BUDS - Care Centre for Disabled Children

Differently Abled Friendly Local Governance

The entitlements of persons with differential ability is guided by the Rights of Persons with Disability (PWD) Act and Kerala State Policy for Disabled Persons. Govt. of Kerala has introduced several social security entitlements to the PWDs through LSGs, Social Security Mission etc.

Differently Abled Friendly Local Governance seeks to address the priorities of the differently abled on a rights based frame, in consultation with the CBOs including the organisations of the parents of the disabled children. Special grama sabhas are conducted. LSGs undertake preventive, protective and rehabilitative services – These include disability scholarships and stipends, pensions and other special assistance. LSGs also provide supplementary aids and appliances, institute and manage Buds special schools for the mentally challenged and provide inclusive infrastructure in public places to mainstream them. The allocation of fund for the disabled comes from the 5% of the plan fund for the development of special categories like children, differently abled and aged.

Achievements, overview

CBOs work in tandem with LSGs to promote Differently Abled Friendly Local Governance. BUDS, Buds Rehabilitation Centre (BRC) early detection and treatment of disabilities, inclusive education, livelihood promotion, social inclusion and empowerment programmes through special SHGs, special grama sabha of the differently abled, IEC for social mobilization and behavior change of general public etc have promoted several LSGs to achieve differently abled friendly status.

Training and mentoring, including for CBOs involved in the programme are provided by KILA.

Achievements, overview

Buds Schools are no-cost educational institutions specifically catering to intellectually disabled children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. With 62 such schools across the state, they are overseen and operated by local government bodies, with the backing and direction of the Kudumbashree Mission and community organizations. The governance of Buds schools falls within the purview of the local self-government, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pertaining to ensuring social security (Theme 7), fostering gender-friendly communities (Theme 9), and promoting quality education (Theme 3).

1. Nadathara Grama Panchayat - Thrissur District

Buds Rehabilitation Center is an initiative of Nadathara Grama Panchayat under Kudumbashree CDS. The motivation behind starting the buds school came from the requests of mothers of physically and mentally challenged children and suggestions from the Grama Sabha. In a primary study, it was found that more than 50 children of the Panchayat have special needs and there were no government-owned institutions in the locality. The Buds Centre, named ‘Sparsham’, has started in the Nadathara Grama Panchayat, focusing on rehabilitation. The institute prioritizes mainstreaming such children through societal intervention. Training programs are provided to aid their mental and intellectual development, with a focus on supporting their mental and educational activities. The main vocational training provided in the center is in LED star-making and candle-making.

2. Areekode Gram Panchayat - Malappuram District

Areekode Gram Panchayat takes immense pride in being a fully differently-abled friendly Gram Panchayat, extending its responsibility and protection to all differently-abled individuals within its jurisdiction. In the plans for the year 2022-23, the panchayat has carefully prepared and included beneficiary lists for the purchase of essential equipment catering to the needs of the elderly and differently-abled people. The Buds School, an institution with 21 children under the panchayat’s care, and the employment institute for the differently-abled, run with the support of the public, stand as shining examples of the panchayat’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.