Shristi Special Academy

What Shristi Special Academy does

Shristi Special Academy is a Bengaluru-based non-profit, founded in 1995, that provides multidisciplinary habilitation and education services to persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities from infancy through adulthood. Its service architecture comprises eight named programmes (Saathi for early childhood 0–16, Chiguru inclusive preschool 18 months–6 years, Prakruthi for autism spectrum disorders, Prayatna for severe multiple disabilities ages 6–14, Drithi for pre-vocational 14–17 and vocational 18–21, Sadhana sheltered workshop, Samudaya community-based rehabilitation, and Dhristi medical camps), supported by therapeutic services in special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (including AAC), running therapy, transportation, and family empowerment. The curriculum is described as scientifically designed and child-centric, with Chiguru implementing the AARAMBH-UNICEF approved inclusive preschool curriculum; on-premises differentiated infrastructure includes a sensory park, reflexology park, and customized disability-specific furniture.

The organization operates from a 2-acre, 20,000+ sqft built-up campus in Channenahalli, 20 km from central Bengaluru, and extends services into over 100 surrounding villages through home-based therapy, self-help groups, and awareness programmes. It is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of more than 50 special educators, psychologists, therapists, counselors, vocational instructors, and medico-social workers led by co-founder and Secretary/Managing Director Suchita Somashekaraiah.

Revenue is generated entirely on a non-profit, donation-driven model: individual donations via an online portal and offline channels (cheque, DD, wire, cash), structured sponsorship schemes (Project Annapoorna for meals, Project Dhristi for healthcare, Sponsor-a-Child subscriptions), corporate CSR partnerships with Accenture, Cisco, Goldman Sachs, Continent, and the Overseas Women's Club, nominal sales from the Sadhana sheltered workshop, and government support coordinated through the Karnataka Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens. Tax-deductible status is conferred by 12A and 80G registrations, with FCR clearance permitting foreign contributions.

Name

Shristi Special Academy

Legal name

Shristi Special Academy

Website

https://shristispecialacademy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education and Disability Rehabilitation Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAKAAAE

Special Needs Early Intervention & Preschool Programs

Education/Special Education & Learning Support Services/Special Education Schools & Programs

SECONDARYEDAJAKAK

Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services

Education/K–12 / Primary & Secondary Education/K–12 Special Education Services

SECONDARYHSAAAIAO

Transition & School-Readiness Support for Special Needs Children

Home & Personal Services/Childcare, Babysitting & Nanny Services/Special Needs & Inclusive Childcare Services

Keywords

• Special education services
• Developmental disability support
• Vocational training programs
• Therapy services
• Inclusive education

Headquarters

HQ city

Bengaluru

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations accepted through online payment portal, cheque, DD, wire transfer, and cash. Various sponsorship options include sponsoring breakfast/lunch for students, meals on special occasions, medicines, aids and appliances, therapies, education, transportation.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Projects: Corporate organizations can sponsor programmes, events (Sports Day, Annual Day, Picnic, Field Visit), and developmental/infrastructure projects as part of their CSR initiatives.
3. Vocational Product Sales: Sheltered workshop produces and sells products including jute and paper products, cleaning agents and disinfectants, candles, and artificial jewellery. Students receive nominal stipend based on individual capability.
4. Government Grants and Support: Recognized by Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Karnataka. Coordinates with government offices to help students receive entitlements such as disability ID cards, disability pensions, NIRAMAYA health insurance, and bus/train passes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Shristi Special Academy provides centre-based and community-based habilitation services for persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders) from infancy through adulthood. Core offerings include eight named programmes covering early childhood intervention, inclusive preschool, autism spectrum support, comprehensive intervention, pre-vocational and vocational training, sheltered workshop employment, community outreach, and medical camp support, complemented by special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, running therapy, transportation, and family empowerment services.

Product overview

Shristi Special Academy operates as a non-profit special education institution offering a multi-tiered, age-based programme architecture. The organisation provides eight distinct core programmes spanning early childhood intervention (Saathi, Chiguru) through adult vocational training and employment (Drithi, Sadhana), complemented by specialised services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and running therapy. The Chiguru preschool implements the AARAMBH-UNICEF approved inclusive curriculum, while the vocational Sadhana workshop produces marketable products including jute/paper goods, cleaning agents, candles, and jewellery. Community outreach is handled through the Samudaya programme serving over 100 villages, with Dhristi providing periodic medical camp support. The organisation's comprehensive service model is designed for holistic habilitation of Persons With Developmental Disabilities from infancy through adulthood.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Saathi (Companion) Early Childhood Programme for children ages 0 to 16 with developmental disabilities, focused on minimizing developmental deficits, acquiring new skills, and increasing independent functioning to prevent secondary handicaps.
• Chiguru (Tender Leaves) Pre-school Inclusive Programme for children ages 18 months to 6 years from rural communities, including children with developmental delays, delivered using the AARAMBH-UNICEF approved inclusive curriculum.
• Prakruthi (Nature) Comprehensive programme for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders from infancy to adulthood, providing intensive life skill training, sensory integration therapy, and adaptive behavior skills development.
• Prayatna (Effort) Comprehensive intervention programme for children ages 6 to 14 with severe multiple disabilities and significantly low intellectual abilities, including special education, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, sensory stimulation, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
• Drithi (Resolution) Pre-vocational Training (ages 14-17) and Vocational Training (ages 18-21) programme focused on developing employability skills, workplace behavior, and economic independence through systematic product-making training.
• Sadhana (Achievement) On-the-job Training sheltered workshop providing employment opportunities for adult students to produce jute and paper products, cleaning agents and disinfectants, candles, and artificial jewellery, with students receiving a nominal stipend based on individual capability.
• Samudaya (Community) Community-based Rehabilitation Programme reaching children from over 100 surrounding villages, providing home-based therapy and focusing on family and community participation through awareness programmes and self-help groups.
• Dhristi (Focus) Periodic medical camps conducted in collaboration with leading medical professionals and hospitals, providing follow-up treatment, medicines, aids and appliances, and NIRAMAYA health insurance policy enrollment assistance.
• Special Education Well-planned and structured system of teaching with consistent monitoring to ensure Persons With Disabilities achieve their maximum potential.
• Physiotherapy Treatment sessions involving therapeutic exercises to improve strength, enhance range of motion, develop endurance, correct postural and muscle imbalance, and reduce stiffness and pain.
• Occupational Therapy Systematically planned therapy sessions to build abilities necessary for day-to-day activities, helping individuals live independent, productive and satisfying lives.
• Speech Therapy Speech and communication improvement services for children and adults, including AAC intervention practices and assistance with eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.
• Family Empowerment Programme Sessions building awareness about Developmental Disabilities, fostering acceptance and understanding, with regular home visits and counseling by counselors and team members.
• Transportation Services Monitored transportation services enabling students to travel independently to and from the centre.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 200 students served across multiple age groups
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Trust, New DelhicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShristi Special Academy is a registered organization with the National Trust, New Delhi. Under The National Trust, since November 2013, the academy is making NIRAMAYA health insurance policy for students of Shristi and other NGOs.
• DNA (Disability NGOs Alliance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShristi Special Academy is a Founder Member of DNA, Disability NGOs Alliance - a network of disability-focused NGOs working together for common goals.
• Autism Society of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShristi Special Academy is a Founder Member of the Autism Society of India, contributing to advocacy and support for individuals with autism and their families.
• Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, KarnatakacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecognized by the Department for Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizen, Karnataka. Helps students receive entitlements such as disability ID cards, disability pensions, NIRAMAYA health insurance, and bus and train passes.
• Leading Medical Professionals and HospitalsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with leading medical professionals and hospitals for organizing periodic medical camps to address medical needs of students.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sense International India: Ahmedabad-headquartered non-profit delivering education, therapy and rehabilitation services, including for children with multiple disabilities. Comparable in early intervention, family empowerment and government-recognized programme design.
• ADAPT (formerly Spastic Society of India): Mumbai-headquartered non-profit operating special education, therapy, vocational training and inclusive education programmes for persons with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. Most direct Indian peer given comparable lifespan, programme structure, and advocacy footprint.
• Amar Seva Sangam: Tamil Nadu-based non-profit integrating early intervention, special education, therapy, and vocational rehabilitation with a strong community-rehab model. Comparable lifespan model with similar reliance on donations and government-recognized services.
• Tamana NGO: Delhi-based non-profit running special education, vocational training (Tamana Integrated School and workshop) and rehabilitation services for persons with autism, intellectual and multiple disabilities. Comparable in vocational workshop model and government recognition pathway.
• Mobility India: Bangalore-based non-profit working on rehabilitation, assistive technology and disability inclusion, with overlapping therapy, vocational, and community rehabilitation mandates. Comparable audience, geographic catchment, and donor pool.
• The Association of People with Disability (APD): Bangalore-based non-profit providing rehabilitation, special education, vocational training and assistive devices to persons with disabilities. Closest geographic peer and most direct competitor for Bengaluru-area families, CSR funding and government partnerships.
• Ummeed Child Development Center: Mumbai-based non-profit offering multidisciplinary therapies, early intervention and family empowerment for children with developmental disabilities. Direct comparable to Shristi's therapy-integrated, family-centered model, and one of the most scaled peer organizations in this niche.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=Ia_OjAVAUhE&feature=youtu.be
• Facebookfacebook.com/shristispecialacademy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shristi-special-academy
• Instagraminstagram.com/shristi.speacialacademy

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shristi Special Academy