This #DisabilityPrideMonth, let's discover the inspiring stories of India's hidden gems and how they have overcome their disabilities to achieve remarkable success in their careers.
Highlighting Laxmi Agarwal, a disability advocate and acid attack survivor, whose story will give you goosebumps.
This July, let’s shatter stereotypes and turn society’s sympathy into admiration, embracing #MyDisabilityMyPride.
#AtypicalAdvantage#personswithdisabilities#inspiration#AcidAttack#successstories
Chaitanya Mukund is an Indian author, blogger, and specially-abled supermodel, who is a person with Cerebral Palsy. He made his debut as a specially-abled supermodel at a fashion event, which went on to make the Guinness World Records for The Most Designers to Present in a Single Continuous Fashion Show in 2018 In 2020 when the pandemic shook the world, he started a series called #SALUTINGTHESUPERHEROES, on his blog: Memoirs of a Special Child, where he interviewed some eminent frontline warriors, to highlight their contribution in the society, during those testing times.
His efforts also got recognized and appraised by the media.
In 2019, with his first book Shivay: The Wonder Boy, Chaitanya introduced India's first superhero, whose alter-ego is physically challenged In 2021, Chaitanya was among the top 25 PWDs from all over India, who were awarded the prestigious NCPEDP - Javed Abidi Fellowship on Disability, where he is working on the issue of Disability Abuse in India.
#naavakaradio#naava#neshmaaacademy#neshmachemburkar
Write Right -- while covering people with disabilities
The media in general and journalists in particular need to normalise 'disabilities'. It is time they build a database of words, expressions and adjectives that they need to avoid; and use 'respectable, democratic and equitable, inclusive' words and expressions while writing/publishing stories.
Though there is a significant improvement over the last 10 years, a lot of ground is yet to be covered.
Some takeaways from this discussion yesterday:
1) Journalism Departments should devise exclusive modules to teach the students on how to cover people with disabilities.
2) Conduct workshops to increase awareness.
3) It's no charity or largesse. It is their right to be represented well. Writing Right about disabilities means that one is learning to be democratic and empathetic.
4) People with disabilities are shown in poor light in movies. They are invisible in advertisements, on daises.
5) Using respectable, democratic, sensitive language would give confidence to the parents and kids with disabilities.
Kulveen TrehanKartik LokhandeArman AliNational Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled PeopleDr Navneet Anand
DEIB & Accessibility Consultant I Expert Strategic Communications, Content & Brand I Helping organizations align Disability Inclusion with CSR & ESG I Driving Accessibility & Inclusion I Social Entrepreneur
It's not the lack of ability but the absence of accessibility which is the real handicap.
Yesterday, I posted about India's 8 million kids with disability, 75% of who never even get to see a school.
My post didn't even merit 10 likes, indicating that this issue is actually not bothering people.
Let us look at it in another way, a very simplistic vision:
1. PwDs with no education will remain dependent on family.
2. Families burdened by dependent PwD will be sucked into a vicious circle of poverty.
3. The more poor families we have, the more is the economic burden on the country.
4. Higher tax burden for all of us around.
What happens if we ensure accessibility for these 8 million kids:
1. They get educated and empowered as a talent pool
2. They become employable
3. They are financially independent
4. They can afford better healthcare and lifestyle
5. Instead of burdening their aging parents or resentful family members, they contribute to the family kitty.
6. They are taxpayers and not dole seekers
Isn't this reason enough to get our children with disabilities to schools?
But, why are our disabled kids not in schools?
Lack of accessible infrastructure, precisely.
Bottom Line: There can be no inclusion without accessibility.
At Human Factor We are on a mission to make India accessible. To learn more DM Human FactorTanu GuptaaSangita Thakur#disabilityinclusion#inclusion#accessibility#idea#dei#linkedinforcreators
Listen to Kotwal Jee sharing how his sister Kirma began receiving a disability pension after tuning in to Mobile Vaani.
In collaboration with EnAble India, these audio stories are part of the localized campaigns on Mobile Vaani like #HamariVaani, #NammaVaani, #AmaderVaani, and #KuralNamadu, that are fostering impactful change among persons with disabilities across India.
Here the callers can uniquely leverage peer-to-peer learning, enabling them to address grievances and offer assistance across different geographical locations. Key concerns like education, employment, and social support are systematically addressed, highlighting the effectiveness of the peer-to-peer learning model in creating positive outcomes.
With 80,000+ users and 4 million calls in languages like Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali, we've positively impacted 220,000 stakeholders, covering 14 disabilities.
#impact#positiveimpact#disability#disabilityinclusion#disabilityawareness#partnershipsforchange
Disability activist Virali Modi shared her experience of being carried up two flights of stairs at the Registrar's Office in Khar, Mumbai because the building did not have a lift and the officials wouldn’t come downstairs to get the bride and groom’s signature.
Despite having informed the officials in advance, there was no accommodation provided for her on the day of the wedding. Virali further mentioned that the stairs were exceptionally steep and the railings were in poor condition, covered in dust.
Through a series of posts on X, Virali expressed her strong viewpoint that as a citizen of India, the country should accommodate her needs as well as of the millions of disabled individuals who encounter similar challenges.
Accessibility is a basic human right for everyone. Here are some Rainmaker recommendations to create accessible and inclusive spaces:
-Always ask or check with individuals with disabilities about their accommodation needs.
-Build accessible infrastructure, in accordance with the provided harmonized guidelines.
-Build a strong foundation of empathy in the organization by sensitizing the leadership team, senior managers, all employees and ground staff.
Accessibility is not a requirement, it is a need.
On another note, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Virali Modi and her partner as they begin their journey of married life.
#DifferentlyAbled#DisabilityAwareness#DiversityAndInclusion#Handicapable#Community#DisabilityFitness#DEI#DiversityAndInclusion#DiversityEquityInclusion
Rajanna's journey is one of resilience and compassion. Having lost both his arms and legs in a tragic accident, he could have easily succumbed to despair. However, instead of letting his disability define him, Rajanna chose to channel his energy into uplifting the lives of others, becoming an inspiration to many.
His tireless efforts in the field of social work have touched the lives of countless individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. From providing essential support to people with disabilities to advocating for their rights and inclusion in society, Rajanna's initiatives have brought about tangible change and empowerment.
The Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, is a fitting tribute to Rajanna's selfless dedication and unwavering spirit. It acknowledges his outstanding contributions towards promoting social welfare and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
President Droupadi Murmu, while conferring the award, lauded Rajanna's remarkable achievements and emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals like him who defy all odds to make a positive difference in the world.
Rajanna's story serves as a powerful reminder that disability is not a barrier to making a meaningful impact. His resilience, empathy, and determination exemplify the true essence of service and humanity, inspiring others to overcome their own challenges and contribute towards building a better tomorrow.
#Rajanna#PadmaShri#InspiringJourney#SocialWork#Resilience#Compassion#DisabilityAwareness#Inclusion#Empowerment
#JJConversation: The Reality of Disability in India | In Conversation with Abhishek Anicca | Dr Astha | Jaano Junction
What does it mean to be disabled in India? Can creativity heal the pain? Why does society discriminate? What about the law and benefits? If you want to know these answers then watch this exclusive conversation between a writer and a psychiatrist.
#watch#interview#disabilityinclusion#penguin#disabledcommunity#jaanojunction
This Gandhi quote hits differently for us whether a professional advocate, family member, or friend.
Here's why our work is so special:
🟣 We witness incredible strength. Every person we empower inspires us with their resilience. It fuels our dedication and reminds us why this matters.
🟣 We see the world through new eyes. Understanding disability expands our empathy and creates a more inclusive world.
🟣 We're a cheerleader for hidden talents. By removing barriers, we help people with disabilities show off their amazing skills and dreams. Seeing them thrive is the best reward ever!
It's not just about helping others - it's about finding a deeper purpose and filling life with meaning. #DisabilityAdvocacy#Gandhi#FindYourMagic#makingadifferencetogether
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we’re here to help. Visit our website to refer a participant:
https://lnkd.in/gqMHUhAA
100 Days to a More Inclusive India: Social Justice Ministry Unveils Action Plan
Exciting news! The Social Justice Ministry has announced a 100-day plan with a focus on two key initiatives: Accessible India 2.0 and the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign. This plan aims to create a more inclusive and empowered society.
Key highlights include:
👉 Strengthening Accessible India: Ensuring stricter implementation for disability-friendly infrastructure across the nation.
👉 Empowering Communities: 100 outreach camps planned in aspirational districts to support people with disabilities.
👉 Nation-Building Focus: The Ministry aims for its initiatives to be recognized and emulated globally.
This is a positive step towards a more just and equitable India. Stay tuned for further updates!
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is gearing up to accelerate its initiatives for a more inclusive society. Under the leadership of Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, Accessible India 2.0 and Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign will be reinforced, and a plan of 100-day camps for Persons with Disabilities has been launched. This targeted action ensures that accessibility and anti-addiction efforts are at the forefront of the ministry's priorities. The minister calls for a hundred-day race, where every task contributes to the country's progress and gains global recognition.
#AccessibleIndia#SocialJustice#Empowerment#NashaMuktBharat#radioudaan#ministryofsocialjustice
Top Voice | Content and Copy Writer | Digital Marketing | Personal Branding | Sharing my learnings along the way
4wHer story is really inspiring. I am really happy that Atypical Advantage is presenting her in the pride month ❤️