In a proactive move toward advancing the cause of disability inclusion, Caritas India CBR convened a dialogue cum partnership meeting with Diocesan Directors at KROSS, Bangalore on September 21, 2023. The primary goal of this initiative was to cultivate stronger relationships with Diocesan Directors, fostering collaboration in the implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programs and the promotion of disability inclusion and mainstreaming within their respective operational domains.

Nine Diocesan Directors, representing the dioceses of Gorakhpur, Ajmer, Aizawl, Agartala, Kalburgi, Delhi, Idukki, and Jashpur, actively participated in this crucial workshop. Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India, set the stage with his keynote address. He emphasized the significance of unity, viewing the gathering as a fresh beginning—a platform for forward-looking reflection on how they can collectively make a more meaningful impact within their communities. Caritas India’s CBR program has traversed an impressive 27-year journey, demonstrating resilience and commitment in reaching out to persons with disabilities across the country.

Fr. Paul Moonjely elaborated on the transition from Caritas India’s previous role as a nominal CBR partner, managed independently, to its current direct implementation mode. He underscored the seamless integration of Caritas India’s key strategic pillars into the CBR framework, emphasizing that mainstreaming disability is a vital facet of their development mission. He encouraged diverse modes of collaboration and expressed the expectation that the Directors of Diocesan Social Service Societies (DSSSs) would contribute significantly to the ongoing endeavor of enhancing disability inclusion through CBR.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, presented a comprehensive overview of Caritas India’s Direct Program Implementation strategy, supported by Local DSSSs. He delineated three partnership models: local fund implementation through partners, foreign fund implementation through partners with direct fund transfers from donors, and local or foreign fund direct implementation by Caritas India with partner involvement, omitting fund transfers to the partners. Fr. Jolly elaborated on the potential engagement of DSSS partners within the context of direct implementation, covering the entirety of project cycle management.

Mr. B. N. Kabui, Program Lead of CBR, provided a succinct presentation that encompassed an overview of disability, the current reach of CI CBR, key activities under the CBR program, and previous partnerships with various DSSSs throughout the country.

Fr. Jaison Manuel, Director of Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti (PGSS), delivered an extensive presentation, sharing the experiences of disability mainstreaming within his diocese with the support of CI CBR. He elucidated on PGSS’s continued efforts to integrate disability into their work, even after the conclusion of their partnership with CI CBR.

Mr. K. Kempaiah, Impact Lead of CBR, presented an enlightening session that encompassed the concept, process, and scope of mainstreaming disability within diocesan societies. He mapped potential areas for local DSSS engagement and involvement in the CBR program.

During the open discussion session, led by Fr. Paul and Fr. Jolly, participants collectively contemplated how the involvement of DSSS Directors would augment their efforts and explored possible areas of partnership. Every Diocesan Director present at the meeting expressed their eagerness to collaborate and eagerly anticipated contributing to the cause of disability mainstreaming within their respective dioceses. This dialogue marked a pivotal step toward fostering disability inclusion through partnership and collaboration, promising a more inclusive future for all.