therapies etc though CBR workers.
With partnership with SLF we could reach out to more than 250 disabled children.

Vocational Training

Other than the vocational training in special schools for making chalks, envelops etc those who are above 18 are rehabilitated at the agro based rehabilitation center called Cherish at Amberi village In Sindhudurg district.

Care Home For The Severely Disabled

Shanti Niwas care home at Khutalwadi village in Kolhapur district for the severely disabled children (specially paraplegic) from poor families whose parents are unable to give them proper care.

Awareness Programmes

Awareness programes on prevention of disabilities Rights of the disabled barrier free environment, inclusive education are conducted on regular basis in schools and other institutions and for parents. Public rally onworld disabled day is also used for raising the issues concerning the disabled.
Thaluka level and district level Special Olympics are organized for the disabled.

Capacity Building

Samanvaya organizes training programmes for special educators CBR workers caregivers , parents and other personnel involved in the rehabilitation process of the disabled . Recently a state level training programme was organized for parents of the disabled. Sixty parents from different parts of Maharashtra attended the training.