Creating Opportunities
for C/PwDs
Creating Opportunities
for C/PwDs
The Action for Self-Reliance and Alternatives (ASRA), is a charitable, trust, registered under the Trust Act of 1860 working for the equalization of opportunities, inclusion and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities (hereafter called PwDs) in the slums and resettlement colonies of Delhi since 1992. The founder of ASRA Trust is Ms Vandna Mishra. It is committed towards the upliftment and empowerment of young girls & boys who are physically, and mentally challenged or, are from weaker socio-economic backgrounds.
It is constantly ensuring that their medical, social, vocational and economic needs are met. ASRA creates awareness that there is life after disability through proper rehabilitation and it promotes the concept of disability prevention through creating awareness of health, implementation of a service delivery program through its permanent Centre called ASRA Rehabilitation and Training Centre (hereafter called ARTC) at Uttam Nagar and through the Community based Rehabilitation (hereafter called CBR) which is its outreach program.
ASRA follows two-fold approaches for rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities i.e. Institution Based approach through ARTC and Community Based approach through its CBR program.
"Action for Self Reliance and Alternatives" directly conveys ASRA's mission. It emphasises initiative (Action), empowerment and independence (Self Reliance), and offering different solutions or choices to disabled people (Alternatives). We focus on four main areas: helping people with community-based rehabilitation, providing medical and therapeutic services, offering educational programs, and giving vocational training. Our ASRA Rehabilitation and Training Centre (ARTC) in Uttam Nagar and our outreach program ensure that we meet the medical, social, and economic needs of people with disabilities.
OUR VISION
The VISION is to become a state of the art Institution in providing young persons with disabilities living in the slums and resettlement areas a realistic opportunity to become valuable members of the indian society and enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency. ASRA is inclined to retain the best from talented and high performing individuals motivated to help young persons with disabilities from the slums of Delhi and are keen to experience the satisfaction derived from serving the needy.
OUR MISSION
ASRA's MISSION is to integrate PwDs, especially young people of the slums of Delhi and resettlement areas, into the mainstream society & to create opportunities aimed at enhancing their economic life. One of the most important missions of ASRA is to generate awareness amongst PwOs about their own rights. Further, ASRA aspires to identify the PwDs at an early stage and work with them closely in securing their livelihood.
The road has been long, rewarding and steep, but we have promises to keep...
1992
ASRA was officially registered as a charitable trust, founded by a group of passionate individuals who came together with a common goal: to support and uplift young children, both with and without disabilities. With a strong belief in equality, we began by providing essential Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and medical support.
1994
Expanding our impact, we introduced vocational training programs in two CBR centers. This initiative empowered children with practical skills, helping them take steps towards independence and brighter futures.
1995
For almost a decade, ASRA operated from rented accommodations, but our commitment to serve never wavered. Despite the challenges, we continued to reach out to children and families in need, laying a strong foundation for future growth.
1996
We received our first major donation: computers from the American Field Service (AFS). This marked the beginning of a more tech-forward approach to education, helping our students gain essential skills for the modern world.
2000
With more communities joining our mission, our reach expanded significantly. ASRA became a beacon of hope for children and families across several regions, continuing to impact lives through education, healthcare, and rehabilitation.
2006
A milestone year for ASRA—our first piece of land was purchased. This moment symbolized permanence, growth, and a long-term commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our programs.
2007
Our new building was inaugurated by Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, the then Union Minister, with the Swiss Ambassador also present. This was a monumental step for ASRA, providing us with the space and resources to deepen our work within the community.
2018
Another proud moment came with the inauguration of the ASRA Inclusive Resource and Training Centre (AIRTC) special school. The event was attended by the Swiss Ambassador, Mr. K.K. Pandey, and senior officials from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, marking ASRA’s growing role in inclusive education.
2020-2022
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASRA rose to the occasion. Operating at full capacity, we adapted our programs to meet the needs of the time ensuring continuous support, education, and care for our students and communities. This period reinforced our resilience and commitment to those who depend on us.
2024
In 2024, ASRA took a big step forward with the introduction of psychological assessments and digital tools. By understanding each child’s unique needs through personalized assessments, we can offer more effective support. At the same time, embracing technology helps us create smoother, more engaging learning experiences. These changes reflect our commitment to empowering every child, ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve for a brighter future.
