Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP)

STEP is envisioned to advocate the society about the rights of persons with disabilities; lobbying with policy makers in public, private and development sector for inclusion of persons with disabilities in overall development process; raising awareness and conducting consultations for empowerment of persons with debilitates; counselling development of accessible environment; and promoting accessible information by creating bridge between persons with debilitates and facilities of health, education and livelihood.

In broader terms, STEP’s scope of work includes networking among stakeholders at state and international level initiating from the grass roots level; leadership training of persons with disabilities, independent living training for persons with disabilities, disability awareness training for development and corporate organizations, providing accessibility consultancies, bridging to a referral system for persons with disabilities to reach assistive devices, employment, health and education; and exercising outreach and need analysis in the rural areas of Pakistan.

From evolution of STEP to date, several endeavors were initiated in order to facilitate the efforts of provision of rights to the persons with disabilities. Out of which, many initiatives were proven very beneficial in terms of make the right real. A significant highlight is development of disability job portal, the first of its kind of job portal in Pakistan which will specifically serve persons with disabilities to get job opportunities, available in various sectors of the country. Another highlight is STEP as the voice of the persons with disabilities in enormously contributed in the development of Disability Bill of Pakistan, which is in the process of enactment.