
Bihar Association of Persons with Disabilities
The Bihar Association of Persons with Disabilities (BAPwD) is a pioneering organization committed to the empowerment, inclusion, and rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs) across Bihar. For over 25 years, BAPwD has worked tirelessly to build an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity. Guided by a rights-based and needs-based approach, the organization works across a wide range of focus areas including inclusive education, employment and livelihood, rehabilitation and accessibility, leadership development, grassroots networking, public awareness, and social inclusion through sports and cultural engagement.
BAPwD actively collaborates with government bodies and civil society organizations to advance the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which advocates for dignity, equality, accessibility, and non-discrimination. The organization’s programs promote comprehensive legal protections and systemic inclusion for individuals with disabilities across all sectors.
A unique feature of BAPwD is its democratic governance model. Every three years, the association elects 13 PwD members through transparent elections to serve as executive representatives at multiple levels—State, 38 Districts, 09 Commissionaries (Division), Sub-Divisions (101), Blocks (534), Panchayats (8,405), Nagar Panchayats, Nagar Parishad, Nagar Nigam, and Ward levels—covering all 38 districts of Bihar. This vast and inclusive structure ensures deep grassroots representation and leadership by persons with disabilities themselves.
BAPwD is formally recognized and registered under multiple statutory frameworks. It is registered with the Government of Bihar under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, Section 51, and is also registered with the National Trust – Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, DARPAN Portal (NITI Aayog), and holds valid certifications under Income Tax Sections 12AA and 80G, enabling tax exemptions for donors. Furthermore, BAPwD is accredited with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), strengthening its voice at national and international forums.
Through its sustained efforts, BAPwD has empowered thousands of individuals with disabilities, created livelihood opportunities, and led systemic change. The organization remains steadfast in its belief that inclusion is not charity—it is a right, and continues to lead the movement for dignity, justice, and equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities in Bihar.