1.       Empowerment of disabled people to earn a living.

U-link understands the real needs for disabled adult to earn a living and be less reliant on handouts from government or the NGO sector. Although there is legislation encouraging employment of disabled people, yet this is not happening often enough.

U-Link aims to embark on a training programme specifically for the disabled, to prepare them for potential self employment in various fields, while taking into account their potential as well as physical and mental capabilities.

The BPO sector offers potential outsourcing of jobs for those with IT skills.

We have already targeted 12 disabled candidates, in the first instance, who have the potential of learning and earning adequate to ensure financial independence in the longer term.

Requirements:

• These 12 young persons and others after them will each require a laptop computer connected to the internet at a cost of Rs 30000 each.

• We have a pool of volunteer who will give training to these people in their own home.

• We have companies who will be prepared to outsource work to them on completion of their training and once they are deemed capable to handle such work.

• We will negotiate with local internet providers to ensure free connection to these 12 people for the first year.

Total cost of project = 30000 X 12 = Rs 360 000 (US$ 12000)

2.       Supply disposable nappies to disabled people on low / no

          income.

U-Link realizes that disposable nappies form an integral part of the care and support for disabled people. They relieve pressures on caring relatives as well as give a degree of freedom to travel. Unfortunately the majority of people, young and old cannot afford them.

We would welcome donations of disposable nappies for children and adult for free distribution to those who are in need.

3.       Equipment for the disabled.

Very often disabled people are confined to their houses on account of lack of appropriate wheelchairs.

The Ministry of Social Security offers a standard size and type of wheelchair and most of the time they are incompatible with the needs of the disabled person.

Similarly for those who are bedridden, it is only the dedication of carers who ensure the bedridden person do not have pressure sores or other complications.

Special nursing beds are a must in order to improve their care standards. Adapted chairs may also provide an alternative to bed rest.

These three areas of support are essential for the welfare of disabled people in Mauritius.

4.      Long term project

We aim, in the longer term, to provide specialist residential care for the disabled in a purpose built unit. As it will cater for all age groups, the building will be set in a number of linked units with added communal facilities as well as private facilities for individuals. It will be manned by paid employees as well as a team of volunteers.

If you think you can help us to achieve any of these

projects, please contact us.