Overview
The National Disabled Fund (Rastriya Apanga Kosh - राष्ट्रिय अपाङ्ग कोष) was established under the proclamation of the United Nations (UN); the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP) was observed worldwide in 1981.
The General Assembly also called for a plan of action at international, regional, and national levels, emphasizing equalizing opportunities, rehabilitation, and preventing disabilities.
In Nepal, too, that year, the government implemented different disability-related programs, forming an International Year of Disabled Persons 1981 National Committee. On the occasion of IYDP, the Social Welfare Council (SWC) established the National Disabled Fund on 31 December 1981.
As a humanitarian organization, NDF has been rendering support to persons with disabilities through implementing meaningful charitable programs focusing on physical rehabilitation, education, vocational training, and enhancing the living conditions of People with Disabilities (PWDS) for more than three decades.
Vision
NDF would continue to ensure equality in every sector of development so that Persons with Disabilities will have access to assistive devices, education, employment, and socialization.
Mission
NDF will provide required support and services for economic independence and social inclusion of PWDS.
Goal
The goal of NDF is to provide quality rehabilitation services for the betterment of PWDS.
Objective
- To support people with disabilities by providing quality Physiotherapy services, Prosthesis and Orthotics (P&O) services, and assistive devices.
- To support education and skill development training for PWDS.
- To honor deserving and talented disabled persons.
- To implement programs for the welfare of disabled people as deemed fit by the NDF Management Committee.
Physical Rehabilitation Service (PRS) Project
Under the Physical Rehabilitation Service Project, NDF has been providing the following services:
Physiotherapy Service
NDF has a long experience in providing Physiotherapy services. Physiotherapy is a kind of treatment that prevents disease and deformity. Physiotherapists work in partnership with their patients, assisting them to overcome movement disorders, which may have been present from birth, acquired through accident or injury, or are the result of aging or life-changing events.
Assistive Device Distribution
NDF produces and provides assistive devices such as prostheses, orthotics, and mobility aids (crutches, wheelchairs, white cane, etc.) to support and help persons with disabilities lead normal lives in mainstream society, creating a barrier-free environment. NDF has its own well-equipped workshop with modern, high-tech machines, tools, and experienced human resources.
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
NDF mobilizes community disability workers (CDW) at the community level. The main objective of CDW mobilization is to provide door-to-door services for PWDS and develop a home environment-based practical 'therapy' to develop potential and minimize/prevent complications.
Counseling
The objective of this service is to inform clients about the rehab services and recommend them to other centers or facilities based on client requirements. The counselor also provides adequate information to people in society regarding disability to avoid discrimination and create awareness among the people regarding disability, making them aware of their rights.
Mobile & Mini Mobile Camps
As part of community outreach services, mobile camps are organized to increase access for persons with disabilities living in remote and difficult-to-access areas to quality physical rehabilitation services. There are four phases of mobile camps:
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Feasibility study
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Assessment
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Fitment
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Follow-up
Together with physiotherapy services, the camps provide counseling services to inform target beneficiaries about the rehabilitation services and make them aware of their rights.
Occupational Therapy Service
NDF has been providing Occupational Therapy, which focuses on personal independence in daily activities and functional rehabilitation. Occupational therapists provide essential and helpful therapy for PWDS.
Scholarship Distribution and Vocational Training
NDF has been offering scholarships to create access to education for disabled individuals. To date, hundreds of disabled students have had the opportunity for schooling and higher education with the support of this fund. Alongside education support, the fund also provides vocational and skill development training, such as computer, cell phone repair, and other skills for persons with disabilities.
Awards & Prize Distribution
NDF recognizes outstanding and distinguished achievements and contributions by persons with disabilities by conferring awards and prizes. This program motivates disabled persons to excel in their endeavors, helping them to live a life of self-esteem and respect. NDF annually provides the following awards:
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Talent Disabled Student Award
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Disabled Teacher Award
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Chandra Kumar Bhattarai Blind Talent Award
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Dhana Indira Rana Deaf Award
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Hem Ganga Physical Disabled Talent Award
Physical Rehabilitation Service for Conflict-Affected Disabled Persons (CADP) in Nepal Project
Conflict is one of the major causes of disabilities in Nepal. According to the Government of Nepal (GoN) records, there are about 8,000 persons (MOPR's Record - as of 2012) certified as physically disabled due to the conflict. Most of them need assistive devices and rehabilitation therapy services.
During the conflict period, many lost parts of their bodies. However, their access to physical rehabilitation services is limited due to the availability of only a few such services. NDF has been providing quality rehabilitation services to PWDS for three decades. Despite this, there remains an enormous need to reach more PWDS to provide essential rehabilitation services and ensure continuity in the remote and conflict-affected districts of Nepal.
To address these needs and ensure access to quality rehabilitation for PWDS, enabling their long-term functional independence, services are planned to be provided by NDF and other rehabilitation centers, with financial support from the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction, the Nepal Peace Trust Fund, and technical support from Handicap International. By providing quality and accessible rehabilitation services, conflict-affected, vulnerable, and isolated persons with disabilities are empowered to achieve full participation in society and ultimately contribute to the peace process in Nepal.
Future Plan
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Promoting advocacy and awareness programs regarding service availability in the rehab centers to strengthen the referral mechanism.
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Extending PT and P&O services with additional equipment.
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Coordinate with the government, NGOs, INGOs, and individuals to ensure the sustainability of rehab services and other programs.
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Maintenance/construction of center buildings for extended services.
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Promotion of locally available raw materials.
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Providing self-employment-oriented skill development training to PWDS.
Ways to Support NDF
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Support to provide Assistive Devices, such as artificial hands, legs, crutches, wheelchairs, etc., to PWDS from poor economic backgrounds.
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Support education for PWDS with low income by providing scholarships.
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Support skill development programs for PWDS.
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Support in adding equipment to extend the P&O workshop and improve physical infrastructure.
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Support to establish a wheelchair production and repair center.
Achievement
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Assistive Device: 17,000+
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Physiotherapy: 38,000+
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Occupational Therapy: 13,00+
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Counseling: 10,000+
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Outreach Camp: 100+
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Community Visit: 100+
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Skill Development Training: 1300+
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Scholarship Support: 5500+
Contact Details
Social Welfare Council
National Disabled Fund
Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-1-4224968, +977-1-4239586
Fax: +977-1-4227203
E-mail: info@ndfund.org.np
Website: www.ndfund.org.np
