Disability
Initiatives > Disability
The Hans Foundation commits to the empowerment of people with disabilities helping them lead independent and productive lives in their communities through holistic interventions.
We believe that disability is a cross-cutting issue which emphasises the development and having an integrated approach to becoming responsive to people with disabilities and their needs. Hence we work with numerous partners and programs to ensure an increase in access to education, dignified livelihood, healthcare and therapeutic interventions as well as inclusive living, community-based rehabilitation, and public advocacy and awareness for people with disabilities. Our interventions cover all types of physical and intellectual disabilities, and mental health issues and empower people with disability to create a meaningful life for themselves.
Community-based inclusive living
The Hans Foundation has been a proponent of deinstitutionalisation. There have been a huge number of persons with mental illness who have recovered in mental institutions but are not able to live an independent life due to various social, cultural and economic reasons.
Inclusive Education & Vocational training / Employment for PwDs
THF works with partner organizations to create livelihood opportunities for people with disabilities. Some successful models have been SAKSHAM’s project for “Setting up of Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA)”; and projects for Computing-based livelihood training for adults with Developmental and Cognitive Challenges, implemented through AMBA, RMKM and Biswa Gouri Charitable Trust. In addition, we also have worked with CBM and Noida Deaf Society for Farm-based livelihoods and opportunities in the hospitality and retail sector.
Community Outreach Projects
These projects have a wide reach whereby it implements community outreach interventions through comprehensive components of identification, counselling, referral, mediation and networking. The Hans Foundation has supported organizations like Bethany in Meghalaya, and Anjali in West Bengal, for community mental health interventions. The projects have also been successful in minimizing the stigma associated with mental health and the environment. The focus is to bring change in the narratives in and around disability and facilitate and promote social inclusion.
Holistic Support Services for Persons with Disability
The Hans Foundation is supporting organizations that provide daycare support for persons with disabilities. The projects worked towards enhancing the competencies of the individuals through the help of an occupational therapist and other professionals. Organizations like Cheshire Homes, Ashish Foundation, and Saksham School have been extensively working in providing necessary institutional care.
Keystone Institute India (KII) established by The Hans Foundation & Keystone Human Services International
In November 2015 The Hans Foundation entered into a partnership with Keystone Human Services International focused on social change for India around disability issues. At the centre of this collaboration is the creation of Keystone Institute India, a new educational institute on disability, community and innovation, aimed at strengthening the inclusion of people with disabilities in community life in India.