Ability is Possibility: Disability awareness program with the support of Ability Foundation

Persons with disabilities have talents, just like everyone else. However, they need motivation to bring out their hidden talents. Motivation comes from possibility. Having the right opportunity at the right time is the core idea underlying the disability awareness program Michelin India organized with the support of the Ability Foundation, a national cross-disability organization based in Chennai. (Ability foundation link)

The one-day program was held on February 4, 2012 at Government middle school in Soolaimani village and drew 150 people with different disabilities. Participants and their families were given guidance and counseling for enhancing the self-esteem and vocational skills of the disabled.

Mr. Joseph Ravi, District Disability Rehabilitation Officer, and Dr. Krishna Chandra, Deputy Director of Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation for Handicapped, attended the camp and disseminated information on the state and central government schemes available to the disabled. Participants received advice on how to access benefits provided in different government schemes and on employment opportunities, by the Ability Foundation staff team.

“We chose the Ability Foundation as partner for the program because of our shared belief that empowerment is a direct result of awareness of your talents, your rights and your knowledge of opportunities available to you.” Inspired by Jayashree Raveendran, Founder and Managing Trustee of the Ability Foundation, Michelin India is committed to underscoring the positive side of employing people with a disability. “It is not pity. It is not charity. It is not CSR,” as Jayasree says. It makes business sense. On the one hand, there are qualified persons who need opportunities and on the other, there are employers who can reap the benefits of hiring innovative, determined and dedicated persons. The opportunity is there for the taking!