​​​Comprehensive Rehabilitation Model – ​
SWADHAR
GSP’s Swadhar model emerged as a comprehensive rehabilitation approach that addresses the diverse needs of PwD. The model includes skill development programs such as handloom weaving, acupressure and massage therapy, digital media and content development, and garment making. These programs empower PwD to become self-reliant by providing them with the skills needed for local self-employment, thus avoiding the need for migration.
GSP's rehabilitation efforts extend beyond employment. The organization supports social integration through activities like marriage facilitation and community building. GSP has successfully married over 60 disabled couples, demonstrating the effectiveness of their social rehabilitation model. These couples serve as role models, showcasing the potential for disabled individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
GSP’s approach to rehabilitation extends beyond traditional methods. The organization has implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation model that encompasses skill development, self-employment, and social integration through marriage and community activities. This model fosters a holistic development for PwD, enabling them to become valued contributors to society.

Self Employment
Grameen Shramik Pratishthan (GSP) has made significant strides in the livelihood and employment sector for persons with disabilities (PwD). GSP provides opportunities for self-employment through innovative, remunerative, and relevant skill development training programs. These programs include handloom weaving, acupressure and massage therapy, digital media and content development, and garment making. By focusing on local self-employment, GSP ensures that disabled individuals can find respectable employment within their own communities, thus avoiding the challenges associated with migration.
Rural Persons with Disabilities
The core of GSP’s work lies in supporting disabled individuals in rural areas. The organization has reached 27 districts in Maharashtra, providing practical skill development training to over 1,000 disabled students and supporting more than 12,000 individuals. GSP’s efforts ensure that rural disabled persons receive the necessary training and support to become self-reliant and productive members of their communities. GSP has extended its support to tribal areas, notably in Nandurbar, where it has trained 40 visually impaired individuals as acupressure and massage therapists.
Social Rehabilitation: GSP's rehabilitation efforts extend beyond employment. The organization supports social integration through activities like marriage facilitation and community building. GSP has successfully married over 40 disabled couples, demonstrating the effectiveness of their social rehabilitation model. These couples serve as role models, showcasing the potential for disabled individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
Disaster Response and Rehabilitation: In response to the devastating 1993 Latur earthquake, GSP played a crucial role in relief and rehabilitation efforts. The organization provided physiotherapy and other support services to the newly disabled population, establishing itself as a key player in disaster response.
Specialized Training Programs: GSP has trained visually impaired individuals as acupressure and massage therapists, transforming them from dependents to valued contributors in the health sector. These therapists now work across Maharashtra, and the naturopathy center run by blind therapists has served over 25,000 patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Support During COVID-19: During the COVID-19 pandemic, GSP provided psychological support and essential supplies to over 2,200 disabled individuals in Marathwada. The organization’s efforts ensured that PwD received the necessary support during the crisis.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups: GSP has also focused on the most vulnerable segments of the disabled population, including rural women and tribal youth. In Nandurbar, a tribal-dominated district, GSP trained 40 visually impaired tribal youths as acupressure and massage therapists. The organization has developed specialized skill development programs for disabled women, addressing the compounded challenges they face due to disability, poverty, and patriarchy.
Higher Education Initiatives: To increase the inclusion of disabled students in higher education, GSP launched a comprehensive scholarship program. The program offers scholarships of up to ₹1 lakh, along with capacity building and mentoring support. This initiative aims to improve the participation of disabled students in higher education and provide them with opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Replications and Proven Model: The Swadhar model developed by GSP is recognized as a replicable and proven model for comprehensive rehabilitation. GSP has established regional centers in Nandurbar and Alibag to expand its reach and aims to produce 50 to 1500 therapists in each district. The organization plans to provide rehabilitation training and employment to over 10,000 disabled individuals in the next five years.