About Us
A Vision Born from Compassion. A Legacy of Empowerment.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and live with dignity.
Guided by this belief, Disha Foundation was established in 1995 with a vision to provide holistic education, therapy and rehabilitation, for children and young adults, with intellectual and multiple disabilities.
The seed of Disha’s mission, originated from the vision of Mrs. P.N. Kavoori, an eminent educationist and the then principal of SMS School, Jaipur. During her tenure of 10 years at SMS School – Jaipur, established in 1984, she witnessed the pressing need for a professionally managed institution, dedicated to supporting children with intellectual and multiple disabilities.
Post her retirement in 1994, Mrs Kavoori found a like-minded and trusted partner in Mrs Mala Khaitan, for transforming this dream into reality. Disha Foundation was established by the Khaitan family in 1995, and soon after, bought a piece of land for the required building.
As an immediate step, a school was started in a rented house with 17 students and by the year 2000, Disha had 100 students. ‘The Friends of Disha’ group and particularly Mr John Singh of ‘East-UK’ organisation, provided considerable support to the institution.
H.H. Rajmata Gayatri Devi became our patron in 1996 and consequently the Chairperson of the Governing Board in 1999. Through her good relations, Rajmata persuaded her good friend – Mrs Elsa Peretti of Nando Peretti Foundation – Italy, to fund the new building.
In 2004, Disha shifted to it’s new – fully disabled friendly building – in Nirman Nagar, Jaipur. With good infrastructure in place, the school activity was broadened and more children were admitted. Facing an acute shortage for teachers in special education, an Academic wing was initiated where first teachers were trained and subsequently a Diploma and B. Ed course was started.
Disha’s role kept expanding to a State Nodal Agency Center, becoming a Resource Center for various disabilities. ‘Special Olympics – Bharat’ was launched in 2007, helping discover talents like Nand Kishore who won a Gold Medal.
Noteworthy collaborations with leading institutions and universities, helped launch community programs and vocational training partnerships, contributed profoundly in raising Disha’s confidence in gaining Global recognition
Disha shall always look forward to all-round-support in their mission to create a safe and active space for people with multiple disabilities.
Our Philosophy
We believe in “Circle of Support” -Child is the Centre of all activity and every single member of the Disha is equally essential for empowering and capacity building.
OUR VALUES
Each citizen deserves an equal opportunity to be an active member of society. Whether disability is driven by poverty, physical, mental or emotional constraints, all forms merit acceptance and endeavors for improvement as human beings. There needs to be widespread awareness of how to understand and interact with people who live with disabilities and co-exist in a mutualistic manner. This awareness can help disabled individuals accept and face their disabilities head-on.
Our Team
