Our story began when N S Hema, a 17-year-old girl affected by polio, travelled to Mumbai seeking medical intervention and discovered the Fellowship of the Physically Handicapped. The rehabilitation centre, founded by Fatima Ismail, supported many people with disability, helping them find their independence and inspiring N S Hema to do the same. ‍

On returning to Bengaluru, her father connected with N D Diwan, an ex-serviceman, and Rev I L Thomas, Principal of Bishop Cotton School, Bengaluru, both of whom were wheelchair users. Together, they discussed the need for such a rehabilitation and therapy centre in Bengaluru. Thus, in 1959, the Association of People with Disability was born.