Asha-Lata Viklang Vikas Kendra, established on July 19, 1999, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the education, development, and rehabilitation of children with various disabilities, including hearing impairment, visual impairment, orthopedic challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and multiple disabilities. Founded by retired senior officials of SAIL, Bokaro Steel Plant, the institute began with 45 children and has since grown to accommodate over 198 students.
Operating without financial assistance from the government or other funding agencies, the center relies solely on individual and organizational donations. The institute is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with registration number 225, and is affiliated with the National Trust, Government of India, and the Rehabilitation Council of India. It is also a member of the National Trust's local level committee for Bokaro District and is registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The center is located in Sector-5/D, Bokaro Steel City, Bokaro, Jharkhand, 827006, India. The contact email is [email protected]. The institute offers education from Class I to XII, a rarity in the disability sector, and monitors its students' progress post-Class XII, providing support and guidance until they are properly rehabilitated into mainstream society. Asha-Lata has initiated professional computer courses (O-Level) for disabled children who have completed Class XII and are unable to pursue higher studies, aiming to enhance their employment opportunities.
The center has implemented the Disability Act, 1995, by appointing four teachers and one non-teaching staff member from the disabled community, constituting about 17% of its staff. Additionally, Asha-Lata has facilitated 32 marriages for disabled ex-students, with 28 marrying non-disabled spouses. The institute operates on a five-acre land provided by Bokaro Steel Plant, featuring ten classrooms, three office rooms, two computer centers, a physiotherapy center, and a Helen Keller multipurpose hall spanning 3,000 sq ft.
Future plans include establishing a university for disabled students at Asha-Lata with hostel facilities, with support from SAIL, Bokaro Steel Plant, and the citizens of Bokaro. The center's mission is to empower children with disabilities, integrating them into society and providing them with opportunities for a better life. The institute's dedication and achievements have been recognized by various organizations and individuals, including a visit from the Group General Manager of ONGC in 2017, who expressed appreciation for the center's commitment and dedication.
The students also presented a cultural program on this occasion, which was well-received. Asha-Lata Viklang Vikas Kendra continues to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for children with disabilities, striving to create an inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.