The Association of People with Disability is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1959. From our roots in Bengaluru, APD has grown its work across disability inclusion supporting people with disabilities and working with families, communities, government, employers and other partners to reduce barriers to participation. We administer programmes and services across urban and rural South India, serving people of all ages with a wide variety of physical and mental disabilities.
Our work spans healthcare and rehabilitation, early intervention, education, assistive and adaptive technology, livelihoods, accessibility and advocacy. We bring these areas together through a life cycle approach recognising that people’s needs, choices and aspirations are dynamic and evolve over time.
A world where equity, dignity and justice are assured for people with disability.
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.
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.
On returning to Bengaluru, her father connected with N D Diwan, an ex-serviceman, and Rev I L Thomas, Principal of Bishop Cotton School, Bengaluru, both of whom were wheelchair users. Together, they discussed the need for such a rehabilitation and therapy centre in Bengaluru. Thus, in 1959, the Association of People with Disability was born.
We believe that every policy, intervention, or action concerning 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.
By being meaningfully involved in the decisions, policies and services that affect their lives, their experiences and choices will help shape the systems intended to support them.
Honorary President
Honorary Vice President
Honorary Secretary
Honorary Treasurer
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
CEO
Executive Director of Programs
Senior Director – Fundraising & Communications
Director – Fundraising & Communications
Director – Finance & Compliance
Director – Human Resources
Deputy Director – Livelihood
Deputy Director – Early Intervention & Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Deputy Director – Policy & Advocacy and Govt Interface
Deputy Director – Fundraising
Head – Governance & Compliance
Head -Policy, Research, and collaborations
Senior Manager-CMHP
