JAI – making the visually impaired financially independent

JAI – An initiative for the blind by Devnar Foundation

Not every day do we come across firms and foundations that come up with innovative ways and ideas to aid people and make them independednt. The Devnar Foundation for the blind operates JAI, a non-profit organization which provides vocational training for the uneducated adult visually / physically challenged and makes them financially independent. Their activities are in sync with their tag line “ If you believe, they can achieve.”. JAI helps them in creating an opportunity and a means of livelihood for themselves by tapping their talents to make creative stuff for use and sale. The visually impaired at JAI presently manufacture paper plates, paper cups, paper Bags, files and candles.

The JAI foundation allows the blind to make different products that are eco – friendly and are of good quality. So, when these products are sold in the market, the customers are indirectly encouraging this foundation to motivate blind professionals to work harder and make more of such products and in-turn support themselves. They have been operating for 2 years now and have a team of 21 people running the show – 13 visually impaired and 2 physically challenged professionals and 6 supervisors who train them and handle the sales part. Their product line includes paper tea and water cups, traditional banana – like plates etc.

“Our products guarantee 100% satisfaction. When you buy from us, you’re getting more than high-quality products and services. You’re making a positive impact on people’s lives” , quotes Dr. Grishma Alampur, one of the founders of JAI. The clientele of JAI includes big giants like Apollo Hospitals, Godrej, Lucid Diagnostics, Secunderabad club, Rainbow marketing etc.

“Millions of adults in India are either legally blind or living with significant vision loss. Our mission is to provide meaningful employment opportunities for blind professionals. When you buy from us, you’re helping them grow and develop the life and work skills they need to maintain their financial independence and achieve their dream of becoming a fully contributing member of society”, says the management of this wonderful foundation.

“Many vendors expect you to adjust to their way of doing things. We don’t. You come first. We work closely with you so that is convenient and best for your organization” is the promise they make and choose to abide by. The main aim of this foundation is to provide employment and livelihood opportunities to blind professionals and hence do not have any inclination towards profits.

“Working at JAI has given me a whole new outlook on a whole new lot of things including self – esteem” says one of the professionals associated with JAI.

JAI foundation has helped the blind create an opportunity and means of livelihood.The management at JAI firmly believe that the blind need opportunity and not sympathy and are leaving no stone unturned in making that possible.

At Startup Hyderabad we sincerely urge everyone to support this cause and encourage them. They attest that paper cups and plates made by their magical hands has never felt better before.

JAI foundation is looking to tie up with event managers and companies who can help them with bulk orders. Companies can discharge their CSR activities by connecting with them. Individuals or organisations looking at buying eco-friendly disposable cutlery can get in touch with them at 040-27536600.

If you are a student and looking at gaining some valuable Marketing & sales experience while helping the blind and supporting the cause, apply here to intern with them. (full-time /part-time/ freelance). Utmost job satisfaction guaranteed!

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