Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future

The event titled ‘Amplifying the Leadership for Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’ was held on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2024. This was organized by UIAC UTHAAN, the inclusion and accessibility cell of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU). GGSIPU is a NAAC A++ accredited institution in Dwarka. UIAC UTHAAN has been pioneering the cause of inclusion in the university under the guidance of Prof (Dr) Shalini Garg. The event was an hour long dialogue on the nuances of disability inclusion and the importance of leadership of persons with disabilities, in line with this year’s theme of IDPwD given by the United Nations

The event saw an attendance of over 100+ participants from several different courses and departments of the university. Our founder, Ms Aarushi Gambhir facilitated the event on behalf of Enable Education. She was accompanied by two volunteers Ms Khushi Panchal and Ms Zareena Batool.  

The event after an introduction of the founder by the anchors. At the beginning, the nuances of discrimination and ableism were discussed as Aarushi shared her own lived experiences of battling discrimination and the mental health issues it caused. She spoke of the overt nature of ableist discrimination as she shared how simple things such as the thought of a dysfunctional lift in the school can cause immense anxiety in a student with a disability. These are some of the things which may be only an afterthought for most, but become the basis of many important day to day decisions people with disabilities take for themselves. 

The conversation then shifted to the need and importance of inclusion for children with disabilities. This particular segment touched upon the fact that while The Right To Life, a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian constitution, makes disability and diversity a fact, India is yet to make inclusion as a choice. India has yet to choose to build a society that includes people with disabilities and taps into their full potential. Inclusion is not just something disabled people need, learning about it will benefit society, especially this generation as they understand and empathise with a diverse range of communities, which will help them foster fulfilling relationships, not just in life but at work as well. 

Ms Aarushi then talked about the importance of leadership positions for people with disabilities so that they are able to effectively navigate their own challenges and lobby with competent authorities and stakeholders for their rights. She also shared her experience of leading a diverse team at Enable Education, at the core of which is the aim to foster partnerships amongst people with and without disabilities. She emphasised on how Empathy helps in viewing the world from their lens, Equity would help them find gaps in the inclusion process and understanding would help them find solutions to problems they see. 

The conversation then proceeded to the importance of using the right terminology to address people with disabilities along with discussing some simple, practical tips to create inclusion.

"Inclusion is not difficult and it certainly does not begin with accessibility, it begins with a shift in the mindset’- after giving the students one final piece of advice as they go on to the journey of inclusion, the program came to an end.