Economic independence is the basic need of any individual, it is only through this that he/she can attain fulfillment. This is so for all individuals including the blind.  Keeping this in view, the National Association for the Blind, India, established the first employment bureau for the blind in 1954.

HISTORY

The employment exchange setup by NAB was the first of its kind in the country it was only after this that the government of India started setting up Special Employment Exchanges in various states.

In the initial period NAB tried to get the blind employed in skilled and unskilled blue colored jobs such as Mill-worker, packers etc.  This process continued for a fairly long time.

The educated blind people were placed as telephone operators and such other jobs.  To- date, NAB, India along with its state and district branches have placed more than 8000 blind people in various jobs.

ACTIVITIES

NAB Department of Employment carries out various activities for furthering the employment prospects of the blind individuals, they categorize the employment options in terms of open employment, self-employment and sheltered employment.

OPEN EMPLOYMENT

Through open employment the department tries to place blind persons in both public and private sectors. It is only through the efforts of the department that there are banker’s lawyer’s masseurs etc. who are working successfully.  The department tries to utilize to the optimal level the three percent reservation provided to the disabled under “ The Persons with Disabilities, (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995” to secure jobs for the blind in the government and public sectors.  It also attempts to convince private employers to employee the blind. 

The department has actively participated in the process of identification of jobs that can be carried out by the blind. 

SELF-EMPLOYMENT

The department offers financial assistance to the blind people who wish to carry out small entrepreneurial activities.  It has supported setting up of several Handicapped Public Call Offices, and Vending Stalls at various places. 

It has also provided Flour Mills, leather cutting machines, sewing machines, popcorn machines etc. to needy blind individuals who along with their family members carry out self-employment activities to earn a reasonable living.  The department also acts as an advisor and facilitator for securing self-employment loans offered by Maharashtra Handicapped Finance Development Corporation and National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation.

SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT

Recently NAB has set up a Job Development Centre wherein 10 blind people are given training cum employment.  They manufacture paper bags, candles etc.  These items are manufactured with good quality control and are sold to corporates.

AWARENESS PROGRAMME

The department participates and organizes exhibitions at various places in order to create awareness amongst the prospective employers about the skills and abilities of blind persons.  These exhibitions include live demonstration of computer operation, physiotherapy skills etc.  These exhibitions have contributed in increasing the employment prospects of the blind. 

TRAINING INITIATIVE

Lately, it has been realized that conventional sources of employment are drying out.  Hence, the department has initiated several new training programmes, they include: training in Call Centre Operation, training in Medical Transcription, training in making innovative items, training in marketing of consumer products etc.  The department has also partnered with some other agencies in training the blind persons for employment.

COUNSELLING

We also offer pre and post-employment counseling services to the prospective blind employees.  We prepare them to face interviews and competitive examinations required for various class 1 and 2 services.

AWARDS

The department has two awards, which are presented in March every year. 
Mrs. Pilloo Dorabji Khambatta Award, presented every year to 3 people/institution Best Blind Employee, Best Blind Self Employed Person and the Employer recruiting the highest number of blind persons in a given calender year. This award is in memory of Late Mrs. Pilloo D. Khambatta, a long time Hon. Secretary of the department.

B.D. Pallonji Award:  The Employment Officer who places the maximum number of blind persons in a given calendar year is awarded this award.  This award is in memory of Late Mr. B.D. Pallonji, the ex-employment officer of NAB.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

• You can help the department and the blind in the following ways:
• Sponsor construction of a PCO booth, which cost between Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000
• Sponsor items like Flour Mills etc., which cost some where around Rs.9,000
• Sponsor other items in the range of Rs.3000 to Rs.5000 which go a long way in promoting the employment of the blind.
• Assist NAB in our Training Programmes
• Employ suitable blind persons at your work place.

DONORS BENEFITS

All donations to NAB are entitled to 100% exemption from payment of Income Tax under section 35 AC.