Partners

Established with a commitment to creating inclusive communities, ASTHA provides direct support to persons with disabilities (PwDs) while advocating for systemic policy changes. Its significant contribution is the National Disability Helpline, launched in 2000, which has become a vital resource offering information and assistance on disability certificates, pensions, assistive aids, educational opportunities, therapies, and employment. With over 25,000 individuals reached, the helpline is instrumental in ensuring that PwDs and their caregivers can access their rights and entitlements.

ASTHA operates several key programs and centres focused on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), inclusive education, and life skills interventions. These centres not only provide direct services but also train civil society organisations in disability inclusion. ASTHA's approach is rooted in community outreach, awareness-building, and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on accessible solutions that empower individuals and communities.

Program with MHI – Strengthening the National Disability Helpline

With support from MHI, ASTHA will scale and strengthen the National Disability Helpline to better meet the growing and diverse needs of persons with disabilities, particularly in mental health and psychosocial support by training staff in psychological first aid, establishing a robust referral system, improving data management and follow-up mechanisms, and advancing advocacy. The initiative also includes outreach through awareness camps in urban slums and hospitals, the production of accessible IEC materials, and efforts to build a more inclusive and responsive Delhi Helpline Network by sensitising other helplines to disability issues. The helpline operates across India, supporting children and persons with disabilities, their families, civil society members, and organisations, by providing information on medical interventions, early identification and intervention, inclusive education, disability certification and UDID, disability pensions, the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, counselling, vocational training, job placements, and many other services. ASTHA believes that information is power and is committed to reaching even more children and persons with disabilities, their families, and partner organisations.