Address by Dr. Shanti Auluck

How did MUSKAAN start?

Muskaan was started by a group of parents and professionals back in 1982. This group came together over their common concern about the absence of educational and training facilities for intellectually disabled children and adults in India and proper guidance to their parents. Since our humble inception we have grown into the largest parents’ association in this field in Northern India. Parents of intellectually challenged children are encouraged to become the members of our Parents’ Association so that a strong advocacy group is created to represent the interests of intellectually challenged people in various government and non-Government forums.

GUIDING VISION

Our guiding philosophy is capacity building rather than charity and welfare and our endeavor is to provide the highest possible quality of life to intellectually disabled persons. We work towards empowering the parents through emotional support, counseling, sharing of the information and knowledge. It enables them to understand the development and other psychological needs of their intellectually disabled children and that is essential to facilitate the optimal development of their children. Creating public awareness is an important work to secure their rightful place in the society.