Children with disabilities are the highest out of school group in the country. ASTHA ensures the right to education starts with identifying children with disabilities of school-going age, creating a demand for education within the family of the child, supporting in the rehabilitation and learning capabilities of the child, liasoning and training with the school system to include the child and enable education and allied rights.
ASTHA uses a multi-pronged approach to give children with disabilities a head start in life. We believe in demedicalising the process and doing evidence-driven work with international standards, with people and community at the heart of the work.
We believe in working on four levels:
By collaborating with schools, educators, and communities, we work to create environments where all learners can thrive, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in education. ASTHA’s impact on inclusive education not only benefits students with disabilities but also enriches the learning experience for all, preparing a generation that values equity, respect, and empathy.
Intellectual Disability
Nusrat Jahan, a 15-year-old girl with intellectual disabilities, has been enrolled with ASTHA for four years. She is currently in the 9th grade at Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Tehkhand Okhla Phase-1, New Delhi. When she joined us, Nusrat was unable to express her feelings, had limited educational attainment, and her parents were unaware of disability rights. We enrolled her in a nearby school and began working with her, organizing various educational, vocational, sports, and life skills sessions. We also conducted sessions with her parents to educate them on daily living skills and disability rights. Now, Nusrat has a Disability Certificate and a Unique Disability ID, and she receives a monthly Disability Pension of ₹2500. She is very happy, attends sessions regularly, and actively participates. Her parents are grateful for the support and improvements in their daughter’s life.
Intellectual Disability
Shourya, an 11-year-old boy from Nand Nagri with an intellectual disability, has been associated with ASTHA since last year. When he joined, his parents were unaware of disability certificates, UDID cards, pensions, school admissions, or other facilities. Shourya was not allowed to go outside or interact with other children. After joining ASTHA, we gradually worked with the family, applying for his disability certificate, which is now being processed at GTB Hospital. Initially, his parents were reluctant to enroll him in school, but after counseling and explaining the benefits, they agreed. Now, Shourya attends school three to four days a week, enjoys it, and regularly participates in activities at our center. Over the past year, we have observed significant positive changes in Shourya and his family. [Shourya’s mother is pictured, with an ASTHA case worker.]
Intellectual Disabilities
Zeba and Talib’s mother, living in an urban slum in Delhi, has two children with intellectual disabilities. When she joined ASTHA, she was concerned about her children’s inability to perform daily tasks. Through ASTHA, she learned how to work with her children and successfully advocated for their admission to government schools. We provided guidance on necessary documents and government schemes for her children. Now, she is independently managing her responsibilities and living with dignity, supporting both of her children effectively.
Our research on inclusive education dives deep into understanding the barriers and opportunities within the educational system for students with disabilities. By analyzing policies, practices, and personal experiences, ASTHA is at the forefront of advocating for changes that make education truly inclusive.
Donate today to support our community-based work. You can donate a set amount once or monthly. You can also choose to sponsor a child with a yearly donation of ₹15,000.
