Dr. Uma Tuli, born in 1943,was educated in Gwalior and has a Doctorate in English Literature from the University of Delhi. She completed her graduation and Post Graduation from Vikram University, Gwalior.
The University of Manchester also awarded her the M.Ed in Special Education for her dissertation on "Efficacy of Integrated Education". The University of Roehampton ,UK awarded her Doctorate of law honaris causa for extraordinary commitment to inclusivity and supporting children with disability.
Dr. Tuli is a multifaceted personality - an educationist, a social worker, a rehabilitation professional and a sports woman. She was the first non-bureaucrat appointed by the Government of India as Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities from April 2001 to April 2005. As Chief Commissioner, Dr. Tuli took several new initiatives with the approach of creating a convergence of all possible resources in Government, private and public sectors
She is the founder Managing Secretary of Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust which has been rendering rehabilitative services at Delhi and Gwalior with the holistic approach of providing integrated education, vocational training, medical care and self-employment in one premises for persons with disability since 1981.
With special understanding and a practical approach, Dr. Tuli a pioneer in introducing the concept of inclusive education in India has introduced this concept even in sports and cultural activities. She has organized five National Integrated Sports meets involving persons with disability as well as the non-disabled in equal number in different parts of the country.
In 2000, Dr. Tuli led the Indian team that participated in the 5th Abilympics - "the Olympics of Vocational Skills? in Prague, Czechoslovakia. After attending three International Abilympics in Japan, Hong Kong, and Prague, Dr. Tuli initiated hosting of the 6th International Abilympics in New Delhi in November 2003. Dr. Uma Tuli, is an Executive Member of International Abilympics Federation, Japan.
Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust is a National Member Organisation of Rehabilitation International, USA and Dr. Tuli is a National Secretary of RI in India. She is the Chair ? Education Commission, Rehabilitation International, USA
Dr. Tuli has presented several papers in National and International Conferences. She also helped in drafting the 1995 Persons with Disability Act in India. She has authored ?The Spirit Triumphs? and ?Better Care of Children with Locomotor Disability?. The book ?Seen, But not Heard? ? India?s Marginalised, neglected and vulnerable children? also carries a chapter written by Dr. Tuli on ?Breaking Barriers - Physically Challenged Children?.
Dr. Uma Tuli helped in creating a ?first? in the history of India?s disability sector by getting persons with disabilities to perform in Republic Day Parade celebrations in 1995. Her contributions in the disability sector have earned her National and International Award. In 1991 Amar Jyoti received the award for the best institution in 1991, and for creation of barrier-free environment in 2005 from the Hon?ble President of India. The other awards include the Manav Seva Award, The Helen Keller Award, The UN-ESCAP Award, the Hong Kong Foundation Award .
She is a Member ? Advisory Board Voice & Vision, National Resource and Training Centre for Children with Visual and Multiple Disabilities, including Deafblindness Mumbai, Member, Core Advisory Group on disability, National Human Rights Commission, and several other Committees of Govt. of India.
Dr. Tuli desires to accomplish her mission of an India, which places its citizens with disability on the same platform as a non-disabled citizen.
