At Ashish Foundation, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, contribute, and be valued within their community. Through our “Engaging Autism: Valued Roles for Fulfilling Lives” project, we have witnessed how the right support, high expectations, and inclusive opportunities can transform lives.
Guided by the principles of Social Role Valorization (SRV), the project focused on helping children and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities develop meaningful social roles. Through person-centred planning, individualized education, therapies, vocational training, and family empowerment, students gained confidence, independence, and essential life skills.
Over the past three years, many students have progressed from needing constant support to making independent choices, communicating confidently, participating in community activities, travelling, shopping, and building friendships. Inclusive camps, educational trips, and community outings further strengthened their confidence while changing perceptions within the wider community. Families, volunteers, and community members increasingly began seeing these young people for their abilities rather than their disabilities.
One inspiring example is Isha Kohli, a young woman with mild intellectual disability and cerebral palsy. Excluded from school at a young age and facing years of social isolation, Isha joined Ashish Foundation’s Ankur Programme and Customized Employment Programme. With counselling, physiotherapy, vocational training, workplace readiness support, and gradual mobility training, she developed the confidence to travel independently and pursue employment.
In 2024, Isha completed a Barista and Hospitality Training Programme and secured an apprenticeship at ITC Welcom Hotel in Dwarka, earning a monthly stipend while building an independent life. Today, she travels confidently using the Delhi Metro, contributes to her livelihood, and inspires other young adults with disabilities to believe in their own potential.
Stories like Isha’s demonstrate that meaningful inclusion goes beyond providing services—it is about creating opportunities for people to participate, contribute, and be recognized as valued members of society. As we continue to expand inclusive education, customized employment, and community partnerships, we remain committed to ensuring that many more individuals with developmental disabilities can lead fulfilling, independent, and valued lives.
