Despite being a major producer of coronavirus vaccines, India is going through a tough time in inoculating its 1.3 billion people, partly due to the logistical difficulties of reaching remote areas and people being sceptical about the shots. People with Disabilities are one of the priority groups which need to be vaccinated on an urgent basis, but they often face additional problems of being unable to reach vaccination sites due to a lack of transport or no ramps at the centres for easy access. 

The project seeks to address the challenge that PwDs are facing in accessing key information, and resources related to the COVID -19 vaccination drive running at various PHCs/CHCs across various districts. The plan is to engage and inform all the PwDs about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine and seek their support in building an enabling environment. This initiative will be steered by a group of SHG/Community Health Workers/Volunteers who will work as mobilisers at the block level. Each mobiliser will be responsible for each panchayat, and they will mobilise PWDs, create awareness about vaccination drive, its process, benefits, and its importance for every individual. One of the prime objectives of the program is to address and tackle any concerns of vaccine hesitant. The role of mobilisers is to work as change agents and spread door to door awareness across each panchayat and block of the district. For this, a range of information & communication (IEC such as audios, videos, banners, pamphlets) material will be developed, and used at community level showcasing messages about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Block level personnel’s (Welfare officer, health officers etc.) and DPO members will also be involved to advocate and encourage people for the vaccine in their local area. 

Another important objective of the program is to work in 2-3 priority blocks of the district and directly support the vaccination of the PwDs. These PwDs will become the credible influencers from local communities and further help the project to build trust and acceptance among the entire PwD community in the district. Their vaccination process will be assisted and ensured by the same group of SHG members working at panchayat level for awareness generation activities and facilitate the PwD population in gaining equitable access to the immunisation program and get vaccinated with both the doses.

• Working with the most disadvantaged group – Person with Disabilities
• Engaging community-based volunteers and health workers as influencers  
• Ensuring vaccination of all the PwDs in priority blocks.