A Veteran Advocate in Disability Rights and Policy Development

Mrs. Aloka Guha is a highly respected leader in disability rights. She has expertise in intellectual disabilities and decades of experience influencing disability-related policy in India and internationally. With over 45 years of experience, she has advocated for the legal, educational, and human rights of individuals with disabilities.

Career and Contributions

Mrs. Guha served as the Founder-Chairperson of the National Trust, an organisation dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals with disabilities in India. A trained special educator in intellectual disabilities, she has worked extensively with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Government of India on policy and legal matters, contributing to the development of the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Five-Year Plans.

Her international work includes collaborations with the South-East Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organization (SEARO-WHO), where she contributed to both the Disability Unit and the Mental Health Unit under the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). She also served as a Consultant with Autism Speaks, supporting the Government of Bangladesh in developing its national-level multi-sectoral initiative on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDS).

Leadership and Advocacy

Mrs. Guha’s leadership has been pivotal in promoting inclusive education, human rights, and legal frameworks for protecting persons with disabilities. She currently serves as a consultant for various national and international projects, offering her expertise on legal mandates, situation analyses, and the mentoring and monitoring of internationally funded disability initiatives. Her work in teacher training for inclusive education has empowered educators to better support students with disabilities within mainstream educational settings.

Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award Recipient

In 2020, Mrs Aloka Guha was awarded the prestigious Reeta Peshawaria Oration Award for her outstanding contributions to disability rehabilitation. This award acknowledges her significant role in disability policy development, legal advocacy, and promoting inclusive practices for individuals with disabilities.

International Contributions and Consultancy

Mrs. Guha continues to be a leading advocate for disability rights and a consultant on various national and international projects. Her expertise spans legal mandates, situation analyses, and teacher training for inclusive education. Her work with Autism Speaks and contributions to multi-sectoral initiatives reflect her dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities globally.

Legacy

Mrs Aloka Guha’s legacy in disability rights and inclusive education remains influential. Her efforts have shaped policies that protect the rights and promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in India and beyond. Through her work in policy development, legal advocacy, and international consultancy, she continues to drive progress in creating more inclusive societies.

Her tireless advocacy and contributions to the disability sector make her one of the most respected voices in the field. Her work has had a lasting impact on how societies approach and support individuals with disabilities.