Samarthanam's Entry into rural Karnataka with a Division at Dharwad

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled set itself on an expansion mode with a new division at Dharwad. The Samarthanam division at Dharwad was inaugurated earlier this week. Through this divisional office, Samarthanam launched it’s highly successful information technology programme “Samarthanam TechVision”. Samarthanam also made available its hostel facilities at Dharwad, benefiting underprivileged students from north Karnataka. Shri. Chandrakanth Bellad, honourable Member of Legislative Assembly of Karnataka and President of Karnataka Border Area Development Board, Bangalore, inaugurated the Samarthanam facility at Dharwad. Mr.Mahantesh G.K, Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam, Trustees Ms.Vasanti and Mr.Nagesh, Deshpande Foundation Hubli programme officer Mr.Amit Kumar, Prof.M.G.Huddar of Karnataka College Criminology Department, “Samarthanam TechVision” North Karnataka co-ordinator Mr.Rajshekhar Naikal and others were present on the occasion.
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has been working since 1997 to empower the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people in India. The Trust is working to support the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged to keep in pace with the rest of the society by providing quality education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training, placement based rehabilitation and achieve personal independence. The Trust works towards creating an inclusive society which provides opportunities—without any discrimination—for the development of the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people. After a decade of service in and around Bangalore city Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled is expanding into the rural areas of Karnataka. The Dharwad Unit is a forerunner in this growth.
Mr. Mahantesh G.K, Founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam, expressed great joy in accomplishing his dreams to offer the services of Samarthanam to the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people in the rural areas of north Karnataka.“ “He added, I convey our gratitude towards Deshpande Foundation for supporting Samarthanam Techvision at Dharwad. In his inaugural speech , Mr.Bellad commented the Samarthanam for foraying into North Karnataka towards helping the visually impaired and disabled students. On an earlier request made by Mr.Mahantesh, Mr.Bellad assured that he would try to get some land for the Samarthanam in Dharwad so that it could have its own premises. On the occasion, he also donated Rs.10,000 to Samarthanam.
About SamarthanamTechVision
The Project Techvision is a multi-dimensional and holistic initiative promoted by the Information Technology (IT) Cell of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. It is aims to utilize IT skills as a vibrant tool for empowerment of the visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged people. Major beneficiaries of the training programmes are the visually impaired and disabled youth from the under developed regions of Karnataka.
Different Programmes under SamarthanamTechvision :-
Advanced Computer Training (ACT)
Advanced Computer Training emphasizes on Windows (2000 and XP), MicroSoft Office (Word /Excel / PowerPoint) and Access. The students will be trained for Internet browsing (website navigation), e-mailing, utility software such as data compressors, Media players, CD writing, installing software and successful troubleshooting.
Duration: 220 hours.
Excellence through Communication in English Language
Excellence through Communication in English Language (EXCEL) concentrates on the language training at three levels: 1.Foundation level 2. Grammar level 3. Accent neutralization.
Duration:180 hours.
Personality Enrichment and All-round Learning (PEARL)
Besides technical and language skill enhancement Samarthanam TechVision gives importance to development of soft skills for the complete and all –round development of its students. The PEARL programme covers various aspects of personality development, life skills education, motivation, communication, leadership, team building and team work, career guidance, employability and entrepreneurship.
Duration: 80 hours.

Digital Book Library
The digital book library is to reach out and catalyze education for the print-disabled persons (visually impaired, slow-learners and dyslexic children). The prime focus is on school and college students so the focus is on making the course materials available through digital means. As per the guidelines of DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) the books are scanned, edited, typed, recorded by our team ensuring optimum quality in order that people with disabilities can access the content in audio mode of the screen reading software.
Samarthanam is an active member of DFI (Daisy Forum India). Being the state coordinator of DAISY production, it is actively involved in the production and promotion of DAISY in the region.
About Samarthanam Hostel (Separate hostel facility for boys and girls)
Hostel and education support facility is one of the projects of Samarthanam. Samarthanam has helped more than three hundred disabled children especially visually impaired girls and boys from different parts of India. It is providing shelter for visually impaired, disabled and underprivileged children studying from school to post graduation. Facilities at hostel include school/college fees, food, accommodation, transportation, medical care, study materials, uniforms, bags, exam fees, and all other related expenditures.