Disabled Companionship: In Conversation With the Creators of Buddy Up

On November 24, 2024, at 8:00 PM IST, Enable Education hosted an insightful webinar titled "Disabled Companionship: With the Creators of Buddy Up". The session organized virtually on Google Meet, was a heartening conversation with the creators of Buddy Up, an app designed to foster socialization for children with disabilities. The event was moderated by Our Founder Ms. Aarushi Gambhir, with Gopika Kapoor, a Neurodiversity Consultant and Moneisha Gandhi, a Parent Advocate as the key speakers. The Chief Guest, Mr. Samarth Pathak, Communication and Advocacy Lead (South Asia), added valuable insights on inclusion.

The conversation began with the speakers sharing their personal journeys and what led to the creation of Buddy Up. Moneisha Gandhi spoke about her son, a 20-year-old with Down Syndrome, and the void he felt after school when it came to finding friends. She explained how she struggled to find appropriate connections for him on social media platforms before a mutual friend helped him find his social circle. Gopika Kapoor shared a similar experience with her son, who has Autism. She expressed how, while the world celebrated at parties, she searched for a safe space for him to connect with peers, which led her to collaborate with the latter to create the app. Their shared vision was simple – to provide children with disabilities a platform where they could safely interact and build meaningful connections with others who shared their experiences.

The app, launched in 2024, aims to connect disabled children in a safe and supportive environment. The development journey was not without its challenges, especially given that neither of the creators had a background in tech. They turned to friends and supporters for help, with a close friend stepping in to assist with the app's creation. Their primary goal was to design an app that ensures safety while fostering meaningful connections. The app includes features such as “Block & Report” to prevent fraud and enable caregivers to monitor their child’s activities. In addition, special care was taken to ensure that it was accessible to children with visual impairment, making it user-friendly for a diverse range of users.

The discussion then shifted to the app’s features that ensure both safety and autonomy. Moneisha explained that there are two user types: one for adults who can use the app independently and another for caregivers who can supervise their children’s interactions. She emphasized that while it’s essential for children with intellectual disabilities to have adult supervision, the goal is to provide them with a space where they can have a voice and make connections. Gopika also noted that the app was designed with the intention of keeping safety a top priority, given how overwhelming the online world can be for children with disabilities.

When asked about the challenges they faced, both Gopika Kapoor and Moneisha Gandhi agreed that while they are not entrepreneurs by profession, their passion for the project has led to continuous learning, even with sleepless nights. They emphasized that the journey has been one of constant growth and adaptation, ensuring that the app continues to meet the needs of its users.

As for future plans, the creators are working on adding more features to the app, including a voice note function and a content notice board to keep users informed about relevant events. Moneisha also spoke about plans to take the app global, enabling users to connect with others from around the world. Both creators remain committed to ensuring that the app continues to cater to the needs of disabled children and does not compromise on inclusivity.

The conversation also addressed the role of social media in fostering connections, particularly how platforms like WhatsApp helped Gopika's son find his voice. Both speakers agreed that while social media can be a powerful tool for connection, platforms like Buddy Up are tailored to meet the specific needs of children with disabilities, ensuring that they feel welcomed and accepted.

The webinar concluded with final thoughts from Samarth Pathak, who expressed his admiration for the work being done by Enable Education and Buddy Up. He emphasized the importance of continuing the conversation around disability inclusion and wished the project much success as it moves forward.

This webinar was a heartfelt and inspiring session, shedding light on the power of connection and the impact of inclusive platforms like Buddy Up in making the world a more welcoming place for children with disabilities.