People living with disabilities face severe stigma and discriminations in Pakistan. Within this population - estimated to reach 10% of Pakistan's overall population - children are particularly at risk. Hashoo Foundation merged Umeed-e-Noor under its structure in July 2007 and has since then developed more inclusive programs. Umeed-e-Noor - About the Project In the twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi alone, there are about 200,000 children with special needs. Umeed-e-Noor (UEN) was established to integrate these children (mostly abandoned children) back into mainstream society with dignity, and so far 1,200 children have benefited from the quality therapy and education offered by UEN. UEN offers support to children with the following disabilities; Polio Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Skeletal Disorder Neuro-Muscular Disorder Stammer Victim Autism Dyslexia Hearing impairment Umeed-e-Noor's Journey and Future Plans Umeed - e - Noor, a Center of Excellence for special children, was established in 1996 and registered with the Government of Pakistan under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance 1961. Initially operating from residential premises, in 2007, UEN began the construction of a new center, purposefully designed and built for people with special needs (Approximately 200-300). With land provided by the Government and contributions from the Hashoo Group and other valuable donors, construction of Phase 1 is now complete, and UEN moved into its purpose built premises on July 01, 2009. Upon completion, this center will offer state of the art services and facilities such as audio - logical assessment, physiotherapy, speech therapy and vocational training. Fundraising efforts are being made to completed the three-storey building by the end of 2012.

4. A class room for enhancing cognitive skills at Umeed-e-Noor

5. A child solving a puzzle in Umeed-e-Noor

6. Child receiving physiotherapy

7. Art and pottery work by children of Umeed-e-Noor

8. Children of Umeed-e-Noor in art class

9. Children of Umeed-e-Noor playing music

10. A class room for enhancing cognitive skills at Umeed-e-Noor

11. A special education class in progress at Umeed-e-Noor

12. A child on the parallel bars in the physiotherapy room

13. Group play room at Umeed-e-Noor

14. Group play room at Umeed-e-Noor

15. Group play room at Umeed-e-Noor

16. Physiotherapy room at Umeed-e-Noor

17. Speech therapy in Umeed-e-Noor

18. Speech therapy in Umeed-e-Noor

19. Speech therapy in Umeed-e-Noor

20. Speech therapy in Umeed-e-Noor

21. Physiotherapy room at Umeed-e-Noor

22. Outdoor games in Umeed-e-Noor

23. Gardening in Umeed-e-Noor

24. Physiotherapy room at Umeed-e-Noor

25. Physiotherapy room at Umeed-e-Noor

26. Physiotherapy room at Umeed-e-Noor

27. The ward in Umeed-e-Noor

28. A boarder of Umeed-e-Noor

29. Pottery class in Umeed-e-Noor

30. Pottery items made by children of Umeed-e-Noor

31. Skills training project in partnership with HOPE 87 and funded by the Austrian Development Corporation