ASTHA-Working towards Inclusion

We work in urban resettlement colonies, conduct research, provide information and link action with policy concerns. We believe that each and every person in society however severely disabled, has the right to equal opportunity in every institution of society and has the right to develop their full potential. In this, we prioritize children and people with disabilities belonging to the poorest and

most vulnerable sections of society. Over these years the organization has initiated work in the following programs:

ⓘ The ASTHA's National Disability Helpline: The ASTHA's disability helpline and walk-in service was launched in 2001. In May 2007, the Helpline collaborated with the National Trust. It aims to reach out to as many people as possible and enable them to access their rights by supporting them with information, referrals and counselling. We also provide information through emails through the Helpline. Over the period of 15 years we have received calls from various parts of India on several concerns related to disabilities like education, basic schemes and entitlements, financial assistance and residential facilities among others.

ⓘ The Disability Information Resource Center: The Resource Center serves as an information resource provider to children /persons with disabilities & their families in the community and other stakeholders (e.g. It aims to promote a rights-based approach by advocating for disability related issues and how they are linked to other development issues. The focus of the Resource Center has been to work in Delhi/ NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. However, we have also worked with other states like Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhand and many more. In addition, to organizing workshops and training programs The Resource Center also produces publications in accessible formats for persons with disabilities and for professionals working on the issues and those working with people with disabilities.

ⓘ Community Based Rehabilitation Program: Two CBR program are being run by the organization. The program in Govindpuri has been running since 1993 and in Lal Kuan since 2001. The focus of this program is to work with the communities to empower the persons with disabilities as well as their family members. In addition, this program also aims at sensitizing the community members towards the issues pertaining to disability. Through this program we provide information to people regarding various services, government policies and facilities available for persons with disabilities. ASTHA believes that Information is power and seeks to pro-actively disseminate information through its various services in order to move towards an inclusive society. We have a strong information base which we share and grow through a strong network of Organizations within the disability sector. We look forward to network and collaborate with Organisations and Institutions in order to share information and work together towards securing the rights of the disabled as per our capacity.