IMPROVING ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY

We believe that every person with a disability has the right to freedom and equality. People must have a safe space to live while being an inclusive part of a community. A life filled with dignity and devoid of discrimination is a human right.

At RIST, our main goal is to move towards a more inclusive society, with people with disabilities playing an equal part in their communities.

Through our partners, we are creating strategies that can make this a reality.

RIST has dedicated its support to two main efforts in this regard.  First, we believe that as a whole, peoples’ mental health is an important determinate of their overall health and well-being. RIST sees a future where mentally healthy living environments are a part of every community in India.

Additionally, those who have historically been removed from society and put into institutions because of their disabilities, must be brought back into their communities with the support mechanisms necessary for them the thrive.

Our partners are those who understand this premise and can promote and actively create these environments.

DISABILITY FOCUS AREAS

Deinstitutionalization

RIST supports programs that ensure every person with disability has a right and an opportunity to live in a home as a member of a community, and not in segregated and restrictive institutions.

Mental Health

A person’s mental health status should not determine his/her worth. It should not determine his/her place in society. We are committed to ensuring that well-being and dignity are a right for all people.

Economic Development

We believe that technology can be a great leveler. Access to appropriate technology opens new possibilities and economic opportunities for people with disability. Our work focuses on enabling equal access to technology for people with disabilities.

There are 26.8 million people with disabilities in India. 7.5% of Indians suffer from some form of mental disorder. WHO also predicts that by 2020, roughly 20% of India will suffer from mental illnesses.

DISABILITY initiatives

August 12, 2022

A Home of Her Own - Collaboration between Keystone and RIST

We believe that every individual, irrespective of their cognitive and mental status, should live within the mainstream society, as part of a community. Learn more about our collaboration with Keystone Human Services International.

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December 25, 2021

RIST and Keystone Human Services International share a common core set of values

One of the areas that Keystone and RIST are passionate about is that institutionalization of people with disabilities in segregated facilities must be resisted.

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December 25, 2021

The Banyan - RIST collaboration began with a MOU in September 2018

In this context, the collaboration seeks to scale up initiatives that attempt to reformulate tertiary mental health care and support definitive, sustainable pathways.

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September 22, 2022

Ensuring equitable quality education through inclusion and innovation - RIST & HPPI Partnership

We are honored to be in collaboration with Humana People to People India (HPPI) to make quality education more inclusive and equitable.

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August 12, 2022

A Home of Her Own - Collaboration between Keystone and RIST

We believe that every individual, irrespective of their cognitive and mental status, should live within the mainstream society, as part of a community. Learn more about our collaboration with Keystone Human Services International.

Read More >