A new design studio has been launched at the Government Institute for Intellectual Disability (GIID) in Tambaram, Tamil Nadu, with the goal of helping intellectually disabled students gain hands-on training in leather goods production.
The initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu RIGHTS project under the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons department. It officially kicked off last week, though the groundwork began in January as a pilot program.
The studio aims to teach students how to make products like wallets, keychains, and pouches. This training is expected to help them build the confidence and skills needed to eventually earn a living on their own.
Parents or guardians of the students are also being trained so they can offer better support throughout the process.
“This initiative will train their parents or guardians too as they require support to learn. Once the course is finished, they can get together to form a self-help group to manufacture leather products”
Official, Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department
The project was created in partnership with the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) and funded at a cost of ₹10.5 lakh.
Currently, 30 students are enrolled in the six-month course and are being trained by two teachers. Officials say they will continue to monitor the program closely to ensure it can be expanded into a sustainable model.
Once the training is completed, students will be supported by the Tamil Nadu Urban Livelihoods Mission (TNULM). The mission will help them with entrepreneurship training, loans, and the formation of self-help groups.
“Further, this initiative would develop into a model for self-employment by developing a curriculum and promoting independence”
Official, Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department
In addition to the design studio, the department is also running a separate program to offer job-based training for persons with disabilities.
More than 20 individuals have completed training as stitching operators and are now ready to work in the industry.
This project marks a positive step toward empowering people with intellectual and physical disabilities by giving them the tools they need to earn and live independently.
