About DAND

Discover A New Dawn was founded in Kolkata on 5 March 2014 to bring people with disabilities into the mainstream of work and public life.

What we want: a world without structural, social and economic barriers, where people with disabilities live with dignity and on equal terms.

How we work: small, practical programmes run with volunteers, partner clubs and professionals who give their time. Most of our sessions are free.

Six DAND trainees and team members standing together in the DAND office.

What we have done since 2014

2014Trust registered in Kolkata.
2015-16Surveyed 217 educated, employable people with disabilities across Kolkata and North and South 24 Parganas. 76% had no job. Held our first multi-topic counselling programme in Kalighat on legal rights, education, jobs and exams.
2016-17Counselling workshops on resumes, with Braille reading support, and on interviews. A theatre workshop for blind and visually impaired participants. Skill assessment with psychological counsellor Dr. Rupa Talukder.
2017-18Opened registration for training programmes. Ran a handmade jewellery design course from September to December 2017.
2018-19Weekly handicraft sessions, a fibreglass products workshop, stalls at school fairs and exhibitions, and a joint workshop with the Rotaract Club of Madhyamgram Central.
2019-20Paper craft workshop, an art exhibition in Baghajatin, and the first First Step grants to four people starting small businesses.
2020Career guidance webinar after the lockdown, a YouTube skills webinar, a face-mask making workshop, and Rs 10,000 to help rebuild homes and shops damaged by Cyclone Amphan.
2021Free online legal advice for people with disabilities in West Bengal. Weekly online classes for competitive exams and spoken English, about 20 students each. Mock interviews with ConnectFor volunteers. Sign-language videos with GiftAbled and ConnectFor.
2022-23Self-advocacy session, music classes, cultural programmes, and a crowdfunded wheelchair donation.
2024Disability sensitisation training for the Rotaract Club of Durgapur Presidency. Started an awareness channel on YouTube.
2026Launched Change Making, our flagship programme on awareness, livelihood and mental health.

People

Debasree Bhattacharya, Founder and Secretary.

Registrations

Legal statusCharitable trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882
Income TaxRegistered under section 12A(a) and 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961
Disability ActCertified under section 52(2) and (4) of the Persons with Disabilities Act, Social Welfare Department, West Bengal
GuideStar IndiaTransparency Key
NGO DarpanRegistered
CSR-1Registration in process