Overview

The Museum of Possibilities (MoP) is envisioned to demonstrate and strengthen Assistive Technology across life domains for People with Disabilities

This facility will enable awareness building on Accessible Technology, Assistive Devices and products that caters for all users.

MoP also looks forward to getting problem statements from visitors which will be shared with the researchers and innovators so that a range of products continues to be developed.

Visitors can try out the accessible solutions and decide which best suits their needs. Trained professionals will be there for support

MoP aims at solutions for living independently as envisaged in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

To move away from institutionalization and live in the community, accessible environments, assistive devices and technology and other support systems are needed. Enabling access will build the capacity of the person with disability to participate in the home and community as a more equal member.

It is important to unpack what living independently in the community means. The goal, here, is to create possibilities of interdependent living in the community, which does not mean lack of independence. In fact, it is a way of life for all of us, both with and without disabilities.

We believe that this facility would support, strengthen and provide those with disabilities with limitless opportunities and help realise their infinite potential in family and community life.

Journey

People with disabilities have developed passivity. They adjust to the inaccessible living conditions because of lack of awareness, resources, funding and qualified service providers.

There is very little awareness on making homes and personal spaces accessible through a person centred approach. Professionals trained in the field of Accessibility are very few in the country and many existing professionals lack the expertise to handle personalized modifications as they are used to a standard driven approach of public places. Accessibility in personal spaces means different things to different people. The service providers have to be open to try new methods. It becomes important to think beyond standards.

Furthermore, there is no facility for persons with disabilities to explore, compare and try using the several existing accessible solutions, before deciding on which one to purchase. There is no expertise to guide on Assistive Aids and Appliances since they are not all available in one place.

With appropriate home modifications and assistive aids, a supportive environment can be created wich will address both the current and projected needs of the individual as well as facilitate ageing.

Hence, the Museum will bridge these gaps.

History of Disability Movement

https://bit.ly/DisabilityMovementTimeline

Core Team

Commissionerate of the Welfare of the Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu The Directorate for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled was established by bifurcating the Directorate of Social Welfare in 1992 to deal exclusively with the Welfare of the Disabled. Subsequently, the Directorate was upgraded as the office of the State Commissioner for the Disabled in 1999 as per the provisions in the Persons With Disability Act, 1995. The Government of Tamil Nadu through various policies and initiatives have extended full support to the Differently Abled Persons in their pursuit of full and equal involvement in every aspect of society. Various schemes have been announced by the Government to make sure that the differently abled persons are in equal status to the other people.

Vidya Sagar was started in 1985 by Mrs. Poonam Natarajan, mother of a child with disability. Vidya Sagar is known today for the quality of expertise, technical know-how, and range of innovative and impactful programs. It’s “professionalism with care” and the proactive and positive spirit of its team of staff and stakeholders is the USP. A vibrant Alumni with many success stories is an evidence of this. Vidya Sagar has impacted the lives of a minimum of 400,000 people over the years. With over 36 years of experience in the disability sector, we continue to aspire towards providing a range of services across the lifespan for people with disabilities and their families.

Field Team

We have a dedicated team with creative understanding and passion towards accessibility and inclusion who would make sure that your time with us is pleasant and insightful. They have been trained to demonstrate and explain the various devices and technologies on display, as well as assist you in selecting the most appropriate aid. The training also included Disability Awareness. Come and meet them at the Museum and have an enriching experience. They will be all ears to listen to your needs and suggestions.

Manager : Shailesh

Therapist : Papitha Kathiravan

AAC Expert Alternative : Kaaba Nazia Omer

Museum Assistant : Helen Briskilla. D

Museum Assistant : K.P. Sibi Vishnu

Museum Assistant : A. Lavanya

The Museum of Possibilities is a platform for People with Disabilities, their friends and families. It is an evolving facility to help all of us get together, exchange ideas and work towards a more accessible world.

MoP & You