Rajiv Gandhi Access to Opportunities Program
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 600 million people across the globe live with disabilities of various types. People with disabilities are subject to multiple deprivations that limited their access to basic services, including education, employment, rehabilitation facilities, etc. Widespread social stigma plays a major role in hindering their social and economic circumstances too.
According to the Census of 2011, India has 26.8 million disabled people, out of which around 15 million are males and 12 million are females. The Census also revealed that rural areas have more disabled people than urban areas. Most of the disabled are those with movement disabilities (20.3%). This is followed by hearing impairments (18.9%), visual impairments (18.8%) and mental challenges and disabilities (5.6%).
The Rajiv Gandhi Foundation believes that the increased mobility of a physically challenged person greatly enhances their access to education and employment. Based on this belief, the Foundation launched the Rajiv Gandhi Access to Opportunities (RGATO) programme in 1992. Through the RGATO programme, the Foundation awards specially designed vehicles to physically challenged young people. Since 1992, the Foundation has supported more than 2,900 awardees from 25 states and five union territories to access higher education and employment, attain financial independence, and gain dignity and respect in society. The RGATO project has received tremendous support from corporate bodies and concerned individuals too.
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