Artel for the Deafblind: A Village Enterprise Thrives

The core of this initiative is the artel, a cooperative structure that allows participants to engage in production and labor. Attached to the artel is a shop, which serves as the direct point of sale for the goods produced. This integrated model ensures that the work of the participants has immediate market visibility and value. The establishment of this facility in a rural setting provides a calm environment, distinct from the sensory overload of the city center, which is crucial for individuals with deafblindness.

Financially, the enterprise has become a cornerstone of the foundation's operations. The 14 million rubles generated in 2025 highlights the viability of the social enterprise model. It demonstrates that with the right support structures, businesses run by people with profound disabilities can be economically self-sustaining and even profitable. The revenue stream supports not only the wages of the participants but also the broader mission of the foundation.

• Production activities centered in Puchkovo village
• Direct sales through an on-site shop
• Revenue covering a significant portion of foundation costs
• Sustainable employment for participants

The primary challenge addressed by the artel is the isolation caused by deafblindness. This condition involves the simultaneous loss of sight and hearing, effectively dismantling the two main ways humans interact with their environment and each other. Traditional employment often excludes individuals with these profound sensory losses due to perceived communication difficulties. The foundation, however, has developed methods to integrate these individuals into a productive workflow.

By creating a tailored environment in Puchkovo, the foundation has proven that communication barriers can be navigated. The artel provides a space where tactile communication and specialized support systems replace conventional auditory and visual cues. The success of the shop and the artel serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the assumption that deafblindness precludes economic participation. It shifts the focus from disability to ability, highlighting the capacity for skilled labor and contribution.

How did he manage to organize the work of people whose both main channels of communication with the world are destroyed?

The entity behind this success is the Foundation "Dom Slepoplukhikh" (House of the Deafblind). Their work extends beyond the artel, but the Puchkovo facility represents a flagship project. The foundation's ability to generate 14 million rubles from this single location underscores the efficiency of their operational model. It allows them to channel resources directly into the care and support of their beneficiaries.

The foundation's approach is holistic, combining residential support with vocational training and employment. The artel is not just a workplace; it is a community hub. The revenue generated ensures that the foundation can maintain high standards of care and continue expanding its services. The success in Puchkovo validates the foundation's strategy of creating self-sustaining economic units that empower individuals rather than relying solely on donations.

The story of the artel in Puchkovo offers a blueprint for social enterprises worldwide. It proves that specialized needs do not have to be a barrier to economic success. With 14 million rubles in revenue and a quarter of the foundation's income secured, the model is financially robust. The focus now remains on maintaining this momentum and potentially replicating the success in other regions.

Ultimately, the artel stands as a testament to human potential. It shows that when barriers to communication are removed, individuals with deafblindness can achieve remarkable things. The foundation has successfully turned a challenge into an opportunity, creating a thriving business that supports its community and ensures a sustainable future for its participants.