SNAC Project – Fostering Inclusion Through Awareness and Capacity Building

Introduction

Manovikas Special School has been recognized as the State Nodal Agency Centre (SNAC) for Kerala by the National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. As a SNAC, we serve as the key facilitator for implementing the National Trust’s programs across the state, with a focus on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Disabilities, and Mental Retardation.

The SNAC project at Manovikas is a vital link between the National Trust, local NGOs, families, professionals, and the wider community. Our mission is to build awareness, promote inclusive policies, and strengthen service delivery mechanisms across Kerala.

Objectives

The SNAC initiative aims to:

• Act as a liaison between the National Trust and state-level organizations.
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of schemes and programs of the National Trust.
• Build a network of Local Level Committees (LLCs) for the registration of guardianship.
• Promote capacity building among caregivers, professionals, and community members.
• Raise awareness on disability rights, inclusion, and government schemes.

Key Functions and Activities

• Implementation Support
  Manovikas coordinates with district authorities and NGOs to ensure the effective implementation of National Trust schemes like DISHA (early intervention), VIKAAS (day care), GHARAUNDA (group home), SAMARTH (residential facility), and others.
• Capacity Building Workshops
  We organize training programs and workshops for professionals, caregivers, NGOs, and government officials. These sessions cover disability laws, inclusive education, behavioral management, therapy techniques, and administrative procedures.
• Awareness Campaigns
  Through statewide awareness programs, including rallies, seminars, and digital campaigns, SNAC at Manovikas advocates for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Our campaigns target schools, public institutions, and rural communities to challenge stigma and promote understanding.
• Networking and Partnerships
  As SNAC, we work closely with various stakeholders—disability organizations, medical professionals, legal experts, social workers, and families—to create a robust network of support services across Kerala.
• Monitoring and Evaluation
  We regularly collect data and submit reports to the National Trust on the performance of Local Level Committees (LLCs), the status of scheme implementation, and community outreach activities. This helps track progress and inform policy decisions.

Impact

• Improved Access: Hundreds of beneficiaries now have easier access to welfare schemes, guardianship support, and institutional services.
• Increased Awareness: Through outreach, awareness of disability rights and available resources has significantly increased across districts.
• Stronger Collaborations: A cohesive network of NGOs, educators, therapists, and officials now exists under the SNAC framework.
• Empowered Families: Parents and caregivers are now more informed and better equipped to support their children’s development and legal rights.

Future Plans

Our roadmap includes:

• Expanding the reach of awareness programs into remote areas of Kerala.
• Digitizing processes for guardian registration and scheme applications.
• Enhancing the capacity of district-level partners through ongoing training.
• Hosting a state-level disability summit to bring stakeholders together for innovation and collaboration.

In short, the SNAC project at Manovikas Special School is more than a coordination center—it is a movement for empowerment and inclusion. By bridging policy and practice, and connecting institutions with individuals, we aim to create a Kerala where every person with disability lives with dignity, opportunity, and equality.