HI has had a strong presence in the country for three decades and has implemented several health, prevention and rehabilitation projects to mainstream disability into the public health system.
HI began its first operation in India in 1988, providing technical assistance to a community-based rehabilitation centre in Pondicherry, southern India. Following an emergency response to the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, the organisation developed a more permanent structure in India.
The organisation has also launched an Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction project to ensure that people with disabilities and other vulnerable people are systematically considered. (Gujarat earthquake, floods in Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha and Bihar). HI implemented response and recovery projects such as the tsunami response in 2004 and the flood response in Bihar and cyclone Aila between 2007 and 2009. Through these interventions, HI has established itself as a key actor in disaster risk reduction with technical expertise in disability inclusive processes and tools.
Finally, HI has promoted equal opportunities and participation of people with disabilities, especially in employment.
