25 years of milestones

Selected milestones from the Position Paper. Each one marks a point where Manovikas either did something for the first time in India or changed what was possible for people with intellectual disability.

Here are the big moments in our story, year by year.

1997
Manovikas founded
Rehabilitation professionals and volunteers start work in a 20-square-yard basement in Delhi.
1999
Right to Education campaign
Manovikas launches a campaign for the right to education of children with disabilities.
2000
Registered society
Registered under the Societies Registration Act; Home of Hope Inc. (USA) becomes a partner.
2001
National representation
Selected to present India's country paper on training and employment of persons with disabilities; first RCI grant.
2003
National Trust registration
Respite and residential care pilot funded by the National Trust — later implemented in 120 locations across India.
2007
RCI approval
Rehabilitation Council of India approves Manovikas to conduct professional training.
2009
IGNOU partnership
Chosen by IGNOU to offer counselling, BA and other programmes; India's first Certificate Course in Care Giving launched.
2010
Community College and NIOS
IGNOU Community College proposal accepted; NIOS accreditation; VSO partnership.
2011
Recognition of Prior Learning
Manovikas proposes RPL under the NVEQF for persons with disabilities; NIOS Open Basic Education study centre.
2012
Make My Choice
Self-determination workshop model launched in India.
2013
First convocation
First convocation; RCI D.Ed. Special Education approved; CBSE Skill Knowledge Partner; appeal for 1% reservation in higher education.
2014
Employers step in
Haldiram's, Barista, Big Bazaar and others begin employing learners; SKOCH Order of Merit for governance.
2015
ACE Lab
Aryaman Centre for Excellence founded in memory of Aryaman.
2016
RPwD Act
Manovikas's reservation appeal reflected in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016; National Award to employee Rishi Butan.
2017
Think College
Inclusive higher education project launched; AICTE Skill Knowledge Provider status.
2018
Advanced Certificate in Inclusive Education
RCI approval; National Award to employee Harish Vij; Vedic Dance and Music Therapy begins.
2019
HSBC Skills for Life
CSR grant of Rs 48.6 lakh with Swades Foundation; SMILE launched with Home of Hope Youth Chapter; Local Level Committee membership.
2020
Pandemic response
Mashavara live consultations and Manbhavan Friendship Circle launched; e-GyanShala built on UDL and NEP 2020; National Award to learner Sachin.
2021
SHUCHITA
Skills programme for women with intellectual disability launched with Home of Hope; FCRA and CSR registrations.
2022
Self-advocacy
28-member Manbhavan Mitr Mandali formed; first Easy Read guideline on Reasonable Accommodation.
2023
25 years
Position Paper published; second edition of the inclusive higher education guide in preparation.