Family of Disabled (FoD)

FoD offers financial support through the Gyanpath initiative, prioritizing disabled students' education, particularly focusing on empowering girls. In our patriarchal society, educating a girl with a disability is often neglected. Gyanpath assists students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and extends aid to families where either partner has a disability. These families face increased expenses due to disability-related needs and unemployment, making education support crucial. To date, FoD has successfully aided 119 young disabled students through this programme.

FoD's Multi-Purpose Rehabilitation Centre in Najafgarh, New Delhi, has been operational since August 2015, dedicated to the socio-economic rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. The centre provides vocational training in an inclusive environment with the goal of equipping candidates to earn a livelihood, either through entrepreneurship or job placement. FoD collaborates with NIIT Foundation to offer Basic Computer Education and also provides training in Cutting and tailoring.

Beyond prostheses (artificial limbs) and orthoses (such as callipers, braces, and splints), a wide range of devices exists to enhance the daily independence of disabled individuals. These devices, collectively referred to as self-help devices (SHDs), play a pivotal role in facilitating daily life with minimal reliance on others. FoD carries out the distribution of aids and appliances to disabled individuals at no cost, primarily focusing on mobility aids and various assistive devices that enhance their comfort in daily activities. These devices are readily available in the market and can be purchased without delay.

The ARS scheme targets economically disadvantaged disabled individuals lacking literacy, skills, and job prospects in both private and public sectors. It provides them with an opportunity to learn a trade, achieving financial independence for themselves and their dependents. This initiative combats poverty, reduces unemployment, and integrates disabled people into mainstream society while protecting them from exploitation. To date, ARS has empowered 994 financially challenged individuals in Delhi, boasting an 80%+ success rate. It serves a range of disabilities, predominantly physical disabilities, alongside hearing impairments, visual impairments, and leprosy-cured individuals.

FoD actively promotes artists with disabilities across India, facilitating their talents through projects such as exhibitions, transforming their art into greeting cards, and short-term initiatives. These initiatives have proven beneficial in multiple ways, enabling artists to share their imagination and creativity with a broader audience. Furthermore, these opportunities offer financial support and garner public recognition and appreciation. Within the Beyond Limits project, FoD has been consistently showcasing disabled artists' work at esteemed venues, shifting from biennial to annual exhibitions since 2009.