The National Trust, an autonomous body of Government of India, works for the socio-economic rehabilitation and empowerment of people with autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities.
The trust, has a network of more than 400 registered organisations that is delivering a range of services like early childhood intervention, day care facilities, skill development, scholarships and medical insurance. We have not been able to create a really inclusive society for our children and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The services and support models of NGOs and government organisations are most often based on the protectionist institutions and delivery systems which continue to segregate and isolate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Failing to build inclusive systems and support structures, vast majority of people with intellectual disabilities will continue to depend on their families only for lifelong support.
Our investment in ‘Social Capital’ has to increase to create inclusive and stronger communities. Though a long process, but we do need to create enough awareness in the society for the policy makers, educationists, corporate, parents and other important stakeholders so that inclusion is embedded in their thought process.
The Trust, has conceptualised Inclusive India Campaign, for achieving this. The campaign will work in three important areas of inclusive education, inclusive employment and inclusive community life.
As a starting point, the trust will be launching this campaign with a conference ‘Towards an inclusive India,’ on June 6 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. It will be inaugurated by Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, in presence of Shri Javadekar, Minister HRD, Niti Ayog, CEO, Shri Amitabh Kant and other dignitaries.