Ability Development & Inclusive Communities
Empowering People With Disabilities
At AADI, we believe that persons with disabilities have the right to make their own choices, lead self-determined lives, and participate fully in all aspects of society. They should have equal access to information, opportunities, services, and resources, and the freedom to live within their families and communities as active citizens.
Our work is grounded in the belief that communities, systems, and services must be inclusive and responsive to diverse needs. Through a life-cycle approach, AADI serves as a resource centre supporting persons with disabilities and their families at every stage of life. We focus on strengthening individual capacities, empowering communities, and enabling people to advocate for their rights and access opportunities that support their growth and independence.
Across Delhi NCR, AADI’s community programmes reach nearly 500,000 people through initiatives that promote early identification, inclusion, participation, and access to services. Our work spans health, habilitation and rehabilitation, education, livelihoods, arts and culture, transport, and independent living.
Delhi-NCR Based Program
This program reaches nearly 500,000 people for early identification of disabled individuals in vulnerable circumstances. It sensitizes and builds capacity in areas like health, habilitation, rehabilitation, education, art, culture, transport, livelihoods, and independent living.
Sashakt Rural Programme
Based in Ballabgarh, Haryana, the Sashakt Rural Programme works across 82 villages, 67 Panchayats, and 9 peri-urban areas. Using a cross-disability and life-span approach, the programme responds to the changing needs of persons with disabilities throughout their lives.
The programme serves as a model for developing evidence-based practices, tools, and processes that can be replicated and scaled in other regions.
Through a comprehensive community-based approach, persons with disabilities and their families are supported to access:
- Information and awareness
- Inclusive education
- Health and rehabilitation services
- Skill development and vocational training
- Financial literacy programmes
- Peer support networks
- Opportunities for community participation
Alongside direct support, the programme works to create inclusive systems and services that enable meaningful participation and improved quality of life.
Sashakt Urban Programme
Launched in 2016, AADI’s Urban Community-Based Programme operates in Sunder Nagri, a large resettlement colony in East Delhi with a population of approximately 100,000 people.
Building on the learnings from the rural programme, the initiative combines disability inclusion with community development approaches to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities living in urban poverty contexts.
The programme promotes:
- Inclusion and social participation
- Health and well-being
- Habilitation and rehabilitation
- Independent living
- Community engagement
- Access to services and opportunities
By strengthening community support systems and building local capacities, the programme enables persons with disabilities to participate fully in community life.
Education
We work with an integrated life cycle approach, serving all the needs of disabled individuals and their families. Our mission is to build capacities, enabling them to negotiate their needs and rights with society and the state.
Early Childhood and Pre-School Education
For children aged 3–6 years, Shiksha focuses on school readiness and developmental support through programmes that strengthen:
- Mobility and motor skills
- Language and communication
- Self-care and independence
- Early learning and pre-academic skills
Support continues after school enrolment to promote successful inclusion, participation, and learning.
School-Based Support
AADI works directly with children enrolled in mainstream schools, supporting both families and teachers to ensure meaningful participation and learning.
Support areas include:
- Academic learning
- Communication and mobility
- Self-care skills
- Assistive devices and classroom accommodations
PACE: Programme on Accelerated and Continuing Education
PACE provides after-school academic support for children with disabilities attending mainstream schools.
Learning centres located across Delhi NCR offer structured support in reading, arithmetic, and foundational learning skills. Progress and future learning goals are regularly shared with schools to strengthen educational outcomes and continuity of support.
Life Skills Education for Out-of-School Children
Many children with disabilities remain outside formal education systems. AADI’s life skills programmes equip children and adolescents with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed for independent living and active participation in society.
Sopan Online Life Skills Programme
Designed for adolescents and young adults with disabilities, Sopan focuses on:
- Self-awareness
- Communication
- Literacy and numeracy
- Citizenship
- Environmental awareness
- Decision-making and problem-solving
The programme empowers participants to make informed choices and engage meaningfully within their families and communities.
Life Skills Through Arts, Theatre and Interest-Based Clubs
Creativity is a powerful tool for self-expression, confidence, and inclusion. AADI’s interest-based clubs provide safe and inclusive spaces where persons with disabilities can explore their talents, build relationships, and develop new skills.
Activities include:
- Theatre and performing arts
- Music
- Visual arts
- Cooking and hospitality
- Environmental initiatives
- Inclusive workshops and camps
These programmes help participants develop:
- Self-confidence and identity
- Communication and social skills
- Decision-making abilities
- Teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Peer connections and a sense of belonging
Many activities culminate in public performances, exhibitions, and community action initiatives, showcasing talent while promoting inclusion
Hunar: Skills for Employment and Independence
Hunar prepares youth with disabilities for employment and independent living by combining vocational training, life skills education, and career development support.
The programme includes:
- Individual assessment and career planning
- Communication and mobility training
- Daily living skills
- Career counselling
- Workplace exposure visits
- Internships and employment support
Training opportunities are available across sectors such as:
- Information Technology
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Administrative and office services
Zaika: Hospitality Training Programme
Zaika combines practical hospitality training with essential workplace and life skills.
Participants learn:
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Time management
- Planning and organisation
- Food safety and hygiene
- Guest service and hospitality operations
Hands-on learning is complemented through catering assignments, internships, and industry exposure.
E-Daksh: Digital Literacy Programme
E-Daksh provides accessible computer education and digital skills training for learners with and without disabilities.
Programmes include:
- Computer literacy
- Data entry
- Graphic design
- Financial accounting and Tally
Training is tailored to individual learning needs and career aspirations, helping participants build confidence and improve employment opportunities.
Livelihood Programs
Jeevika: Inclusive Livelihoods Programme
Jeevika works to bridge the employment gap experienced by persons with disabilities by strengthening employability and creating pathways to meaningful livelihoods.
Preparation for Work
Participants receive training in:
- Communication and workplace behaviour
- Soft skills and professional readiness
- Sector-specific vocational skills
Internships
Internships provide practical work experience, career exploration opportunities, and increased confidence through real-world learning.
Employment and Entrepreneurship
Jeevika collaborates with employers, communities, and industry partners to create inclusive employment and self-employment opportunities across urban and rural settings.
Ujala: Social Enterprise
Ujala is AADI’s social enterprise initiative that creates livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Specialising in handmade paper and block-printed products, the enterprise engages persons with disabilities across the entire value chain, including:
- Product design and development
- Production and manufacturing
- Packaging
- Marketing and sales
Ujala also serves as a platform for skill development, internships, and retail experience, helping participants build sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial skills.
Inclusive Art Gallery
AADI’s Inclusive Art Gallery celebrates creativity, diversity, and the belief that art is for everyone.
Through accessible exhibitions, festivals, workshops, and collaborative events, the gallery creates opportunities for artists with and without disabilities to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Accessibility features include:
- Sign language interpretation
- Audio descriptions in multiple languages
- Barrier-free exhibition spaces
- Inclusive participation opportunities
By creating platforms for artistic expression and engagement, AADI demonstrates how creativity can challenge barriers, build connections, and strengthen inclusive communities.
