Did you know? The World health Organizations and United Nations estimates that about 15% of the population has a disability.

When it comes to people with disabilities, there exists a barrier or asymmetry that exists in accessing the right information at the right time, at the right place. Information, whether on schemes/ entitlements introduced by state/ central governments; or knowing about the provisions of the RPWD Act 2016; or wanting to know what support services are available in the neighbourhood; or where to get access specialize services like wheelchair taxis, access auditors etc; or just a simple doubt on the correct terminologies for disability –  forms the difference between an “empowered” or a “not empowered”. A difference of ‘haves’ or ‘have nots. Unfortunately, despite the advances in the digital age, Disability related information is scarce, not aggregated, difficult to access, and seldom update to-date in India.

Mera Mitra is set up with a vision to bridge this information asymmetry and expand opportunities for people with disabilities, help them realize their full potential and enable to live a life with independence, dignity, and confidence. It aspires to be a one-stop repository for all information on disability and serve as the collective voice to effect change for people with disabilities.

Mera Mitra is a cross disability forum, that empowers you to discover new & common topics on disability, help each other out, exchange ideas, share your voice, and establishing ever-lasting bonds. It is open to all persons with disabilities, parents and family members of disabled persons, service-providers, caregivers, researchers, teachers, policy makers, industry, and all other well-wishers of the sector. Among other things, Mera Mitra can help you:

·         be informed with the information that matters.  Whether, you want to know about governments schemes, or be it the procedure to get your UDID card; Mera Mitra’s information section can help.

·         Follow and contribute to wide range of discussions that impacts the lives of the disabled with the Mera Mitra community.

·         Know about the products, services, and technology solutions in Mera Mitra product section.

·         Locate your nearest government, private and non-government agencies that can partner with you in Mera Mitra’s directory section.

·         Access a wide range of publications of importance for people with disabilities in Mera Mitra’s resource library.

·         Access information with the Mera Mitra chatbot on your smartphones and other smart devices. Just say/type: “Talk to Mera Mitra” on your nearest Google Assistant powered device.

Mera Mitra is an initiative of Friends For Inclusion- a non-profit organizations set up with a vision to empower people with disabilities in 2017. They work on innovative programs that create, promote, and facilitate solutions that empowers them to live with independence, confidence, and dignity. You can know more about Friends For Inclusion on their website. 

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