The Shiranee Joseph de Saram Foundation (SJDSF) is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1993, with a mission to enable neurodiverse people and their families to achieve their fullest potential. Through our Thrive Sheltered Workshop and Supported Employment Programme, we create pathways to meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities—an often-overlooked community. We also offer critical support services to families, helping them navigate challenges and build inclusive, dignified futures together.
Poverty remains a consistent risk factor for intellectual disability globally. Having a family member with ID further marginalizes people and increases the risk of falling into poverty
Only 5% of people with intellectual disability are engaged in economic activity in Sri Lanka.
The scarcity of support for people with ID also impacts the ability of family members to participate in economic activity.
They and their families remain among the most marginalized and impoverished groups.
Upto 3% of the population has some form of intellectual disability
THAT IS OVER 650,000 PEOPLE
There are many possible causes of ID, including malnutrition and iodine deficiency – which used to be widespread in Sri Lanka. Genetic factors account for less than 1/3 of the incidence
People with ID and their families experience many ROADBLOCKS WHEN TRYING TO GET THE CARE AND SUPPORT THEY NEED.
deters families from seeking help
prevent families from investing in their children with ID
such as a charity mindset prevents people with ID reaching for independence and keeps them dependent for life
of adequately trained professionals including pediatricians, social workers, speech therapists, special needs educators prevent early intervention and adequate support throughout life
