From Disability-Led Roots to AI-Enabled Inclusion
TurningPoint Foundation (TurningPoint) is an independent, non-profit organisation in Bangladesh, founded and led by persons with disabilities. Rooted in dignity, compassion, justice, and service, we challenge exclusion and expand opportunity for persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups. By 2026, our journey entered a new phase—harnessing responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and accessible technology to strengthen rights, participation, and livelihoods.
Disability-led leadership
We work with communities as rights-holders and leaders—especially persons with disabilities of all genders, and women and girls with disabilities—ensuring inclusion is lived, not symbolic.
Formal recognition
Registered under the Societies Registration Act (Reg. No. S-11424, 18 March 2012) and NGO Affairs Bureau (Reg. No. 2864, 09 June 2014), strengthening legitimacy and accountable delivery.
2026 AI transformation
We now operate at the intersection of disability rights, digital justice, gender equality, climate resilience, and human rights—using ethical, inclusive AI and accessible technology to expand opportunity and reduce barriers.
Vision
A world where inclusion is a lived reality for all, enabled through equitable and responsible use of modern technologies.
Mission
To advance dignity, equity, and inclusion by empowering persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups through responsible, accessible technologies and by strengthening leadership and participation in social and economic life.
Intersectional inclusion
- Persons with disabilities of all genders
- Women and girls with disabilities and other marginalised women and girls
- Ethnic, Indigenous, and religious minority communities
- Climate-affected rural populations and digitally excluded groups
Rights-based change
- SRHR as human rights
- Participation, dignity, and voice
- Safeguarding and protection
- Accountability in institutions and services
Responsible technology
- Accessible platforms and inclusive design
- Digital skills for participation and livelihoods
- Ethical AI for equity and empowerment
- Locally managed digital tools for sustainability
Turning Points That Shaped TurningPoint
Selected milestones showing our growth—from formal recognition, to knowledge products and community-led SRHR, to a 2026 transformation that places responsible AI at the centre of inclusive development.
Organisation Established
TurningPoint Foundation was established on 15 January 2010 as a disability-led initiative committed to dignity, justice, and inclusion. From the outset, the organisation focused on strengthening grassroots Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), promoting human rights, and challenging systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities in Bangladesh.
Societies Registration
TurningPoint formalised its organisational foundation under the Societies Registration Act (Registration No. S-11424, dated 18 March 2012).
NGO Affairs Bureau Registration
NGO Affairs Bureau registration strengthened compliance, legitimacy, and national operational capacity (Registration No. 2864, dated 09 June 2014).
Capacity Building & Knowledge Resources
TurningPoint developed and disseminated practical resources—manuals, training materials, and guidance— to strengthen grassroots organisational capacity and rights-based programming.
This period laid the groundwork for scaling inclusive approaches through locally owned tools and learning.
Dare to Dream: Inclusive SRHR at Community and System Levels
The Dare to Dream – Promoting SRHR of Persons with Disabilities project progressed from awareness-raising to integrating inclusive SRHR practices within communities and institutions. Persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, increasingly led peer education and rights-based dialogue.
- SRHR as human rights: stronger awareness and confident advocacy.
- Service access: strengthened referrals and more inclusive engagement with providers.
- Local ownership: community attitudes began shifting through sustained dialogue.
Digital Inclusion: OPD Websites & SRHR Platforms
Digital tools became a lasting legacy—expanding access to reliable SRHR information and strengthening OPD visibility and advocacy. OPDs maintained SRHR-focused websites, demonstrating sustainability through locally managed technology.
Governance, Safeguarding, and Organisational Strengthening
TurningPoint strengthened internal systems through capacity building on financial management, risk, and safeguarding, enhancing accountability and transparent delivery. This strengthened our credibility with partners and donors.
Strategic Transformation: AI for Justice, Dignity, and Inclusion
In 2026, TurningPoint refined its organisational direction to harness ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI and accessible technology as a tool for empowerment, equity, and structural change—working across disability rights, digital justice, gender equality, climate resilience, and human rights.
- AI for Livelihoods & Empowerment: digital skills, employability, and inclusive opportunity.
- Inclusive SRHR: rights-based knowledge, access, and movement strengthening.
- Climate Justice & Resilience: prioritising marginalised communities in adaptation and inclusion.
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We partner with donors, service providers, and grassroots organisations to advance disability-inclusive development through community leadership and responsible technology.
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