DR. RAJINDER JOHAR, FOUNDER - FOD (19/01/1948 to 01/02/2018)

Family of Disabled was founded by Dr. Rajinder Johar in 1992, after sustaining an injury to his cervical spine that rendered him quadriplegic (paralysis of all the four limbs) for life. Prior to this, he was working as an occupational therapist with King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, UP for 20 years. After becoming disabled himself (awarded with a 100% disability certificate) and confined to bed; he decided to utilize his remaining faculties optimally to the advantage of disabled brethren.

It was only that he wasn’t a biological father of FOD; he nurtured the organization like his own baby. FOD reached great heights, received great regards, honor and innumerable awards for its exclusive services to the people with disabilities under his remarkable leadership. The most unique programmes of FOD are his brainchild, which continue to provide relief to numerous people with disabilities. His passion, grit and determination helped FOD succeed by leaps and bounds. He not only turned the tables on his disability but was a shining living example to the countless disabled as well as non-disabled individuals who came to visit him from far and near. Though he is not physically present among us anymore but would continue to inspire millions with the life he led. We strongly believe that he is with us in spirit and would continue to guide and bless us as we take his grand legacy forward.

VISION
Every person with disability leading a dignified, financially secure and productive life.

MISSION
To build and nurture the capacities of persons with disabilities through different sustainable interventions for improving their quality of life, making them self reliant and facilitating their mainstreaming.

Family of Disabled (FOD) is a registered not-for-profit organisation serving persons with disabilities since 1992. It was founded by Rajinder Johar, himself a quadriplegic who has been bedridden for the last 22 years. Our vision is to see every person with disability leading a dignified, financially secure and productive life.

FOD has a number of firsts to its credit including publishing of India's first magazine on disability as well as projects like Apna Rozgaar, Beyond Limits and Gyan Path. Information on these can be found on the site.

We strive to enable disabled people with low socio-economic status earn their livelihood, promote quality education amongst children, encourage artists and artisans with disabilities to showcase their talent and create awareness on issues related to disability. Besides these we take other initiatives to mainstream persons with disabilities.

The organisation has its head office in Delhi.

Objectives

• To provide an appropriate platform and opportunity to persons with disabilities especially those from poor socio-economic background to earn their livelihood and be economically independent.
• To capacitate persons with disabilities to realise their potential and latent talents and enable them to become productive members of the society.
• To empower persons with disabilities with knowledge and information.
• To create awareness and sensitise the masses about various aspects of various disabilities