CBM India Trust: Leading the Charge for Disability-Inclusive Development Across India
New Delhi – With a legacy of over five decades, CBM India Trust stands as a pioneering force in disability-inclusive development, championing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities across India. Reaching over 32.9 lakh people in 2023–24 alone, the organization continues to break barriers—cultural, systemic, and environmental—while empowering marginalized communities through inclusive access to healthcare, education, livelihoods, and more.
“We envision an inclusive society where every person with a disability has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” said Dr. Sara Varughese, Managing Trustee of CBM India Trust.
A Vision Rooted in Inclusion
Founded in 1994, with roots tracing back to 1967, CBM India Trust is guided by a comprehensive approach to sustainable, disability-inclusive development. Executive Director Sony Thomas leads the operational efforts across more than 25 Indian states and union territories, prioritizing community-based engagement and systemic change.
The organization focuses on building the autonomy of persons with disabilities, preventing avoidable impairments, and ensuring their full participation in society.
Holistic and Inclusive Programs
Inclusive Health: CBM India Trust’s healthcare initiatives ensure that persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have access to high-quality, affordable, and stigma-free services. Programs address both treatment and prevention, particularly for impairments caused by avoidable diseases.
Inclusive Education: By supporting mainstream education, teacher training, and community learning centers, the Trust provides children with disabilities equitable access to quality education and therapy.
Inclusive Livelihoods: Through skills training and self-help groups, CBM empowers persons with disabilities to achieve financial independence. A disability-inclusive organic farming initiative even earned the Zero Project Innovation Award in 2017.
Humanitarian Action: The organization integrates persons with disabilities in disaster response and resilience-building, offering inclusive relief and promoting environmental sustainability.
Inclusive Sports: CBM supports Para athletes with training, equipment, and developmental needs—nurturing talent and boosting self-confidence.
Capacity Building & Accessibility: Approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India, CBM trains grassroots workers in community-based inclusive development and conducts accessibility audits under the government’s Accessible India Campaign.
Building Impactful Partnerships
Collaborations with government bodies and corporates have yielded transformative results—from helping Sikkim become India’s first avoidable blindness-free state, to launching inclusive garment units and vision centers across the country.
“Our work is about creating systemic shifts through innovation and partnership,” said Sony Thomas.
With plans to deepen its impact through engagement with private philanthropists and new funding partners, CBM India Trust continues to lead the way toward a more inclusive and equitable India.
💬 Key Quotes
“We envision an inclusive society where every person with a disability can thrive with dignity, autonomy, and opportunity.”
— Dr. Sara Varughese, Managing Trustee, CBM India Trust
“Inclusion is not an add-on—it is the foundation of sustainable development. Our work is about equity, access, and participation for all.”
— Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust
“We believe in partnerships that create systemic shifts and build resilient communities.”
— Dr. Sara Varughese
“People with disabilities are not just beneficiaries—they are leaders, innovators, and agents of change in their communities.”
— Sony Thomas
🙋♀️ Why CBM India?
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✅ Pan-India Reach: Working in over 25 states and union territories
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✅ Impact Scale: Over 32.9 lakh lives touched in a single year (2023–24)
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✅ Inclusive Model: Focus on health, education, livelihoods, disaster response, and capacity building
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✅ Recognition & Partnerships: Winner of Zero Project Innovation Award; partnerships with government, corporates, and civil society
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✅ Expertise & Legacy: Over five decades of pioneering disability-inclusive development in India
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✅ Empowering Leaders: Support for grassroots leadership and para-athletes
❓Q&A
Q: What makes CBM India Trust unique?
A: CBM India adopts a holistic, rights-based approach that actively involves persons with disabilities in planning, implementing, and leading programs. Its work spans from grassroots training to systemic advocacy.
Q: How does CBM India contribute to inclusive education?
A: Through community learning centers, therapy services, teacher training, and integration in mainstream schools, CBM ensures equitable education for children with disabilities.
Q: What role does CBM India play in disaster relief?
A: CBM leads disability-inclusive disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that relief and rehabilitation are accessible to all.
Q: Is CBM India affiliated with the government?
A: CBM collaborates closely with various government bodies but operates as an independent trust. It is also empaneled under the Government of India’s Accessible India Campaign.
Q: How does CBM support economic empowerment?
A: Through skill development, self-help groups, and inclusive producer organizations, CBM helps persons with disabilities become self-reliant and financially secure.
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