Kalam launches first of its kind marketing board for disabled

New Delhi, Sept 22 : The former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Monday launched first of its kind marketing board for the disabled Association for Rehabilitation under National Trust Initiative in Marketing (ARUNIM).

He also launched a helpline- Abiline (011-26166250) for the counseling of parents of disabled, Non Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and people with special needs. He also released a 32 pages booklet of National Trust in English and Telugu.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan said on the occasion that launching of ARUNIM is a joint effort of government, corporate and handicap sectors.

Secretary of the Ministry K.M. Acharya ensured full support to the initiative.

Talking about the initiative, Sminu Jindal, Chairperson, ARUNIM said, "The commencement of ARUNIM marks yet another landmark initiative by the National Trust and is a very proud moment for everyone associated with this venture. This initiative is a step towards economic empowerment of persons with severe to profound disabilities who have limited opportunities for open placement. We would assist them in securing livelihood and capacity building through production of goods that are market-driven, making them competitive and market compatible."

ARUNIM is an independent marketing federation which will work for at least minimum wages for persons employed in sheltered, supported work environments, by facilitating skill development, innovative product designing and development, adaptations and mechanization where appropriate and feasible, quality assurance, and by marketing products made, using sound strategies in product, packaging, pricing, placing and promotions.

It is registered under Societies Registration Act 1865, and has Sminu Jindal, Chairperson of Jindal SAW, in Chairperson of Jindal SAW, in the Chair.

The board comprises a committed and enthusiastic team of professionals from the field of marketing, product design, human resources, special education, law and from the NGO sector working with persons with disabilities.

ANI