Washington, March 29 – A community-led fundraising effort in the national capital has raised $200,000, as a US-based non-profit organization set a goal to support 100,000 people with special abilities in India this year through assistive technology, healthcare access, and volunteer-driven programs.
The VOSAP (Voice of Specially Abled People) gala in Fairfax, a suburb of Washington, D.C., brought together donors, professionals, and student volunteers to support efforts to include people with disabilities.
Founder Pranav Desai said the organization is focused on scaling its impact through technology and community engagement.
"We have been able to create a community with a single shared goal: let's harness ability, let's empower people with disabilities," he said.
He emphasized the importance of early intervention. "If a child is born with a disability… if they are not supported with what they need, they will end up without education. That means without employment," he said. He added that "assistive devices… completely change their lives."
Desai said the organization has grown rapidly in recent years. It has moved from helping a few hundred individuals to tens of thousands annually. "We want to be the transformation catalyst… whatever we do has a far-reaching impact," he said.
Renowned Indian-American doctor and philanthropist Dr. Vinod Shah highlighted the importance of dignity. "Anytime you give sight, anytime you give mobility… that is nothing more than giving the dignity to an individual," he said.
Philanthropist Ila Shah shared her experience of visiting a school for blind students in India. She said structured support can enable independence. "The school was providing vocational training… so they can get a job, and they can be independent and live with dignity," she said.
The event showcased technology-led solutions for people with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments. These include assistive devices, AI-enabled tools, and communication platforms for the deaf and deaf-blind.
Desai said the model goes beyond charity. "Stop thinking about welfare… just look at their ability. And then there are trillions of dollars for the world," he said.
He also highlighted the role of technology in scaling operations. The organization uses digital platforms to identify beneficiaries, process applications, and monitor impact in real time.
Advocacy is another key focus. VOSAP engages with policymakers in India and global platforms to push for accessibility and inclusion.
Youth volunteers play a central role in its work. Students contribute research, outreach, and program execution. "They have found purpose," Desai said.
The gala ended with an appeal for continued support. "We all have to speak up. If we don't speak up, people would not understand the abilities of people with disabilities," he said.