Venkatesh H. K the founder is a 30 year old graduate from Bangalore University. Venkatesh is from Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh is visually challenged from birth, he was helped by the Scribe System to successfully complete his examinations. As he struggled past the enormous hurdles in his path, he knew he had to do his bit for similarly challenged folk. It was time to empower those that were desperate for a chance. He, along with his mother Mrs. Rathnamma, put together the Sai Trust for Disabled and became its trustees.
2004: In June 2004, Venkatesh H. K started Sai Trust for Disabled as an enabling organization for Persons with Disabilities, bringing just four young PWDs into his fold. They were provided mobility training with the help of the NAB (National Association for the Blind), enabling them to travel to college and back. Audio recording of lectures aided their study process, along with reading from Braille books by volunteers from the Sahana Charitable trust at Vijayanagar. They were taught music at a school devoted to the blind. Corporate and Social volunteers provided academic support, unraveling the mysteries of their text books. Humble beginnings that relied on the goodwill and charitable hearts of the community and the unseeing, though far sighted vision of one man.
2005: The organization now began to assist resident and other PWDs with job placements. By July, 10 PWDs had been placed in textile industry jobs, 4 found gainful employment in another NGO as music teachers.
2006: In February 2006, 3 more PWDs were placed as computer operators at different NGOs. Then there was more success. In June, Sai Trust for Disabled helped 6 PWDs secure loans under the Self Employment Scheme to start their own businesses: STD Booths, Candle, Incense Sticks and Camphor Manufacture.
2007: Few months later in March 2007, 15 PWDs were recruited by Dracold Solar Company as field executives. This was a major breakthrough that brought home the need to build employable skills.
2008: In February, the organization began to offer training in basic computer skills and Tally Accounting Software with assistance from special trainers from other NGOs. This achieved much success- 8 PWDs found jobs in the Mphasis Call Center as customer care executives. A full batch of 25 PWDs underwent training under this initiative, taking them a step closer to employment and self reliance. An Integrated Education for Disabled (IED) project was commenced with support from Satyam Foundation, Orchay Foundation and Rotary’s. Equipment such as walking sticks and wheel chairs, tape recorders, Braille books and talking watches for the blind were distributed to 150 PWDs. A medical camp for PWDs, elderly people and children from urban slums was conducted with corporate support. |