New Delhi, Mar 27, 2025: The Hans Foundation (THF) in partnership with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand disability inclusion initiatives across India.
Signed on the occasion of Purple Fest, which aimed aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the MoU marked a significant step for enhancing accessibility to rehabilitation, education, and livelihood opportunities for PwDs.
The collaboration will aim to bring services right to the doorsteps of PwDs in urban slums and semi-urban areas. Key feature of this alliance will be the expansion of THF’s Mobile Therapy Buses (MTBs) and Child Development Centers, amongst other programs for inclusive education and livelihood.
While the MTBs will provide supportive services such as counselling and therapy to PwDs, the Child Development Centres will offer early identification, intervention and therapy to children with disabilities. The partnership will also see DEPwD facilitate approvals, identify suitable project locations, and integrate these initiatives with existing government schemes for greater impact.
“For over 15 years, we have been committed to ensuring that Persons with Disabilities have access to the resources and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives. Partnership with DEPwD takes our efforts to a whole new level, allowing us to scale up our impact and reach even more people in need. We are incredibly grateful to the DEPwD for joining hands with us, which strengthens our ability to create long-lasting, sustainable solutions that empower individuals and build a more inclusive society for all,” said Shweta Rawat, Chairperson and Founder of The Hans Foundation.
THF has been a leader in disability inclusion focusing on early intervention, inclusive education and facilitating identification and rehabilitation services to PwDs. Operating in eight states with 17 units, the MTBs in partnership with National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPD) has provided assistance to more than 8,000 individuals from 2022 till date.
Similarly, joining hands with premier institutes such as AIIMS, Delhi, the early intervention centres in Delhi and Puducherry have benefitted more than 3,100 children since 2020 till date. Moreover, THF’s overall programs have helped more than 56,000 individuals across India.
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