Special

THE GAP: 1 in every 50 that is over 28 million Indians have Intellectual Disability (ID). Despite this colossal number, they are stigmatised, considered less deserving and are unable to access the resources that they need to achieve their full potential. Even within the disabilities space, ID seems to be the most invisible and continues to be excluded from Indias

mainstream development narrative, experiencing widespread violations of their rights.

WHO ARE WE? We are one of the oldest & largest not-for-profit institutes in India serving children & adults with ID. We are committed to looking at each child with a belief in their potential to lead fuller and more inclusive lives. Our approach is holistic; we aim to integrate our students into mainstream society by providing them with Healthcare, Education & Skill Development. Annually, we serve 750 individuals with ID at our campus in Mumbai, Deolali & Talegaon.

Over 70% of our students come from the lower socioeconomic strata. We have no minimum IQ requirement and till date no one has been turned away for their inability to afford our services.

OUR VISION Inclusion of all individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID).

HEALTHCARE - We provide holistic, need-based medical & therapeutic intervention to children & adults with ID.

PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY MEDICAL CAMPS - We provide free diagnosis & medical care in rural Maharashtra to children with neurological issues.

EDUCATION - We provide education through 4 schools for ages 3-18 years, to address each individuals unique needs. The aim is to enhance their capabilities through a holistic curriculum as well as empower them to be independent in their daily life.

DISHA ABHIYAN The goal of Disha is to build and disseminate an

Assessment Checklist Tool & Uniform Curriculum in Special Schools to transform education for children with ID and provide training for the implementation of the curriculum. Both of which have been certified by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disability (NIEPID).

In 2019, we partnered with the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance - Commissionerate of PwD, Government of Maharashtra. Currently, we are in 36 districts of Maharashtra, impacting 453 special schools, over 2600 special educators and more than 18,000 children.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT Centre Through our Vocational Training Centre, Sheltered Workshop & Respite Care sections, we provide job training, livelihood opportunities & training in activities of daily living for adults with ID to enable them to find gainful opportunities & lead an empowered life.