About SAFI

Self Advocates Forum of India (SAFI) is a national, self-advocate-led platform representing persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability and Multiple Disabilities (PwIDDs). It provides a collective voice to self-advocates and empowers them to understand their rights, express their choices, make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in matters affecting their lives.

 

Through its chapters across India, SAFI promotes self-advocacy, leadership, inclusion, education, skill development, livelihood opportunities, independent living and active participation in society. It works closely with families, parents’ associations, professionals, civil society organisations and government authorities to ensure the effective implementation of disability-related laws, policies, schemes and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

 

SAFI is committed to building a society where every PwIDD is respected, heard and provided equal opportunities to live with dignity, confidence and independence. Its guiding principle is:

“Nothing About Us Without Us.”

 

Key Objectives

• To empower PwIDDs to understand their rights, express their choices and advocate for themselves.
• To develop leadership and ensure the meaningful participation of self-advocates in decisions affecting their lives.
• To establish and strengthen SAFI chapters at national, state, district and local levels.
• To promote inclusion, independent living, education, skill development, employment and livelihood opportunities.
• To encourage Self-Help Groups and economic empowerment among PwIDDs.
• To secure appropriate representation of self-advocates in organisations, committees, consultations and public forums.
• To advocate for the effective implementation of disability laws, policies, schemes and the UNCRPD.
• To create awareness and work with families, organisations, professionals, communities and governments for equal rights and opportunities.
• To promote accessible healthcare, early intervention, vocational training, residential support and community-based services.
• To protect the dignity, legal, civil and human rights of PwIDDs and support their full participation in society.