Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled

Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled works to empower individuals with disabilities and underserved communities. It strives to build an inclusive society free from discrimination where every person lives with dignity and respect. Its mission focuses on empowering people through developmental initiatives in educational, social, economic, and technological sectors.

Major Interventions:

Inclusive Education: The education vertical redefines learning by creating barrier-free, residential environments for children with disabilities and those from underprivileged backgrounds. The trust operates specialized schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on life skills, functional academics, and behavioral training. Additionally, it manages schools for speech and hearing-impaired students using sign language and visual aids, alongside primary and high schools that integrate smart classrooms and STEM learning.

Higher Education Support: This program enables youth with disabilities to pursue and complete college, university, and professional training. The trust provides essential support through tuition assistance, digital resources, assistive technologies, and scribe services. This initiative reaches students across various states and numerous universities, ensuring that individuals can pursue higher education with confidence and independence.

Livelihood and Skilling: Samarthanam operates Livelihood Resource Centres across the country to provide skill training to youth with disabilities and underserved communities. These centers facilitate meaningful employment through job fairs and recruitment drives. By strengthening partnerships with corporate stakeholders, the trust ensures that vocational training translates into sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.

Sports, Arts, and Culture: It promotes inclusion through diverse pathways like sports and the performing arts. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) fosters athletic talent and works toward integrating blind cricket into global platforms. Furthermore, the Art Centre and the Institute of Music and Performing Arts nurture artistic expressions, providing a stage for talented individuals to showcase their creativity.