Keystone Human Services International (KHSI) is an internationally-focused disability rights and services organization that is operated by Keystone Human Services (KHS), a group that operates disability services programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Founded in the 1970s, KHS has operated a variety of programs and services as well as engaged in a variety of disability rights efforts.

The work conducted by Keystone Human Services International is focused on operating programs in India and Moldova as well as serving as a consultant on disability rights issues to the United Nations. The organization has received funds from a variety of grantmaking institutions including the left-leaning Clinton Global Initiative. ^{1 2}

Background

Keystone Human Services International (KHSI) is a subsidiary of Keystone Human Services (KHS), and both organizations are headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While KHSI and KHS are technically separate organizations, they do not have separate websites or staff and much of both organizations’ efforts are presented as part of the larger efforts of KHS as a whole. Other subsidiaries or programs led by KHS include Keystone Autism Services, Keystone Partnership, and Partnerships for People. The Moldova and India-based programs led by KHSI are also referred to separately as Keystone Moldova and Keystone Human Services India Association. ³

KHS and KHSI also operate U.S. and India-based training programs called the Keystone Institute and Keystone Institute India, which promote the theory of social role valorization, a theory pertaining to the care and treatment of disabled individuals. Keystone Institute India is part of the KHSI programming efforts and operated via a grant from the Rural India Supporting Trust. ^{4 5}

Programs

Keystone Human Services International focuses its programming efforts on Moldova and India while also operating international disability rights advocacy efforts. The organization also is a consultant on disability rights issues with the United Nations. ⁶

Moldova

Keystone Human Services International’s efforts in Moldova include several disability services programs, an abuse prevention hotline, and advocacy efforts around voting and policy formulation in partnership with the Moldovan Ministry of Health, Labor, and Social Protection. ⁷

KHSI announced a campaign in Moldova in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative to assist Ukrainian refugees settling in or passing through Moldova while fleeing the war in Ukraine. ²

India

Keystone Human Services International’s efforts in India include training programs through the Keystone Institute India as well as facilitating public private partnership to promote deinstitutionalizing those with intellectual disabilities. ⁸

United Nations

Since 2014 Keystone Human Services International (KHSI) has held “special consultative status” within the United Nations which allows the organization to participate in committee meetings of the UN’s Economic and Social Council. The group participates in several UN committees and advises the UN on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). ¹

Funding

According to Keystone Human Services’ website, corporate sponsors of the organization and its international partner Keystone Services International (KHSI) include Giant, PetSmart, Citizens Bank, Weis Markets, and Alliant Employee Benefits. ⁹

1. “Advocacy.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/global-leadership/advocacy/
2. “Keystone Human Services Announces New Commitment to Action at Clinton Global Initiative.” Keystone Human Services. September 20, 2022. Accessed November 12, 2022.  https://www.khs.org/keystone-human-services-announces-new-commitment-to-action-at-clinton-global-initiative/
3. “2021-22 Annual Report.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Keystone_2022AnnualReport.pdf
4. “The Impact of COVID-19 on People with Developmental Disability and their Families: Perceptions of Families, Allies, Advocates and Professionals.” Keystone Institute India. May 2020. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/KII-Covid-Paper-FINAL.pdf
5. “Keystone Institute.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/what-we-do/keystone-institute/
6. “Global Leadership.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/global-leadership/
7. “Moldova.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/where-we-are/moldova/
8. “India.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/where-we-are/india/
9. “Corporate Leadership Society.” Keystone Human Services. Accessed November 12, 2022. https://www.khs.org/get-involved/corporate-leadership-society/