Tibetan Disability Resource Centre Project
Building Inclusion, Dignity and Opportunity for Tibetan People with Disabilities
Across Tibetan refugee settlements in India, children and adults with disabilities remain among the most marginalised members of the community. Limited access to specialist care, inclusive education and early intervention means many are excluded from school, support services and long-term opportunities.
The Tibetan Disability Resource Centre Project (TDRCP) brings together education, therapy and community support to change this — ensuring that children and adults with disabilities can learn, participate and live with dignity.
Working across Tibetan settlements in North and South India, and coordinated from Dharamsala, the programme reaches over 300 individuals directly and more than 10,000 people through wider community engagement.
300+
Children and adults receiving direct disability support
10,000+
Community members reached through training and awareness
"Let’s rejoice in this journey of remaining committed to the cause and also striving to make lives of people better in our own limited means and resources yet with abundance of determination and motivation."
Member of staff
Why It Matters Here
In many Tibetan schools and settlements, there is still limited access to trained therapists, special educators or adapted learning materials. Families often have little guidance on how to support children with disabilities, and stigma can lead to isolation and school dropout.
A recent survey identified significant gaps in access to education and care, with many children still not receiving the support they need to thrive.
Without intervention, disability can become a lifelong barrier to education, independence and inclusion. With the right support, it does not have to be.
Building pathways to inclusion
TDRCP builds practical, community-based support systems that bring services directly to schools and settlements.
Children and adults receive physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy, early intervention and mobility support. Teachers are trained in inclusive education, and schools are supported to develop Individual Education Plans and adapt classroom learning.
Families are also supported through home visits, workshops and awareness sessions, helping them build confidence, understanding and practical skills to support their children at home.
Alongside this, vocational training and livelihood support help young people and adults develop pathways toward independence and participation in community life.
The Difference It Makes
TDRCP is helping to shift disability support in Tibetan communities in exile from isolation to inclusion.
More children are able to remain in school, teachers feel more confident supporting diverse learners, and families are better equipped to advocate for their children’s needs. Early intervention and therapy services help improve mobility, communication and daily functioning, while reducing long-term barriers to independence.
Just as importantly, the programme is helping reduce stigma and build a stronger culture of understanding, inclusion and shared responsibility across exiled Tibetan settlements.
Supporting Inclusion and Independence
The Tibetan Disability Resource Centre Project brings together education, healthcare and community support into one coordinated approach for change.
With your support, more children and adults with disabilities can access the services they need to learn, develop and participate fully in community life — living with dignity, opportunity and hope for the future.
£33
Could help provide rehabilitation support, inclusive education resources and community-based disability services for Tibetan children and adults with disabilities.
