Awards & Recognition

Times of India Social Impact Honours

2026

Recognised in the Technology & AI for Social Good category for APD’s Yes to Access initiative.

IFIP National Inclusion Award

2026

Recognised at the World Inclusion Conference India 2026 for APD’s contribution to advancing disability inclusion.

India AI Impact Summit Recognition

2026

Yes to Access was featured in the Accessibility Impact Casebook and referenced in Inclusive by Design: India’s AI4ALL Playbook.

Bridgestone India Mobility Social Impact Award

2025

Recognised APD’s contribution to inclusive mobility and social impact, with a cash award of ₹12 lakh and citation.

For the Sake of Honour Award, Rotary

2024

Honoured APD’s contribution to the disability sector, with a cash award of ₹30,000 and citation.

Bridgestone Mobility Award – Special Jury Award

2024

Recognised APD’s Rehab on Wheels initiative for taking rehabilitation services closer to communities.

HCL Grant Award

2022

Awarded a ₹5 crore grant in recognition of APD’s innovative work in healthcare and transformative rural development.

Bridgestone Mobility Award – Special Jury Award

2022

Recognised APD’s Cot to Community approach to spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

19th NINA SIBAL Memorial Award, AIWEFA

2021

Recognised APD as a leading NGO, with a cash award of ₹8 lakh and citation.

ASSISTech Foundation Award – Best Assistive Technology Initiative

2021

Recognised APD’s work in advancing assistive technology for persons with disabilities.

National Educational Excellence Award

2021

APD’s school was recognised as a Top and Most Promising School for Children with Special Needs.

NCPEDP–Mindtree Helen Keller Award

2019

Recognised APD under Category C for its role as a model NGO/institution advancing disability inclusion.

Appreciation Award, NIMHANS

2019

Recognised APD’s contribution to mental health by the Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS.

Individual Institutional Award for SIS, ADAPT

2018

Recognised APD’s institutional contribution through the award presented by Able Disabled All People Together.

Best NGO Award, FKCCI

2018

Recognised APD as Best NGO by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Tech Mahindra Foundation Award

2018

Recognised APD for achieving a high number of placements under the SMART programme.

Akhil Bhartiya Oswal Parishad Award

2017

Recognised APD for its contribution to social development and disability inclusion.

Highest Fundraising NGO, TCS World 10K Bengaluru

2017

Recognised APD as the highest fundraising NGO at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru.

Kempegowda Award

2007

APD received the prestigious Kempegowda Award from BBMP, with APD President M. N. V. Urs felicitated at Kanteerava Indoor Stadium.

Karnataka Rajyotsava Award – N. S. Hema

1994

APD founder N. S. Hema received the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award for her contribution to society.

National Award from the President of India

1988

APD received a National Award presented by President R. Venkataraman in recognition of its work in the disability sector.

Accreditations & Institutional Status

Gold Certification, Give.do

2023

Received Gold Certification for organisational transparency and compliance.

Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

2018

APD was granted Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC, enabling formal engagement with relevant United Nations processes and forums.

NGO Darpan Registration

2015

Registered with the Government of India’s NGO Darpan platform as a recognised non-profit organisation.

Government Appointments & Formal Roles

DEPwD National Accessibility Partnership

2026

APD signed a renewed MoU with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to strengthen citizen-led accessibility assessment and monitoring nationally.

State Nodal Agency, National Trust Act

2020

Appointed as the State Nodal Agency for Karnataka for programmes and schemes under the National Trust Act.

Institutional Engagements & Milestones

Painting by N. S. Hema signed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru Historical Recognition

Historical

An early historical recognition associated with APD founder N. S. Hema, reflecting engagement with national leadership.