Hyderabad: The Equally Able Foundation has signed an agreement with the Telangana State government to help people with disabilities become entrepreneurs. As part of this agreement, the foundation will contribute $250,000 (around Rs 2.15 crore) over the next five years.
The goal of the program is to help 250 individuals with disabilities start small businesses. The idea is to give them the tools and support they need to become independent and live with dignity.
Mohammed Yousuf, the founder of the Equally Able Foundation, spoke about this initiative at an event held in partnership with Faiz-e-Aam Trust. He shared that the agreement with the State government was signed recently.
Yousuf, who moved to the United States in the 1990s, started the foundation to support people with physical, visual, and cognitive disabilities. He emphasized that people with disabilities have a better understanding of the challenges they face. He also mentioned that, despite improvements in technology, there are still not enough opportunities for them.
Referring to a study by Accenture, Yousuf said that the global economy could grow by $25 billion if only 1 in 100 people with disabilities were hired by top companies. He added, “Inclusion is the key. Our goal is not just to help them but to restore their dignity and help them become self-sufficient.”
Economist Prof. Amirullah Khan, who is also part of the Telangana Public Service Commission, praised the State government for offering the highest disability pension in India. He noted that nearly 15 lakh people in Telangana benefit from this support.
The event was also attended by Siasat Editor Zahid Ali Khan, MLC Amir Ali Khan, Mohammed Alam Khan, Khader Alam Khan, and others.
