About Us

M.P. Welfare Association of the Blind, Indore has been providing comprehensive rehabilitation services for the visually impaired since 1960, to make them self-reliant and to uplift their dignified respectable standard of living. The organization was awarded for the best performance by the President of India with the National Award of the Government in 2004. Our center is recognized by the State Govt., Central Govt. and different social agencies.

The organization operates Helen Keller Education Academy for the visually impaired students providing education from standard I to XII, in Prakash Nagar, Navlakha, Indore and having 100 students currently studying in the current session. Approx 100 students are benefited every year.

At our Head office Kila Maidan Campus organization provides rehabilitation, vocational training and educational facilities to visually impaired youths, in which approx 50 youths are benefited every year. Organization is providing all these services free of cost with free lodging, boarding and other facilities for Visually Impaired persons with limited support from Govt. of M.P., donors and well-wishers of organization.

Kila Maidan Campus have well equipped infrastructure, computer lab of 1000sqft are having 24 computers, 2 Class rooms with capacity of 25 students each. Organization providing an Assistant Computer Operator 5 Months Training in association with "Jan Shikshan Sansthan", Indore recognized by Skill India and Computer Operator and programming Assistant (COPA) 1 Year, Training recognized by I.T.I. M.P. for visually impaired youths. 2000+ students are benefit till date and are working in different Government as well as in private sectors and performing a leadership role in society and NGOs for upliftment of visually impaired students.

About MPWAB (65 Years of Service & Impact)

Founded in 1960, the Madhya Pradesh Welfare Association for the Blind (MPWAB) has been pioneering the comprehensive rehabilitation, education, digital empowerment and placement. of visually impaired individuals for over six decades. With a mission to create a self-reliant and inclusive society, MPWAB has continuously evolved to provide education, vocational training, digital inclusion, and accessibility solutions for persons with visual impairment (VI).
The organization was awarded for the best performance by the President of India with the National Award of the Government in 2004.
With a legacy of 65 years, MPWAB has empowered thousands of visually impaired individuals, enabling them to lead independent, dignified, and productive lives.

Message from the Founder

Persons with visual impairment have the same hopes, aspirations, and ability to work as anyone else. What they need is opportunity, support, and a platform where their voices are heard. The M.P. Welfare Association of the Blind was created to articulate these voices and to provide focused support that enables skill development and equal opportunities in every walk of life.

One of the unique strengths of this organization is the spirit of collaboration, where persons with visual impairment work alongside sighted professionals to achieve a shared mission—upholding human dignity, self-respect, and productive participation in society.

My own journey as a person with visual impairment, and the struggles I faced in accessing appropriate training and employment, made me deeply aware of the challenges experienced by thousands of visually impaired individuals across our country. This realization strengthened my resolve to build an organization on strong and inclusive foundations, involving both the community and persons with visual impairment in every step of its growth.

With the generous support and encouragement received from all sections of society, MPWAB has been able to develop comprehensive services for persons with visual impairment. Today, the organization stands as one of the leading institutions serving this cause in the country. Yet, much remains to be done—especially to reach visually impaired men and women in the remotest parts of Madhya Pradesh.

To expand our reach and impact, we humbly seek financial, technical, and intellectual support from individuals and institutions across the globe. We especially invite members of the NRI community to join us in strengthening and sustaining the services envisioned by this organization.

I assure you of our utmost sincerity, transparency, and unwavering commitment to the cause we serve. Together, we can create a more inclusive society where every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and purpose.

DR. Madhukar Vishvanath Shirdhonkar
Founder
M.P. Welfare Association of the Blind, Indore

Message from the Director

At MPWAB, we believe that visual impairment is not a limitation but a different way of seeing the world. Since 1960, we have been committed to empowering persons with visual impairment through education, rehabilitation, and skill development, enabling them to live independent and dignified lives.

Dr. Anil Bhandari
Director
M.P. Welfare Association of the Blind, Indore

Message from the General Secretary

MPWAB is dedicated to creating opportunities that lead to independence, employability, and inclusion for persons with visual impairment. Through holistic development and strong partnerships, we continue working towards a more accessible and inclusive society.

Dr. Dhanshyam Das Singhal
General Secretary
M.P. Welfare Association of the Blind, Indore

Helen Keller School, Indore (Providing Quality Education Since 1974)
The Helen Keller School, operated by MPWAB, has been a home to visually impaired students from Grades 1 to 12 for over six decades. With a 100+ student accommodation capacity, the school provides:

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

Digital Literacy Lab (Empowering with technology )
Annie Lab for Braille Learning (Smart braille literacy program)
Braille Library (A vast collection of accessible books)
STEM Lab (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math for VI students)
Music Lab (Encouraging artistic talent through musical training)
Image Placement: Photos of students in STEM lab, Braille lab, and school campus.

Organization’s Mission

The organization mission is committed for promoting compressive rehabilitation of visually challenged persons in particular and persons with all categories of disabilities in General at state level. To prevent preventable blindness and other disabilities. To empower the blind through education and training in becoming self-sufficient through employment or self- employment and thus, empower them with dignity, and become contributory members in the society.

Organization’s Vision

MPWAB has come up as largest organization of its kind with such wider vision for the cause, in our organization group of beneficiaries equally involve with professionals in developing policy and implementation of various programs.

What We are Doing:

The M.P. Welfare Association of the Blind (MPWAB) works to empower persons with visual impairment through education, rehabilitation, skill development, and employment-oriented training. Since 1960, we have been enabling visually impaired children and youth to become confident, independent, and productive members of society by providing free residential facilities, certified vocational courses, digital literacy, and inclusive awareness programs. Our efforts are guided by the vision of dignity, equal opportunity, and social inclusion for all.

Our Current Programs at MPWAB Kila Maidan Campus

JSS Training Centre

Industrial Training Institute

Parivartan Centre (In Collaboration with Enable India, Bangalore)

Digital and Life Skills Training Centre for visually impaired individuals.
Assistive Technology Lab to promote independence and accessibility.
Awareness Programs: Reading Without Seeing and Career Awareness Program.
Image Placement: Photos of students learning computer skills, using assistive technology.

Need based training programs Specially for visually impaired persons: (Digital, Life Skill and Mobility)

Why Our Work is Crucial

The challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in Madhya Pradesh are immense, and our work is critical to addressing these issues. Here's why our efforts matter:

1. Massive Underserved Population
Out of an estimated 2 lakh visually impaired individuals in Madhya Pradesh, only around 20,000 are currently being served. This means 90% of the population remains underserved, highlighting the urgent need for expanded outreach and support.
2. Breaking the Barriers of Confinement
Many visually impaired individuals are either overly pampered at home or discouraged by societal stigma, leaving them confined and dependent. Our programs aim to bring them out of their homes and into a world of opportunities, giving them a dignified and independent life.
3. Making the First Step Easy
Taking the first step outside can be daunting for visually impaired individuals. We make this transition seamless by offering virtual services and ensuring support is just one call away.
4. Digital Literacy for Inclusion
In today's fast-paced world, digital literacy is crucial to keep visually impaired individuals in the mainstream. Our training programs ensure they are not left behind and can actively participate in the digital economy.
5. Free Accommodation and Food
To encourage families to let their visually impaired members step out, we provide free accommodation and food. This reassures parents that their children are no longer a financial burden and are in safe hands.
6. Empowerment Through Education and Skills
Education and skill development are the foundation of independence. Our programs equip visually impaired individuals with the tools they need to thrive in life and work.
7. Creating a Supportive Ecosystem
We work to build a supportive ecosystem that includes families, communities, and employers, ensuring visually impaired individuals are accepted and valued.