Swayamkrushi's vision of inclusion goes far beyond the campus. From representing India in the Special Olympics to marching in Republic Day parades, from NCC camps to pan-India awareness campaigns — our trainees are proud members of the world.
Swayamkrushi organised Badthe Kadam for four consecutive years — 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 — covering every district of Andhra Pradesh with a powerful awareness campaign about the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
Under Badthe Kadam, the team travelled to every district with route partners, stopping at key locations to talk to the public about government schemes and NGO opportunities available for persons with disabilities.
🏆 SNAC–Andhra Pradesh won the Gold Medal for the Best Badthe Kadam Campaign for the year 2011 — a national recognition of Swayamkrushi's outreach excellence.
Swayamkrushi trainees have competed and won at district, state, national, and international levels — proudly representing Swayamkrushi and India on the world stage.
Students (girls and boys) participated in the National Olympics on 18–19 November 1996 — winning four gold medals and one silver medal.
Swayamkrushi conducted an Inter-School Sports Competition for the handicapped as part of its decennial (10th anniversary) celebrations on 26 September 2001 — bringing schools together in sporting spirit.
Master Naga Hanuma Kumar represented India in the World Cup Football Championship held in Japan in October 2002 — a historic achievement for Swayamkrushi and for inclusive sports in India.
Swayamkrushi students won 3 silver and 3 bronze medals in the National Olympics held at various venues across India in 2002.
Swayamkrushi conducted the State Level Athletic Championship for the handicapped in collaboration with Sivus India in March 2002 — hosting and competing at the highest state level.
Ammi and Gayatri represented India in the Special Olympics at Greece in the Handball event — winning bronze and silver medals respectively, bringing immense pride to Swayamkrushi.
Akshara represented India in the Special Olympics at Australia in the Bocce game — winning a bronze medal and inspiring generations of Swayamkrushi trainees who followed her journey.
Every community initiative by Swayamkrushi has demonstrated that Persons with Intellectual Disability are full, capable, and valued members of society.
Intellectually challenged individuals from Swayamkrushi participated in a Fashion Show organised by Rotaract Club in 1995. The unique feature: trainees walked on the ramp with regular models — appreciated by media and audience alike.
In January 1996, Swayamkrushi students (girls and boys) participated in the NCC Annual Training Camp — the first such integration of persons with intellectual disabilities with NCC cadets in India. The NCC Directorate of AP later included this integration as a permanent part of their curriculum.
Young people with intellectual disabilities joined Kasturba College girls in the Janmabhoomi "Keep the City Clean" programme, launched by CM Chandra Babu Naidu. In 1998, a Swayamkrushi team visited Bommalramaram, Nalgonda District, to identify children with intellectual disabilities and guide village officials.
When Andhra Pradesh was devastated by a severe cyclone in 1996, Swayamkrushi put up a stall at the Lions Club Tarnaka Fete displaying handmade articles — contributing the proceeds to the Andhra Relief Fund, proving that Persons with Intellectual Disability can also be agents of community service.
Swayamkrushi students have marched as a separate contingent in Republic Day Celebrations for over 10 years — holding their heads high with pride and dignity. They are presented with certificates and mementos by the Honourable Governor of Andhra Pradesh and the Commandant, College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad.
On 3rd July 1999, about 30 young students of Swayamkrushi took part in the Kargil rally at Hyderabad — conducted to show solidarity and a sense of nationalism during the Kargil conflict.
Students and staff undertake excursion trips to Kanyakumari, Chennai, Basar, Shirdi, and Tirupathi — experiencing public transport, community life, and independent travel. In one remarkable instance, students attended a Round Table picnic with no staff member accompanying them.
Swayamkrushi bagged 2nd prize in Group Singing at the National Festival of Music and Dance (NIMH, Ravindra Bharathi, 1999) and 1st prize at World Disabled Day (St. Mary's High School, 1999). Trainees also sang 30 patriotic and devotional songs on Tharanga Radio station.
Swayamkrushi exhibits at the All India Industrial Exhibition (NIMH), Welcome Group Grand Kakatiya Hotel (1998), Hotel Green Park (1999), Ramada Hotel (2000), Hari Hara Kala Bhavan (2001), NIMH (2002), and annually at DQ, Cognizant, and National Trust awareness melas.
Swayamkrushi organised a WHO-collaborated workshop on "Early Identification and Rehabilitation of Persons with Cerebral Palsy" (Hotel Viceroy, 1995), and a National Seminar on "Group Home for Persons with Intellectual Challenges" in collaboration with NISIET, Hyderabad (1998).
The Swayamkrushi model is studied and admired by academic institutions across India. Every year, students and researchers visit the campus to understand and replicate our work.
Students of M.Ed, B.Ed and DSE (Special Education) from institutions across India visit Swayamkrushi every year as part of their curriculum — studying the Group Homes model firsthand.
Masters in Psychology students from Chennai visited Swayamkrushi and expressed admiration for the Group Homes concept — expressing a desire to replicate it in Chennai.
Disability Studies in Education (Mental Retardation) students from across India visit to study Swayamkrushi's rehabilitation model — recognising it as a pioneering new approach.
NDTV telecasted a documentary on the independent living of Swayamkrushi beneficiaries. Channel 6 published an article in 2013. Trainees have performed at State and Central Government events at Ravindra Bharathi and beyond.