Odisha Rising Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive society where persons with disabilities (PwDs) have equal opportunities for education, skill development, and independent living. Through dedicated programs, we provide specialized interventions, vocational training, and essential resources to empower children and youth with disabilities across Odisha.

Advocacy for Inclusive Education

We are empanelled partner with the Odisha Government’s SSEPD department, special schools, and organizations and contribute informing inclusive policies and ensure that mainstream educational institutions become more accessible to children with disabilities.

Navdarshan focuses on providing therapeutic intervention, vocational training, special education, and counseling to children and youth with disabilities. Currently operational in 10 special schools across 5 districts of Odisha, this initiative directly benefits over 1,000 children and young adults while also supporting over 3,000 parents and caregivers with essential resources and training.

Located in Jeypore, Koraput, Premkunj is dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment for persons with disabilities. The school provides life skills training, therapeutic intervention, and inclusive education to ensure holistic development and self-reliance among students.

i. Enhance Skill Development & Livelihood
To enable financial independence, we offer vocational training and skill development programs for youth with disabilities. These programs help them acquire marketable skills and connect with employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment.
ii. Parental Guidance & Local support group
We work closely with parents, caregivers, and local communities to promote awareness of disability rights and inclusive education. Through counseling sessions, training workshops, and resource-sharing, we provide families with the necessary knowledge and tools to support their children effectively. Additionally, we have established local support groups, offering caregivers a platform to connect, share experiences, and find solutions to common challenges.

Odisha Rising Foundation is dedicated to advancing language inclusivity by promoting Indian Sign Language (ISL) training as a mainstream communication tool for the hearing and speech impaired in Odisha. Through structured training programs, we aim to bridge the communication by creating a pool of advanced special educators.

Our Key Initiatives

1. ISL Training for Parents, Teachers, and Students
We have trained over 3,000 parents, teachers, and students in Indian Sign Language, with a goal to reach more than 8,400 individuals. By equipping educators and caregivers with ISL skills, we ensure better communication and learning opportunities for children with hearing and speech impairments.
2. Empowering the Deaf Community
Through training programs and advocacy efforts, we empower individuals with hearing impairments by providing them with better access to education, job opportunities, and social participation.
3. Create a Pool of 100 Interpreters in Odisha
We have trained around 100 Indian Sign Language Interpreter creating a robust network of skilled professionals who can bridge communication gaps and foster inclusivity across Odisha.

We believe that economic empowerment is the key to sustainable community development. Swabalambi is our flagship initiative that equips women with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to become self-reliant entrepreneurs and active contributors to society. Through Swabalambi, we are shaping a future where women take charge of their economic independence and lead the way for stronger, self-sufficient communities.

• 1,500+ Women Empowered through entrepreneurship training and financial assistance.
• 500+ Sewing Machines Set Up to provide skill-based training and livelihood opportunities.
• 20 SHGs Trained in Management Information Systems (MIS), product marketing, and bank linkages to strengthen their business prospects.
• 500+ Women Educated on women`s rights and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), ensuring safety and dignity in the workplace.

Through the Odisha Tribal Women Entrepreneurship Network (OTWEN), we equip tribal women with the skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life. By fostering entrepreneurship, financial independence, and skill development, OTWEN is transforming the lives of tribal women and creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.

• 200+ Tribal Women Empowered across 4 districts through entrepreneurship training, making them self-reliant.
• Training in Digital Skills & Financial Literacy has helped women navigate the digital economy and manage their finances effectively.
• Organic Farming & Vocational Skill Development has promoted sustainable agriculture and diverse income opportunities.