Ms. Poonam Natarajan is one of the pioneers of disability and development activities in India. In 1985, she founded the Spastics Society of India, Chennai presently known as Vidya Sagar (Ocean of Knowledge).
Vidya Sagar today runs several programmes, including early intervention, special education, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, vision training, occupational therapy, co-curricular activities, counselling, vocational training, exploring and creating employment opportunities and training of resource persons to work in the field of disability.
As Chairperson of the the National Trust at the Ministry of Social Welfare, she is engaged in making disability policies, legislation and programmes rights-based and people-centred. She has pioneered a range of programmes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the area of health insurance, livelihoods and assisted living. She also served as a member of the “New Law Committee” which was formed to harmonise national legislation with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She has co-authored a book on Management of Cerebral Palsy: A Trans disciplinary Approach.
Ms. Poonam also has received a multitude of Awards, including a Certificate of Honour from Guild of Service (C), in recognition of outstanding achievement and contribution in the field of disability, research and advisory services.