A whiff of freshness greets all five senses as one walks into the
annual garden fair organised by the Association of People with
Disability (APD) at the Horticulture Training Unit in Jeevanbhimanagar.
Over 350 varieties of plants and herbs, grown by differently-abled children, are on display at the exhibition.
The association has been involved in nurturing the abilities of persons with disabilities since 1959, through education, vocational training, therapy, community-based rehabilitation and employment programmes.
Gardening has been one of the most successful vocations for the differently-abled. Executive Director of APD,Basavaraju, says, “Our staff work closely with special children in rural areas to provide them with required training and education to make them independent. They also set up a platform for the children to express their potential.”
He says families, that once belittled the disabled, are now opening up to the potential of their special children. Basavaraju said the government and the corporate sectors need to engage actively in developing vocational skills of these children. “It is not enough to sanction money for the cause,” he added.
Shenkaramma(14) came to APD 10 months ago from Bijapur. She had studied till class five but had to stop education due to Polio.
“I am undergoing training in horticulture and cookery. I like cooking as well as watering and trimming plants,” she says.
Her father, who accompanied her to Jeevanbhimanagar to witness his daughter’s progress, said with pride, “I did not know my daughter could take care of herself, let alone taking care of plants.”
Over 350 varieties of plants and herbs, grown by differently-abled children, are on display at the exhibition.
The association has been involved in nurturing the abilities of persons with disabilities since 1959, through education, vocational training, therapy, community-based rehabilitation and employment programmes.
Gardening has been one of the most successful vocations for the differently-abled. Executive Director of APD,Basavaraju, says, “Our staff work closely with special children in rural areas to provide them with required training and education to make them independent. They also set up a platform for the children to express their potential.”
He says families, that once belittled the disabled, are now opening up to the potential of their special children. Basavaraju said the government and the corporate sectors need to engage actively in developing vocational skills of these children. “It is not enough to sanction money for the cause,” he added.
Shenkaramma(14) came to APD 10 months ago from Bijapur. She had studied till class five but had to stop education due to Polio.
“I am undergoing training in horticulture and cookery. I like cooking as well as watering and trimming plants,” she says.
Her father, who accompanied her to Jeevanbhimanagar to witness his daughter’s progress, said with pride, “I did not know my daughter could take care of herself, let alone taking care of plants.”
Source : The New Indian Express , 9th Nov 2013
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