Disability

"A strong society is one where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive."

Disability is a part of human diversity and should never be a barrier to living with dignity and equality. Guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Ekta is committed to breaking societal barriers, promoting accessibility, and ensuring equal opportunities through both Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Institution-Based Rehabilitation (IBR). Our goal is to create an inclusive world where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Disability in Odisha as per Census 2011

Total Population of Odisha (2011 Census): 4.19 crore (41.9 million)
Total Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Odisha: 12.44 lakh (1.24 million)
Percentage of PwDs in Odisha: 2.96% of the total state population (higher than the national average of 2.21%)

Disability by Gender in Odisha

Males with Disabilities – 6.64 lakh (53.3%)
Females with Disabilities – 5.80 lakh (46.7%)

Educational Status of PwDs in Odisha

Illiterate – 48.5% (Higher than the national average of 45%)
Literate but Below Matric – 29.2%
Matric and Above – 22.3%

*Observation: Nearly half of PwDs in Odisha are illiterate, indicating a significant gap in educational accessibility.

Disability in Rural vs. Urban Areas in Odisha

Rural PwDs – 10.97 lakh (88.2%)
Urban PwDs – 1.47 lakh (11.8%)

*Observation: The majority (88.2%) of PwDs in Odisha live in rural areas, highlighting the need for better accessibility, healthcare, and rehabilitation services in villages.

Our Disability Programs

1. Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) – A Path to Inclusion and Empowerment

At Ekta, we believe that Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is a powerful approach to ensuring the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. CBR promotes access to health, education, livelihood, social inclusion, and empowerment by strengthening community participation and local support systems.

Aligned with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), our CBR initiatives focus on breaking barriers, fostering independence, and advocating for equal opportunities. By working closely with families, local organizations, and government agencies, we strive to create sustainable and inclusive solutions for persons with disabilities, ensuring they live with dignity and autonomy.

Together, we can build a society where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

2. Institute-Based Rehabilitation (IBR) – Nurturing Growth and Independence

Institute-Based Rehabilitation (IBR) centres provide structured, specialized support for children with disabilities, ensuring they receive comprehensive care, therapy, and education in a safe and nurturing environment.

Currently, we operate two centres:
Koraput Center – Supporting more than 180 children
Boipariguda Center – Benefiting more than 70 children

Through therapeutic interventions, special education, assistive devices, and skill development, we focus on enhancing mobility, communication, and self-reliance among children with disabilities. Our dedicated team of therapists, special educators, and caregivers work closely with families to empower each child to reach their full potential.

3. SURAKHYA: Inclusive development and Rehabilitation centre Persons with Mental Retardation and Mental Illness

At Ekta, we recognize the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in Koraput.

Our Residential Rehabilitation Program, SURAKHYA, provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for individuals with mental illness, ensuring their recovery, reintegration, and overall well-being.

Programs Under SURAKHYA

Women’s Rehabilitation Center – Focused on providing specialized care for women with mental illness, ensuring a safe and supportive space for healing and empowerment.

Men’s Rehabilitation Center – Designed to support men with severe and chronic mental illnesses, helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Key Services Offered

Psychosocial Support & Counseling – One-on-one and group therapy to address emotional and psychological needs.
Medication & Medical Care – Regular psychiatric care, medication management, and health monitoring.
Daily Living & Social Skills Training – Encouraging independence in routine activities and interpersonal interactions.
Vocational Rehabilitation & Skill Development – Training in livelihood skills to facilitate social and economic reintegration.
Community Reintegration & Family Support – Strengthening connections with families and communities for sustained recovery.

Through SURAKHYA, Ekta is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health and ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

4. Community Mental Health Program

Mental health remains a critical yet often overlooked issue, particularly for persons with mental illness (PWMI) and epilepsy, who face stigma, social exclusion, and lack of access to proper care. To address these challenges, Ekta has initiated the Community Mental Health Program across Koraput, Jeypore, and Dasmantpur blocks, aiming to provide comprehensive support and empowerment.

This program focuses on capacity building of project staff, service providers, and community institutions (carers’ groups), ensuring improved healthcare access for 1,100 PWMI and their 1,100 carers. It also promotes livelihood opportunities to enhance economic independence, while actively working to reduce stigma and discrimination through community mobilization.

Through community-based rehabilitation (CBR), medical intervention, counseling, vocational training, and social awareness, this initiative fosters inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for persons affected by mental health conditions. Together, we strive for a society where mental well-being is a priority, and every individual gets the support they deserve.