The Association of People with Disability wins for its “Rehab on Wheels” initiative, while Safety Research Foundation receives Jury’s Special Recommendation for its school safety program ‘BRACE’.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: In a proud moment for Bengaluru’s social innovation ecosystem, two city-based non-profits — The Association of People with Disability (APD) and the Safety Research Foundation (SRF) — were honored at the 5th Edition of Bridgestone India’s Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) 2025. The awards celebrate organizations driving inclusive and sustainable mobility across India.
APD won in the category ‘Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities’ for its transformative initiative ‘Rehab on Wheels (ROW)’, while SRF received the Jury’s Special Recommendation under ‘Road Safety Innovation and Excellence’ for its BRACE Project, which focuses on enhancing safety in school zones through infrastructure upgrades and awareness campaigns.
Empowering Communities Through Mobility
Founded in Bengaluru, The Association of People with Disability (APD) has been at the forefront of rehabilitation and inclusion for persons with disabilities for over six decades. Its ‘Rehab on Wheels’ program extends comprehensive rehabilitation services directly to individuals’ doorsteps, bridging the accessibility gap for thousands who face challenges reaching urban healthcare centers.
Through mobile therapy units, geriatric outreach, orphanage programs, and rural wellness camps, APD’s initiative has helped countless individuals regain mobility, independence, and confidence. The program has touched over one million lives through its inclusive outreach and advocacy.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from Bridgestone India,” said Dr. N. S. Senthil Kumar, PhD (Rehab), CEO, The Association of People with Disability. “The Rehab on Wheels initiative has redefined access to rehabilitation by ensuring that distance and disability are no longer barriers to care. In the past year alone, we’ve reached hundreds of individuals, helping them lead more independent and dignified lives. This award encourages us to expand our services and partnerships to reach even more people across Karnataka and beyond.”
Making Roads Safer for Children
The Safety Research Foundation (SRF), operating in Bengaluru and Maharashtra, was specially commended by the jury for its BRACE Project, which is transforming the way India approaches school zone safety. Through a combination of engineering interventions, behavioral change campaigns, and community engagement, BRACE seeks to make roads safer for children.
“At SRF, we believe road safety begins with awareness and community participation,” said Ms. Jeya Padmanaban, Founding Trustee, Safety Research Foundation. “Our BRACE project is designed to make school zones safer through a holistic approach—combining education, infrastructure improvements, and behavioral change. Receiving the Jury’s Commendation from Bridgestone India is a strong validation of our efforts to build safer environments for children and communities.”
Recognizing Social Innovation in Mobility
Instituted in 2021, the Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards aim to identify and promote innovative, mobility-led solutions that address India’s most pressing social challenges. The awards are part of Bridgestone’s global mission to drive social progress through safe and sustainable mobility for all.
“At Bridgestone, we believe mobility is not just about movement—it’s about empowering people and enabling progress,” said Mr. Hiroshi Yoshizane, Group President, Bridgestone Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Bridgestone India. “The Mobility Social Impact Awards celebrate changemakers who are transforming lives through innovative, mobility-led solutions. The Association of People with Disability’s work exemplifies this spirit by delivering rehabilitation care directly to those who need it most, making mobility truly inclusive.”
Bridgestone’s Broader Commitment
The Mobility Social Impact Awards embody Bridgestone’s E8 Commitment, which emphasizes eight key values: Empowerment, Ease, Emotion, Efficiency, Energy, Ecology, Economy, and Extension. These principles guide the company’s mission to create a sustainable and inclusive society through responsible innovation.
The awards highlight Bridgestone’s commitment to its foundational mission of “Serving Society with Superior Quality,” by empowering NGOs and communities that champion safer, more equitable access to mobility.
About Bridgestone India
Established in 1996, Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, operates major manufacturing facilities in Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Chakan (Pune). In 2023, its Indore plant achieved a major milestone by rolling out its 100 millionth tyre. Bridgestone India is among the country’s leading tyre manufacturers, serving both OEM and replacement markets.
About Bridgestone Corporation
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Bridgestone Corporation is a global leader in tyres and mobility solutions, employing approximately 130,000 people and operating in more than 150 countries. The company continues to advance its vision of safe, sustainable, and inclusive mobility, improving the way people move, live, and work.
In essence, the 2025 Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards spotlight India’s grassroots innovation in mobility — from APD’s tireless work in making rehabilitation accessible to SRF’s crusade for safer school zones. Both initiatives stand as powerful reminders that true mobility means empowering every individual to move forward with dignity and safety.
