Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities in Ecuador
Grantee: Association of People with Disabilities in Azuay (APDISA)
Location: Azuay, Ecuador
Grant Amount: $6,800
Project Dates: November 2007 - April 2008
Project Title: Microenterprise Training in Textiles
Project Details: APDISA is a disabled people’s organization (DPO) working to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in business related projects. Their project consisted of training people with disabilities to create their own textile microenterprises or work in similar businesses. Participants included people with physical and auditory disabilities, ranging from ages 15 – 72. Workshops included tailoring dresses and sports clothing, marketing, leadership, and financial management. Training on marketing and publicity was provided through a partnership with the corporation “Innpulsar”. The project also raised social awareness throughout the community by distributing an informational brochure about the project.
Results:
- 20 people with disabilities received training in developing a textile microenterprise
- APDISA’s membership base increased
- Many of the beneficiaries of the project are now working in microenterprises
- APDISA established it’s own microenterprise which employs many of the beneficiaries who received training
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Partnerships were created between the disability community and business community
