Keystone Human Services Hosts Partners The Hans Foundation to Advance the Rights of People with Disabilities in India

HARRISBURG, Pa., November 9, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Keystone Human Services (KHS) is hosting a planning retreat to forward our collaboration to advance the rights of people with disability in India. From November 7-11, Charles Hooker III, President & CEO of KHS, and Betsy Neuville, Director of Keystone Institute India, will be engaged with leaders from The Hans Foundation (THF), including: Shweta Rawat, Chairperson of The Hans Foundation; General Surinder Mehta, CEO; Dr. G.V. Rao, Executive Director; and Paul Glick, Grants Manager.

Over the past 12 months, THF and Keystone Human Services International have partnered in the development of Keystone Institute India, a national educational institute on disability, community, and innovation in India.

Keystone Institute India has a mission to focus on social change around disability issues, providing training and consultation related to creating responsive community supports for men, women, and children living with disability in India. There are more than 27 million people living with a disability in India, and for many, living with a disability means being separated from family and community and leading a life marked by isolation, rejection, stigmatization, and even brutality and danger.

This November visit marks the launch of the next phase of these organizations’ committed partnership. During the first year, Keystone Institute India has been building a network of allied organizations, families, self-advocates, and leaders who are dedicated to creating a more inclusive society for all people in India. Keystone Institute India and other experts from around the world have shared the concepts of Social Role Valorization and Person-Centered Planning with these change makers. Together, KII and The Hans Foundation explored what it means to support individuals with disabilities to fully participate in society.

The visit in PA is dedicated to discussions concerning their progress since the partnership’s February 2016 meeting, and charting the next steps.

The Hans Foundation leaders will visit Keystone Human Services programs, including services for people with autism, mental health services, supported employment, family living, supported living, community homes, and a transitional program.  THF representatives will also have the opportunity to attend Keystone’s Annual Meeting on November 10.

Additionally, THF will visit Millersville University and meet with Dr. Thomas Neuville and students in the Career & Life Studies program, a fully inclusive university program for students with intellectual disabilities.

Keystone Human Services is a nonprofit organization that has been committed to creating environments where all people are valued and contributing members of their community since 1972. Keystone Human Services provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental illness, as well as children’s services, Capital Area Head Start, and Susquehanna Service Dogs. Keystone provides services throughout Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware, as well as the Republic of Moldova and India, and has provided consultation and education in a number of countries, including Kazakhstan, Romania, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

The Hans Foundation (THF) is a charitable trust fund created to provide a source of charitable funds for nonprofit organizations in India.  THF is committed to strengthening India by addressing the areas of health care, education, and disability. It holds a powerful vision of an India where human suffering is alleviated and a strong foundation for the future is built.

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Read Seeking the Way, a blog by Keystone Institute India

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