Community-Led Approach
We don't impose solutions—we nurture leadership. Our programs are shaped and run by persons with disabilities and their communities, ensuring relevance, ownership, and sustainability.
ADD India was born from a simple yet powerful idea: that people with disabilities in rural India
deserve the same opportunities, and voice as anyone else.
In 1987, our founder B. Venkatesh, a leader with visual impairment, began mobilizing communities across South India to form Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPDs)—grassroots groups that advocate for inclusion and equality. ADD India was formally established in 1989.
Since then, we’ve helped build thousands of OPDs and reach nearly 10,000 persons with disabilities every year. Today, we continue our work in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka—empowering local leaders, changing systems, and making inclusion a reality.
Let us build a truly inclusive rural India - together.
"Every step we take is guided by the people we serve—local communities leading the way toward lasting change. Our programs are built on the belief that true inclusion begins from within. By addressing everyday challenges and empowering persons with disabilities to take charge of their development, we contribute directly to building resilient, equitable communities."
Our work is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that rural India is not left behind in the journey toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Transforming Lives, One Community at a Time
Years of service
Supported Annually
Schemes
Villages
Education is the gateway to opportunity — and no child should be denied entry.At ADD India, we believe that education is the foundation of inclusion. Yet, children with disabilities in rural India are…
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For many people with disabilities in rural India, access to healthcare and rehabilitation remains limited or nonexistent. At ADD India, we bridge this gap by ensuring timely, affordable, and disabilit…
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True inclusion requires systemic change. That’s why ADD India strengthens Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) to lead campaigns for equality, engage policymakers, and influence governance…
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Sustainable change starts with strong local leadership. At ADD India, we invest in building the capacity of OPDs, families, community workers, and institutions so that inclusion is long-lasting.We: …
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True inclusion begins at home. Families and communities often exclude persons with disabilities due to stigma or lack of awareness. ADD India works to transform mindsets and ensure people with disabil…
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Every child deserves to dream, play and grow. ADD India helps children with disabilities gain the confidence, education, and support they need to thrive.We: Provide early intervention and therapy s…
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Women with disabilities face double discrimination — for their gender and their disability. ADD India ensures they are no longer left behind.We: Create safe spaces and peer groups for women to shar…
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Economic independence is central to dignity. Yet persons with disabilities, especially in rural areas, face systemic barriers to employment.ADD India’s livelihood program ensures access to sustainable…
Learn moreBefore joining a DPO, I felt isolated and dependent on my family. ADD India helped me gain skills and confidence. Today, I run a small grocery store in my village and support my family independently.
As a woman with a disability, I struggled to be heard. Through ADD India’s training, I became part of a Self-Help Group and started my tailoring business. Now, I not only earn but also train other women like me.
My son has a disability, and we didn’t know how to secure his future. With the guidance of ADD India, we accessed government schemes, and he is now pursuing his education with full support.
People used to see my disability before they saw me. Thanks to the leadership training at ADD India, I became the president of our village DPO and now advocate for the rights of other persons with disabilities
