Sumita Kunashakaran’s Post

What an enlightening day! Delving into the entrepreneurial journey of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) alongside sectoral experts and recognizing the pivotal role of partners and stakeholders in driving the agenda. Two takeaways: "Don't treat us differently; treat us with respect!" and the importance of inclusive programming for PwDs, which should encompass caregivers and families as a unit. Gratitude to all the exceptional panellists for generously sharing their experiences and insights! #livelihoods #AIF #pwds #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurialjourney

Inclusion doesn’t happen on its own, they’re driven by people. Advocates who work every day to break barriers, push for better access, and create opportunities. These are the people who remind us that real inclusion starts with action. Arman Ali is one of those incredible individuals. As the Executive Director of NCPEDP, Arman has dedicated his life to improving opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across India. His work has played a key role in shaping landmark policies like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which guarantees access and rights to millions. He’s worked on making education more accessible, fought for inclusive employment opportunities, and made sure that people with disabilities are part of national conversations on policy and rights. At Ampera, we are inspired by Arman’s dedication. His journey serves as a reminder that inclusion doesn’t happen overnight, it requires persistence, vision, and a genuine belief in the value of every individual. His tireless efforts inspire us to continue creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, feels empowered. #InclusionInAction #BreakBarriers #AccessibilityMatters #EmpoweringPwDs #AdvocacyForInclusion #RightsForAll #InclusiveFuture #CreatingOpportunities #DisabilityRights #InclusionChampions

What challenges do persons with disabilities face in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and how do they navigate? We spoke to Anubha Singhal and Surashree Rahane about this, their journey as entrepreneurs, insights into the ecosystem and more, in this video. #Diversity #Inclusion #Entreprenuers #DisabilityAwareness

Persons with Dissabilites can do anything anyone else can do with the small exception of whatever limit their dissabilty causes. What’s the big deal. Some people can do mental arithmetic without blinking other need to reach for a calculator. Would we make a big issue about that “limitation”. We are not “Specially Abled” we are equally able in many ways. After all does your potential employer ask you about your ability to walk or see? No they ask are you able to be productive in the field of your prospective work. Can you organise, produce and present your work to a high standard? In many jobs being sighted or very agile is not a priority. Hopefully in the future, hopefully the near future, there will be no need for discussion about PwD and the attiduinal barriers non-PwD put in their way. I would happily close down EMA if our work was no longer needed. The answer to the attitudinal and practical barriers is Universal Design. Not only universal design of our physical environment but also in the way we organise and think about our occupations. Managerial practices including HR policies, Standard Operating Procedures etc should also use the principles of universal design. After all didn’t we all adapt during the COVID pandemic?

#Diversity #Inclusion | On average, the percentage of persons with disabilities who struggle to find employment in India is greater than that of non-disabled people. A 2021 report indicated that although half of India’s disabled population is employable, only 11.33 percent of them are employed. As a result, the proportion of persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activities is even lower. The poor employment rate among persons with disabilities is driven by a variety of factors, including lack of access to education, employer prejudice, and dearth of supportive workplace accommodations or policies. But what specific challenges do persons with disabilities face within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and what are the ways in which their entrepreneurial endeavours can be supported better? In this video, Anubha Singhal and Surashree Rahane share their insights and learnings as entrepreneurs with disabilities. Enable Me Access Association Yearbook Canvas *This is the fifth article in an 8-part series supported by the Forbes Marshall Foundation . The series is focused on changing mindsets to build awareness, increase sensitisation, and enable inclusion and access for persons with disabilities, while platforming practitioners and nonprofit leaders working in the space of disability. https://lnkd.in/dhzAR5uZ

Advancing the SDGs through Strategic Collaborations At NCPEDP, we are steadfast in our mission to create an inclusive and equitable society for millions of disabled individuals across India. By aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are driving impactful change in the realms of education, healthcare, policy making, employment opportunities, making India accessible and promoting universal design products. Our ongoing initiatives focus on breaking down barriers and enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities. However, to amplify our impact, we are actively seeking partnerships with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wings, foundations, and other organizations dedicated to supporting disability rights and inclusion. Join us in this transformative journey! If your organization is keen to support initiatives in education, healthcare, policy making, or other thematic areas aligned with the global goals, we would love to connect and explore potential collaborations. Together, we can build a more inclusive future. Let's make a difference. #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #SDGs #EducationForAll #HealthcareAccess #PolicyChange #CSR #GlobalGoals #PartnershipsForImpact #NCPEDP Arman Ali asifa parveen Sumeet Parikshit Akshay Jain Faiza Raghib @ujwal singh Vamika Gupta Anjali Rai Sneha Shikta

December 3rd isn't just a date on the calendar—it’s a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to promoting a world that celebrates diversity and ensures equity. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992, is a day to spotlight the rights, dignity, and potential of persons with disabilities while engaging with policymakers for their integration into every aspect of social, economic, and cultural life. Despite significant strides toward inclusion, barriers persist. For many persons with disabilities, life remains a battle against systemic obstacles like inaccessible infrastructure, inadequate educational systems, poverty, and limited employment opportunities. These challenges ripple through their lives, often leading to social exclusion, financial hardship, and compromised physical and mental health. But there’s hope. When we create environments—be it in workplaces, schools, or communities—that are inclusive by design, we not only remove barriers but also unlock the potential for everyone to thrive. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” calls on us to empower persons with disabilities to lead conversations, influence policies, and shape the future. Their perspectives and experiences are invaluable in creating sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. #disability day #inclusion DisabilityInclusion

I truly believe and have faith that things do change for the betterment of our "NATION!".. However the light put out on these sensitive areas truly enlightened me as an "EDUCATOR"! As the ground reality is in front of our eye #inclusiveeducation #SpecificLearningDisabilities #InclusiveIndia #InclusionthroughInnovation #SLDAwareness

When you observe all the circumstances and people's attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, you are compelled to think about why such conditions have been created for these people to depend on others. I have noticed for some time that the facilities for people like me, who are disabled, are lacking. So, I thought, why not take a step for people like myself? I came up with the idea of creating an application that includes all the things that we, disabled people, need. Why do people always talk about necessities only? Why should we abandon our desires just because we are disabled and think that we can't do this or that? Therefore, I thought there should be a platform through which we can fulfill all our desires as well. I started working on this idea gradually. Then, in my final year at university, I got the chance to turn this idea into reality. To achieve my goal, I decided to make this application my Final Year Project. I shared this idea with my teammates Bisma Jawed, Nabiha Jamali, Rida Fatima and they liked it and agreed to work on it. Finally, we started working on it. My team and I visited Dar ul Sukun, conducted a survey, and understood the needs of the people there. We observed their joys and desires. I was deeply moved by the bravery and resilience of the people we met. Even in the face of great challenges, their determination and optimism were remarkable. This experience has been enlightening, and I am thankful for the chance to learn from their stories. Besides that, I also went to the CHAL Foundation, Pakistan and conducted a survey there as well. This strengthened my resolve to create this application even further. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sir Muhammad Saeed for his guidance and supervision throughout our Final Year Project (FYP). I pray that Allah helps me complete this vision and inspires others to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities, who are often neglected. May our efforts contribute to a more compassionate and equitable society, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. #DisabilityInclusion #AccessibilityForAll #EmpowermentThroughTechnology #InclusiveTech #FinalYearProject #DarulSukoon #ChalFoundation #Gratitude #Equality #Compassion #DataCollection #SocialImpact #Teamwork

I am happy to share that my article, “Digital Divide Chronicles: Bridging the Gap in Digital Access and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities” has been published in the "Disability and International Development" Journal by the Institute for Inclusive Development of the Behinderung und Entwicklungszusammenarbeit e.V. I emphasize the interconnected issues of #DigitalLiteracy and the #DigitalDivide, exacerbated by the #COVID19 pandemic. By drawing on the ‘Disabilities and technology: How we can expand inclusive education to achieve SDG4' Research I did for Theirworld, I argue that despite the potential of digital technology to bridge gaps for #PersonsWithDisabilities, they continue to face exclusion due to inaccessible digital systems. While technology offers countless opportunities and is essential for education, employment, social inclusion, and health, many #LearnersWithDisabilities are #LeftBehind. Economic, technological, and infrastructural barriers continue to hinder access to technology, particularly in the Global South. This exclusion has ethical, human, and legal implications, violating rights and perpetuating discrimination. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and NGOs is crucial to address these barriers and ensure digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ghXHwVUr #DigitalInclusion #DisabilityRights #AccessForAll #InclusiveTechnology #GlobalSouth #EducationForAll #InclusiveEducation ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology Disability Advocate Global Disability Innovation Hub Barry Cooper Laura Stipanovic Dr Dilisha Patel (PhD) Nafisa Baboo Julia McGeown Sue Swenson Diane Richler Dorodi Sharma