By: Alexandra Shao

Found on their website their mission is to build a society where developmental disability ceases to be an exclusionary factor.

“For over seven years, Sristi has relentlessly worked to create an inclusive society where children and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are respected, valued, and have the choices to lead a holistic and dignified life in mainstream society.”

-Sristi Foundation

The village accepts adults and youth who suffer from autism, cerebral palsy, and more. Through various approaches, the village has flourished and has come to realize its central goal. Utilizing education and training, then application in different life skills both economic and social, these developmentally disabled youths and adults have become economically successful and sometimes self-sufficient to the point of being able to leave Sristi or economically supporting some of their family outside of Sristi. This is an extremely important change for the participants, as in the cultural fabric of India getting a job as an adult is a mark of success and pride. This alone can help redefine the perception and stereotypes of disabilities.

The farm stretches extensively with a central building that houses different offices and a classroom, then a well-equipped playground that sits outside it. Construction has been kickstarted to the back for a rabbit habitat, and those are not their only farm animals. Here they have 15 dairy cows and 125 chickens. There is a large water well that collects rainwater and helps irrigate the fields. Taking a trip down a dirt path you come to the dormitories. Here, adults with disabilities have their own kitchen, bedroom, and space to practice and realize their learned skills. Here meeting with the men staying here, you can see the confidence and joy that would be lacking in many other care homes where overcrowding or lack of staff may lead to medicating patients more when they act out. Instead here there seems to be more self-regulation and a plus to fuel negative feelings instead of being trapped or stuck with them.  

The original concept has now expanded to encompass many different programs. From government-funded and supported programs, outreach and training in other villages, early intervention programs, food drives, and various environmental projects. You can even find on-site a workshop filled with Lego bricks where a designer, inspired by Sristi, created a design where the village produces bags made of Legos. They follow a precut format and then stitch it together. These are then sent to the designer who sells them in Spain. All the projects have been so successful that they are currently continuing their expansion with plans to open a new village strictly for women who suffer from disabilities. They also regularly accept volunteers to come stay on the farm and work, offering what support and skills they can while helping around the farm to pay for room and board. This is a place to put your support as they are changing largely held beliefs and stereotypes against the disabled population in India. To learn more, find more information on their website!