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U.S. fundraiser raises $200K to support disabled Indians
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 disability inclusion efforts.
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IANS - Sun, 29, Mar 2026
- 07:20 EDT
- 25
The VOSAP (Voice of Specially Abled People) gala in Fairfax / IANS
A community-led fundraiser in the Washington area has raised $200,000, as a U.S.-based nonprofit set a goal to support 100,000 people with disabilities in India this year through assistive technology, health care 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 disability inclusion efforts.
Founder Pranav Desai said the organization is focused on scaling impact through technology and community engagement.
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“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’re not supported with what they need, they will end up without education. That means without employment,” he said, adding that assistive devices can be life-changing.
Desai said the organization has grown rapidly, expanding 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.
Indian American physician and philanthropist Dr. Vinod Shah highlighted the importance of dignity. “Anytime you give sight, anytime you give mobility … that is nothing more supportive than giving dignity to an individual,” he said.
Philanthropist Ila Shah shared her experience visiting a school for blind students in India, noting that structured support enables independence.
“The school was giving vocational training … so they can get a job, and they can be independent and live with dignity,” she said.
The event showcased technology-driven solutions for people with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments, including assistive devices, AI-enabled tools, and communication platforms for the deaf and deaf-blind.
Desai said the model goes beyond charity. “Stop thinking 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, with digital platforms used to identify beneficiaries, process applications, and track impact in real time.
Advocacy remains a key focus, with VOSAP engaging policymakers in India and on global platforms to promote accessibility and inclusion.
Youth volunteers play a central role in the organization’s work, contributing to research, outreach, and program execution.
“They have found purpose,” Desai said.
The gala concluded with a call 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.
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