About Makkala Bhavishya -Makkala Bhavishya (Children’s Future) initiated in 2001 was a programme to enhance educational opportunities (formal & non –formal) for ALL children not in school. Prior to initiation, 14 people with disabilities were trained as part of a UN-ESCAP (The United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia & The Pacific) to be activists on equality , environment for all and Disability as a Human Rights Issue. On completing their training they started work in slums of Banashankari (Bangalore).  Many children particularly with disability had intermittent attendance at school or dropped out due to various reasons like want of better access, finance. The programme aimed to get these children back in school.

Individual Rehabilitation & Coaching Classes - After a survey and identification process, children were sent to bridge schools, summer classes & coaching class centres. These centres were conducted by educated women in the community. Alongside an Individual Rehabilitation Plan was made for each child. Children were assessed for disability appropriate assistive devices, those requiring surgery were referred to hospitals and regular home based therapy was provided. Parents were made aware about the importance of follow –up therapy and were trained in simple therapy techniques required for their children.

Sanghas or Self Help Groups (SHG) –SHG is a group formed by the community members as a platform for social & economic interactions. The Makkala Bhavishya programme encouraged parents of children with disabilities to form groups for savings and micro- credit support. Members saving regularly were given loans to set up own businesses and have a regular income. The regular income helped families to retain their children in schools. Over the years Sangha members have been made aware of various government schemes available under health, livelihood and social security departments. Regular leadership training programmes are conducted to facilitate common objectives, vision and a common goal of rights of people with disabilities.

This multi –pronged approach of setting up Self Help Groups who in turn set up income generation schemes relevant to the local community and providing appropriate rehabilitation services ensured that children with disabilities had equal access to education & social inclusion.

Having made a positive impact through the Makkala Bhavishya programme in an urban scenario, the Education & Livelihood Opportunities Programme in a rural setting (Chamrjanagar District, Karnataka) was initiated.