The Ann Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and opportunites of children with special needs who might not otherwise receive services.

 Please read our mission statement for deeper information about our goals  or visit our board of directors page to learn more about the key individuals involved with our organization.

Please note that we do not provide funding for other organizations.

The Ann Footprints 

 "Fighting Disability - A Global Partnership To Enable The Future"

Fall Newsletter, 2007

Bridging The 'Digital Divide'

   At the Maheshwari School in Belgaum, there are 150 students, both boys and girls, ages six to eighteen.  We have taken the initiative to help the blind students at Maheshwari to overcome the digital divide by making technology available for the students.

  Our Foundation volunteer, Bhavani Krishna of Singapore, started online computer literacy classes.  The results... the students have begun sending emails to our Foundation to practice correspondence.

  Mission accomplished! 

  Athani, Belgaum India

   For the Nirmala Sisters, Sister Lucy & Father Chacko in Athani, we recently made arrangements for the delivery of ten computers and two copies of "Jaws" Braille compatible software.

   There are thirteen blind girls living with the Sisters, and fifteen blind boys with the Priest next door.  We want to start online classes for both the boys and the girls as soon as the internet connection can be resolved:  it is an issue of finances and also of a waiting period for a high-speed connection.  The Internet connection should be achieved within the next few months. 

Expanding our horizons with new projects

   Plans are underway to setup workshops in wheelchair and solar lantern fabricating in Hyderabad and Bangalore to empower the disabled youth.  There is an interest shown from Dr. Ali Ansari, founder and chair of Engineers without Borders - India as well as associate professor Ishrat Mirzana of Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology of Hyderabad to partake in our projects.

  We are currently discussing the option of having Jon Pearlman of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories of Pittsburgh to do some training.  

  David Zane is studying the possibility of producing a low cost rugged plastic wheelchair.  Joseph Trocchia is working on 'Solar Lanterns' with Dr. Barki, chairman of Noble Energy Solar Technologies Ltd, Hyderabad, India who has graciously agreed to partner with us in empowering the individuals with disabilities.  

  In February of 2008, professionals from various parts of the US have answered the call to partake in a mission geared toward the blind and visually impaired in Bangalore, India.  These volunteers will engage in teaching, producing Braille and Tactile graphics, orientation and mobility training as well as other life skills needed to help the blind and visually impaired live in an independent and successful trip.  

   The excitement is building as we plan our trip!

  We encourage you to visit our sponsor a project page and become involved with the community levels efforts the Ann Foundation  is bringing to the people of Athani. 

  Step by step, child by child, we are reaching out to communities to improve lives. Won't you take a moment today to discover how you can help?

  Please visit our help a child page to find out how you can become involved today.