About Us
AADI (Action for Ability Development and Inclusion) is a leading national-level organization in India that works for the rights of persons with disabilities. We are a group of passionate changemakers who believe in diversity amongst people and embrace it through our work. We look at disability as an aspect of human diversity and trust in the inherent dignity and abilities of all human beings. awareness that all people have the right to be included, participate, and contribute in every aspect of society.
What We Believe In
Vision
We envision a world where people with disabilities fully participate in society, enjoying equitable access to opportunities and services.
Mission
Our work focuses on creating enabling environments for persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable, accessible, quality services across life stages, guided by their needs, especially those further marginalized by poverty and gender inequality.
Core Values
Respect and Dignity
Recognizing the inherent worth and autonomy of every individual.
Transparency and Accountability
Upholding openness in our processes and maintaining trust.
Collaboration and Participation
Partnering with people with disabilities, their families, and communities to build inclusive systems.
Equity and Non-Discrimination
Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all.
Our Journey
AADI, meaning “the beginning,” has evolved with the disability movement since 1978, when Mrs. Mita Nundy and Divya Jalan founded it as SSNI, a special center for neuromotor disabilities. As understanding grew, it transformed into an inclusive organization now known as AADI (The Action for Ability, Development, and Inclusion), championing rights, accessibility, and equality.
1978-1988
1988-1998
1998-2008
2008-2018
2018-Onwards
Initial Services
- Spastics Society of Northern India (SSNI) registered
- Started Center for Special Education
- Expanded services to include parent training, vocational training and rural outreach
- Launched courses for special educators and developmental therapists
Consolidation and Expansion
- Linked with mainstream schools
- Focused on employment opportunities
- Advocacy and legislative reforms
- Awareness and sensitization programs
- Strengthened Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
New Beginnings
- Renamed as AADI
- Focused on inclusive education
- Engaged in macro-level initiatives like Census 2001 and Planning Commission development plans
- Reflected on rights-based work and strategic planning
Realigning and Enhancing
- Shifted to rights-based and inclusive programming
- Launched Sambhav
- Advocated for inclusion in the Census and elections
- Trained master trainers for caregiving programs
- Emphasized rural and urban community initiatives. Focused on laws and policies: RTE, RPWD 2016, MHCA
Realigning and Enhancing Impact
- Provided education opportunities to over 3,000+ children and mainstreamed 1,000+.
- Sensitized 20,000+ through workshops & orientation programs.
- Trained 3,500+ teachers, educators, and therapists.
- Enabled job opportunities for 600+ persons with disabilities.
- Led nationwide inclusive education research and partnered with UNESCO & UNICEF.
- Contributed to national law and policy committees on education & training.
- Partnered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure accessibility in National and State Elections.
- Built NGO networks to expand inclusive services.
The Way Forward
AADI aims to evolve into a knowledge and cultural hub for disability inclusion that would sensitize and build the capacities of a range of professionals, students, and leaders to believe in and stand up for inclusion.
Location
We are situated in Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India. The rural program of AADI is headquartered in Dalaypur, Haryana, and the urban community program in Sunder Nagari, Delhi