The SKN Foundation, led by founder Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, successfully hosted its International Day for Persons with Disabilities event at The Imperia Hillsborough, NJ, December 3, 2025, bringing together families, community leaders, educators, health professionals, and disability advocates for an evening focused on inclusion, empowerment, and community support.
The evening, hosted by Award-winning Producer and TV Host Nisha Mathur, highlighted the growing impact of SKN’s SCOPE (South Asian Community Outreach Program for Empowerment) initiative—an effort dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities through culturally sensitive resources, workshops, and community engagement.
Dr. Mehrotra, in his speech, noted that the day was a celebration and observation of the landmark United Nations’ declarion of 1992, of Persons with Disabilities.
The event featured five distinguished awardees, each recognized for their exceptional work advancing inclusion and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Awardees included:
Disability Champion For Employment and Career Development-Céline Guillemot & Eric Guillemot of The Blue Bears Special Meals Disability Champion For Research and Innovation-Diana Robins, PhD -Director A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.
Disability Champion For Community Support-Venus Majeski Director of Development & Community Relations New Jersey Institute For Disabilities (NJID)
Disability Champion For Advocacy and Rights -Sarah M. Adelman Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services
Disability Champion For Medical Excellence- Matthew McDonald, MD. President and CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital, RWJ Barnabas.
Each of the Awardees spoke to ITV Gold and described their mandate to help children with disabilities. Guests were welcomed with messages of unity and purpose, followed by an evening of recognition, community networking and performances by SCOPE kids.
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, who attended as a special guest, congratulated the awardees. “I have know Dr. Naveen Mehrotra since he started this SKN Foundation several years ago. It’s a great NGO and they are doing such great work with disabled, challenged, and children with autism,” he said.
Representatives from various partner organizations reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts to expand resources and strengthen advocacy across New Jersey.
SKN Foundation leadership said “We are proud of the momentum SCOPE has created and tonight’s event aligns with our mission to create spaces where every individual, regardless of ability, feels respected, supported, and seen.”
Organizers noted however, that the celebration also serves as a reminder of the work ahead and that the Foundation remains committed to expanding programming that promotes disability awareness, early intervention, culturally mindful education, and family empowerment.
The SKN Foundation is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of underserved communities through education, prevention, and culturally tailored programs.
