Is PSID sustainable?

The PSID Program has been carefully designed to ensure people with disabilities participate in the sustainable development process. By the end of the three year initial development and implementation period of the PSID program, people with disabilities have the skills and knowledge to be responsible for the management and continuation of their own Disabled Peoples' organization to Development (DPOD). The PSID project, with its focus on training, financial development and empowerment, provides the foundation to ensure the sustainability of the organization.

The implementation of a PSID project occurs over time. A development partner funds the initial three year development and implementation period [link to Our Development Partners]. During this period, there is a gradual hand-over of responsibility, ownership and power to its members. This is accomplished in three steps:

1: For the first three years of PSID implementation BPKS acts as the managing organisation, with legal responsibility for financial transactions. It provides training to our members, people with disabilities, through grassroots Disabled Peoples' Organisations in management, fundraising and financial practices and accountability, advocacy, confidence and self-esteem.

2: After the first three years of BPKS management and training, responsibility is gradually shifted to the General Council of the district Disabled Peoples Organisation to Development (DPOD). The General Council is made up of two representatives from each Grassroots Disabled Peoples' Organisation in the project area. [link to BPKS structure].

3: Once BPKS gains confidence in the management and economic capacity of the members, people with disabilities, to run the organisation and program activities without external support, full authority and responsibility is transferred to the members. The project is fully localised, with the local organisation assuming full responsibility for financial, legal and management matters. The organisation, through its General Council, continues to have representation on the National Council of BPKS, assuring its continued input and involvement in the national decisions, actions and policies of BPKS and the position of disability in the overall national agenda.

The relationship between BPKS and each DPOD continues following localization. BPKS continues to provide support and technical assistance including professional training for DPOD staff, "train the trainer" education in areas such as advocacy, empowerment and development, advocacy at local and national level, public awareness raising, disability materials and research, health support including strengthening of referral activities, job placement, together with sports and cultural activities. BPKS also continued play role as mentor to resolve the conflict issues.

Financial development through the establishment of PWDs own resource base composed of savings, management and development funds ensures economic self-sufficiency. In addition establishment of the Program Accelerating Fund with donation or donations from funds supporting the running cost of the localized DPOD.

As PWDs become more self-confident and attain the skills to ensure full access and equal rights, so too the general community experiences a substantial change in perception and a resultant acceptance. The shift is from disabilities to abilities, from both the internal and external perception. With PSID continuing to gain strength and confidence, the challenges faced by PWDs are more equitable with those faced by the general public.

It will be seen from the above that the sustainability of the PSID project is ensured.