Ability Foundation

The CavinKare Ability Awards, jointly established by Ability Foundation and CavinKare Pvt Ltd in 2003, celebrate individuals with disabilities who have transcended conventional barriers to realize their dreams. These national awards honour exceptional achievements and exemplary service. The world of social entrepreneurship, especially for those with disabilities, can be isolating. Recognizing and appreciating those who have succeeded and brought about significant change is essential. The awards are presented in two categories:
1. CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence: This is presented to one person with a disability who has exhibited a commitment to others beyond personal triumphs. The award includes a memento, citation, and a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakhs.
2. CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards: These are presented to three individuals who have overcome their disabilities to excel in their chosen fields.

At Ability Foundation, the enduring passion lies in bridging the gap between individuals with disabilities and those without, fostering awareness among the broader public.
AbilityFest, the India International Disability Film Festival, is a biennial gathering that offers a unique and inspirational platform for showcasing exceptional films from across the globe. These films are created by, featuring, or about individuals with disabilities. In its early years, AbilityFest was curated by the renowned consultant, esteemed critic, and former Director of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), the late Mr. P.K. Nair. AbilityFest stands as an internationally acclaimed event, championing the philosophy of an inclusive society.

"The Sound of Silence" is a unique event that sought to bridge the gap between individuals living in the hearing world and those in the non-hearing world. "Sound of Silence" was organized to commemorate International Deafness Awareness Week.
This event achieved two significant milestones: a full day of screenings featuring entirely silent films in a mainstream theatre and a weeklong exploration and appreciation of Sign Language.

The initial instalment of a nationwide workshop series, known as ExpressABILITY, was conducted in partnership with The New Indian Express Group. These workshops entailed engaging discussions and debates involving media professionals on disability advocacy. Topics included the importance of employing sensitive language and the need for increased and regular media coverage of disability-related issues. Distinguished figures from the media sector interacted with participants, delving into new approaches and the proactive role that media could undertake to enhance the visibility of individuals with disabilities.

Ability Foundation initiated a series of access audits at numerous public venues in Chennai to raise awareness about the importance of creating easily accessible environments. These audits highlighted that accessibility encompasses not only facilities for wheelchair users but also features such as guide rails, Braille signage, flooring materials, and visual cues. The audit team, comprised of individuals with hearing and visual impairments, limited mobility, an architect, and a photographer, assessed frequently visited public locations like banks, post offices, railway stations, and public libraries.