About Us

The Association of People with Disability is a non-governmental organisation devoted to empowering people with disabilities to live full, productive lives.

Since its founding in 1959, we have worked tirelessly to make it possible for people with disabilities (PWDs) to fully participate in all aspects of society, including but not limited to interventions in healthcare, education, employment, and advocacy.

From our headquarters in Bangalore, we administer programmes across urban and rural South India, serving people of all ages who suffer from a wide variety of physical and mental disabilities.

Our Vision

A world where equity, dignity and justice are assured for people with disability.

Our Mission

Nurture an inclusive ecosystem and empower people with disabilities by ensuring access to comprehensive rehabilitation services, rights, entitlements, equal opportunities and dignity through a life cycle approach.

Nothing about us,
without us.

We believe that every policy, intervention, or action about PWDs should be taken with their participation in that decision. Our work as a facilitator, integrator, and catalyst of change, aims to increase the social, political and economic influence of people with disabilities in society.
‍
Disabled people are more than just beneficiaries; they are fully capable members of society who want the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Every Person With Disabililty
has the #RightToBeSeen

Considering the needs of People With Disability, we require specialised infrastructure in our public spaces. The lack of this infrastructure not only restricts those with disabilities from enjoying the same access to academic, professional and personal amenities as others but also prevents us from realising the scale of disability around us and the number of individuals impacted by it.
‍
Our ‘Right To Be Seen’ initiative challenges this phenomenon by creating a more inclusive, equitable, and barrier-free environment for people with disabilities. Through increased awareness and proactive measures, the initiative will encourage the participation of those with disabilities in society, allowing them to lead a life of independence, agency, and dignity, just like anyone else.

Our Values

Integrity

To act honestly, ethically, and responsibly in all aspects, adhering to principles of fairness, reliability, loyalty, and lawfulness.

Empathy

To be sensitive to feelings, thoughts, emotions, and experiences by developing the capacity to understand another’s perspective, appreciate it, and respond with care.

Accountability

To demonstrate responsibility, transparency, and commitment to the highest standards of openness, professionalism, and integrity with all stakeholders.

Collaboration

To ensure participatory processes, knowledge sharing, teamwork, and consensus building for meaningful partnerships with varied stakeholders.

Excellence

To work towards excellence in process, product, and service delivery by listening, committing to continuous improvement and innovation, and developing a conducive environment for individuals to realise their potential.

Diversity

To nurture an internal ecosystem where people of diverse genders, cultures, abilities, views, and needs are respected and given equal opportunities at work.

COLLABORATORS

Policy & Advocacy
Program for Disability

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PARTNERS

Founder and Founding story

Our story began when N S Hema, a 17-year-old girl affected by polio, travelled to Mumbai seeking medical intervention and discovered the Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped. The rehabilitation centre, founded by Fatima Ismail, supported many people with disability, helping them find their independence and inspiring N S Hema to do the same.
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On returning to Bangalore, her father connected with N D Diwan, an ex-serviceman, and Rev I L Thomas, Principal of Bishop Cotton School, Bangalore, both of whom were wheelchair users. Together, they discussed the need for such a rehabilitation and therapy centre in Bangalore. Thus, in 1959, the Association of People with Disability was born.

Trustees and Governing Body

Subir Hari Singh
Honorary President
& Trustee
Amritha Ward
Honorary Vice President
& Trustee
Jacob Kurian
Honorary Secretary
& Trustee
S D Gopalakrishnan
Honorary Treasurer
& Trustee
Arati Hegde
Trustee
Dr. Deepthi Shanbag
Member
Jayanthi Yeshwanth
Member
Mohan Sundaram
Trustee
P K Gopalakrishnan
Trustee
P Pradeep Kumar
Trustee
Sanjana Govindan
Member

Management Team

Dr. NS Senthil Kumar
CEO
KP Sunil Kumar
Director - Fundraising
Shiva Hiremath
Director -
Policy & Advocacy and Govt Interface
S Babu Khan
Asst Director -
Policy & Advocacy
Janardhan AL
Director - Community Mental Health Program & Life Cycle Approach
Ganesh Hegde
Director - Environment & Horticulture
Ramesh Dundappa
Director - Life Cycle Approach Projects & Divisional Head
Dr. Anoop Antony
Director - Academics
Mallikarjunaiah
Director - Inclusive Education
Dr. Nishad Kassim
Director - Health & Rehab
Mahesh K
Director - Livelihood

The Association of People with Disability

6th Cross, Hutchins Road, Off Hennur Road, Lingarajapuram,
St. Thomas Town Post, Bangalore, Karnataka - 560084
Ph: 080-25475165, 25489594

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with us

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