Bengaluru: The Association of People with Disabilities (APD) on Thursday launched its annual 10-day garden fair ‘Bloom with a Purpose’ at the APD Horticulture Training Centre, LIC Colony, Jeevan Bima Nagar.
The fair, from December 12 to 21, features ornamental and indoor plants, cacti, palms, fruit plants and medicinal herbs.
The event showcased plants and achievements of trainees under the association’s horticulture programme.
The programme empowers people with mental and physical disabilities. Trainees underwent three months of horticulture therapy combined with skills training for employment.
Trainees came from across the state and have disabilities, including spinal cord injuries and underdeveloped limbs, and special needs such as Down syndrome. Many are wheelchair-bound.
Organisers said over 4,500 youths from rural and urban areas have benefitted.
Lakshman Reddy, a trainee, said, “People trained here find career opportunities such as garden specialists and supervisors.”
Visitors can buy tools, seeds, saplings and eco-friendly products, including coco peat and manure. A special section features exotic orchid varieties. Proceeds from the event will fund training and empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities.