Understanding Disability Pride: History, Identity, and Resistance

On July 13, 2025, Enable Education hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled "Understanding Disability Pride: History, Identity, and Resistance." The session featured two distinguished speakers: Ms. Kavya Mukhija, Chevening Scholar and founder of Namaste Disability, and Mr. Samarth Pathak, Communication & Advocacy Lead for South Asia.

Ms. Kavya Mukhija began by sharing her personal journey with disability, reflecting on how societal resistance, school-based discrimination, and conventional beauty standards initially made the concept of Disability Pride feel contradictory. Over time, however, she came to embrace pride not in spite of her disability, but through it—accepting herself fully, including her mobility aids.

She explored the roots of the disability rights movement, tracing it back to the 1950s and 60s, a time marked by state-sanctioned discrimination in many parts of the world. She drew parallels with the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States, which led to landmark legislation like the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. India followed with the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995, a milestone in promoting the rights and participation of persons with disabilities.

Ms. Kavya emphasized that family dynamics often complicate self-acceptance. Well-meaning parents frequently focus on "curing" disability, which makes it harder for young individuals to embrace their identities. Overprotection, though rooted in care, can limit opportunities for social exposure and growth. She pointed out that inaccessible infrastructure and the lack of positive representation further compound the isolation many disabled individuals face.

A large part of her talk was dedicated to confronting ableism—the systemic bias from non-disabled individuals that frames disability as a flaw or deficiency. She highlighted the need for inclusive design, respectful use of language, and more awareness around the handling of assistive devices. Disability, she stressed, is not a tragedy or karmic consequence but a valid identity that deserves visibility and respect.

Ms. Mukhija also reflected on the role of social media, noting its double-edged impact. While it helps normalize disability and amplify disabled voices, it can also spread misinformation. Through humor and memes, she actively challenges pervasive myths—for instance, the notion that disabled individuals are humorless or lack cognitive ability.

During the Q&A, Ms. Kavya addressed the gaps between visibility and actual accessibility, citing the lack of caregiver visa provisions as a stark example. She concluded by affirming that disability should not dominate every conversation. Instead, the focus should be on creating inclusive environments through accessible infrastructure, thoughtful design, and the implementation of responsive, rights-based policies.