NAB organizational History
Founding and Early Advocacy (1986 - 1993)
The Nepal Association of the Blind (NAB) traces its roots back to 1986 (B.S. 2043), when a group of proactive blind individuals who had completed their School Leaving Certificate (SLC) from Laboratory School established a Braille library in Bhaktapur. Alongside this initiative, they informally formed a group to advocate for the rights of the visually impaired.
In 1990 (B.S. 2046), following the restoration of democracy in Nepal, these efforts culminated in a one-month-long pressure campaign in 1991 (B.S. 2047) to demand education and employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals. As a result, 14 scholarships were granted, 21 teaching positions were secured, and NPR 100,000 was allocated for self-employment programs for visually impaired individuals excluded from educational opportunities. This campaign marked the first successful disability-led advocacy movement in Nepal.
Encouraged by these achievements, visually impaired advocates formally established the Nepal Association of the Blind on January 21, 1993 (B.S. 2049 Magh 8), in Kathmandu, under the leadership of Mr. Deepak Koirala. The same group also played a pivotal role in forming the National Federation of the Disabled, Nepal.
1993 - 1997: Institutional Development, Advocacy, and International Expansion
In 1993 (B.S. 2050), NAB elected its first Executive Committee, with Mr. Tek Nath Neupane as President, Mr. Amrit Rai as General Secretary, and Mr. Raju Humagai as Treasurer. During this period, the association secured several important achievements, including a second-class lower secondary school teaching position for visually impaired individuals and the establishment of an office near Bishwo Niketan school, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu with the support of Mr. Kamal Rupakheti the former President of NAWB, INSEC Nepal and CWIN Nepal.
In the same year, NAB organized its first major fundraising musical event in Kathmandu, successfully raising over NPR 100,000.
In 1994 (B.S. 2051), NAB elected 3rd executive committee in the leadership of Mr. Amrit Rai who led the association till December, 1997.
During the period, NAB expanded its regional branch. the association obtained membership in the Asian Blind Union, marking the beginning of its international engagement with the first delegation in the general assembly held in Malaysia by Raju Humagain the contemporary General Secretary. Initiation of income-generating program was another milestone for the association. The association's advocacy efforts led to the recruitment of 54 primary-level teaching positions for the visually impaired. In the same year, office was shifted to a stall of Bhrikuti Mandav provided by the Social Welfare Council in free of cost. NAB underwent significant restructuring to strengthen its organizational capacity. The association revised its constitution to make it more representative and inclusive, introducing provisions for district branches to participate in the central convention based on the proportionate of membership. This restructuring also led to the association gaining membership in the World Blind Union, with NAB representatives attending the fourth world conference in Toronto, Canada, in 1996.
1998-2000 (International partnership):
NAB established a strategic partnership with Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (NABP) This collaboration resulted in substantial support for capacity building and institutional strengthening, including financial support for the purchase of office equipment and the relocation of NAB's central office to a rented building in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. The partnership also facilitated NAB's involvement in international advocacy and capacity-building initiatives.
2000 - 2010: Program Expansion and Capacity Building
From 2000 onwards, NAB expanded its programs and partnerships. In collaboration with NABP . Norway, community-based rehabilitation programs were initiated in Dang and Chitwan, which later expanded to other districts, including Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, Bardiya, Makwanpur, and Mahottari. These programs focused on education, employment, and rehabilitation for visually impaired individuals.
NAB also launched a computer training program in 2000 with support from USC Canada Nepal, providing computer skills to over 140 visually impaired individuals. This initiative continued until 2017 in partnership with Action Aid Nepal and the Government of Nepal. Additionally, from 2001 to 2014, NAB implemented a three-year music training and women's hostel project with support from the Swedish Association of Blind Youth, benefiting over 100 visually impaired women.
In 2003, NAB established a Braille printing press with support from NABP Norway, significantly increasing its capacity in 2007. The press has since printed thousands of Braille textbooks for the Government of Nepal, contributing to the accessibility of educational materials for visually impaired students.
2010 - Present: Institutional Development and Sustainability Initiatives
Since 2010, NAB has focused on sustainable development and institutional growth. In 2012, with financial assistance from N.A.B.P. Norway, NAB acquired its own three-story office building in Sukedhara, Kathmandu, and later constructed a five-story building on public land provided by the government. These facilities have become central to NAB's operations and development activities.
NAB has also continued to expand its programs, including the development of screen readers and Braille translation software with support from the Australian Embassy, enabling visually impaired individuals to read and write in Nepali through computers. Currently, NAB operates across 47 districts, with 28 district branches registered as local non-governmental organizations.
NAB's advocacy efforts have achieved several significant policy successes, including the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), customs exemptions for educational and assistive materials, a 50% income tax exemption for persons with disabilities, and a 5% reservation in government employment. More than 350 visually impaired individuals have secured teaching positions, and many others have found employment in music, telephone operations, and civil service roles.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions
While NAB has made significant strides in advancing the rights and inclusion of visually impaired individuals in Nepal, it continues to face challenges, particularly in securing sustainable funding for its programs and strengthening district branches. The current federal structure of the government has also necessitated a stronger presence at the local and provincial levels, prompting NAB to initiate the formation of provincial blind associations.
Despite these challenges, NAB remains committed to promoting the rights and empowerment of visually impaired individuals across Nepal. The association expresses its sincere gratitude to all members, branches, donor agencies, especially N.A.B.P. Norway, the Government of Nepal, and supporters for their continuous support and contributions to NAB’s programs and achievements.
NAB looks forward to continuing its work in partnership with local, national, and international stakeholders to build a more inclusive society for all.