Jump to section
- Overcoming the Real Disability: The Barrier of Environment
- The Changing World and the Need for Inclusive Technology
- Shifting Perspectives: From Welfare to Empowerment
- Finding Purpose and Driving Change: Lessons from the Disability Sector
- Join the Movement for a More Inclusive World
- Webinar: Opening the Inner Eye
What drives someone to dedicate their life to a cause larger than themselves? What is the spark that ignites a passion for the greater good? These are the questions that fuel Coacharya’s “Opening The Inner Eye” webinar series, an initiative spearheaded by Coacharya alumni and PCC coach, Gayatri Krishnamurthy. This series shines a light on the inspiring journeys of nonprofit founders and social sector leaders, exploring not only the challenges they face but also the profound impact their work has on communities.
In the second session of this series, Gayatri was joined by two exceptional individuals, Mr. CA S. Sankara Raman and Prateek Madhav, who are making meaningful changes, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to building a better world. Mr. Raman is the co-founder of Amar Seva Sangam, a renowned disability rehabilitation and empowerment organization. Prateek, who is a technocrat turned social entrepreneur, is the Founder of AssisTech Foundation (ATF), championing assistive technology solutions.
Overcoming the Real Disability: The Barrier of Environment
CA S. Sankara Raman, who has a condition of muscular dystrophy, shared his powerful personal journey, illuminating a crucial distinction often overlooked in discussions of disability. He posed a fundamental question: if he could achieve his goals, why couldn’t others with disabilities do the same? His answer wasn’t about inherent limitations, but rather the significant role of environmental barriers. As Mr. Sankara Raman explained, the true “disability” lies not within the individual, but in the obstacles created by a world that isn’t always designed to be inclusive.
He emphasized that while labels like “person with disabilities” serve as identifiers, the real challenges arise from societal factors. These include a lack of acceptance of diverse abilities, underutilization of talents, and limited opportunities. The disabling factor, Mr. Sankara Raman argued, is the systemic lack of access to opportunities, starting from childhood education and health services, continuing through higher education and employment, and ultimately impacting social inclusion.
Sankara Raman illustrated this point with a vivid example. He described the accessibility of metro trains, highlighting their user-friendly design for all individuals. However, he then contrasted this with the often-inaccessible environment outside the metro station, where individuals with disabilities frequently encounter significant challenges to their mobility and functionality. This disconnect between accessible pockets and the broader environment underscores the systemic nature of the problem. It was this realization that inspired Sankara Raman to dedicate his talents and education to helping others with disabilities overcome these barriers and thrive, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to society.
The Changing World and the Need for Inclusive Technology
Prateek brought to light the rapid pace of technological advancement and its implications for people with disabilities. He began by painting a vivid picture of how drastically the world has changed in just the last 10-15 years. From the days of half-day bank trips for small withdrawals to the era of instant digital transactions, and from waiting a week for a single episode of a TV show to having on-demand access to any song or video, the world has become unrecognizable. Even something as simple as ordering food has been revolutionized, with on-demand delivery services making previously unimaginable conveniences a reality.
Prateek emphasized that these technological advancements are not just for some, but for everyone. He argued that the underlying force behind all these changes is technological innovation, and that access to this innovation is crucial for all. While many people readily embrace and benefit from these advancements, Prateek pointed out a critical disparity. While we ourselves expect access to the best technology and facilities, there’s often a tendency to offer older, less effective technologies to the 80-90 million people with disabilities in India, and the 1.4 billion people with some form of disability worldwide. This, he argued, is simply not fair. The rapid advancements in areas like AI and digital technology should be leveraged to create truly inclusive solutions that empower people with disabilities and allow them to fully participate in this rapidly changing world. The focus, Prateek suggested, should be on providing access to the newest and most effective technologies, not older, less capable ones.
Shifting Perspectives: From Welfare to Empowerment
Mr. Sankara Raman highlighted a crucial duality: the perspectives of people with disabilities themselves, and the perspective of society at large. He pointed out that some families still hide children with disabilities, often due to outdated beliefs about their potential. In rural areas, there can be a focus on other children perceived as more capable of generating income. In urban settings, some families avoid acknowledging a child’s challenges due to social stigma. These attitudes contribute to a sense of isolation and limit opportunities.
From the societal side, there’s often a perception that people with disabilities primarily need sympathy and ad-hoc welfare assistance. This overlooks the need for solutions that empower independence. Mr. Sankara Raman argued that this is why so many accessibility barriers exist. He called for an empathetic approach, viewing disability as a developmental issue rather than a welfare issue. Including people with disabilities fully in society creates a win-win situation, benefiting both the individual and society through the utilization of diverse talents and abilities.
He also addressed the stigma surrounding family life for people with disabilities, citing outdated and discriminatory attitudes about marriage and parenthood. He shared an anecdote about a Planning Commission expert who questioned the need for accessible cinemas and cricket stadiums, reflecting a narrow view of the needs and desires of people with disabilities. He contrasted this with the evolution of the Election Commission’s approach to accessibility, from initial resistance to active engagement and consultation. This example illustrates the kind of attitudinal and systemic change that is possible and necessary for true inclusion.
Finding Purpose and Driving Change: Lessons from the Disability Sector
Prateek shared his unique perspective, contrasting their 20-year corporate career with their more recent work in the disability sector. He described his initial experience volunteering with disability-focused nonprofits while working in the corporate world. This led to some striking observations:
- Resourcefulness vs. Happiness: Despite having abundant resources, corporate colleagues often seemed unhappy, while individuals connected with resource-constrained nonprofits exhibited greater joy and hope despite facing significant challenges. This counterintuitive observation highlighted the importance of purpose and community over material wealth.
- Aspiration and Hope: Prateek noted that individuals with disabilities, even when facing limited access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, often possessed a strong sense of hope and aspiration.
Prateek then shared an inspiring story about organizing the first-ever T20 World Cup Cricket for the Blind in 2012. This ambitious project, with a substantial budget, required significant fundraising and logistical coordination in a short timeframe. Organizing this event proved to be a powerful testament to the potential of collective effort and ambitious vision. The event’s success, culminating in India’s victory, underscored key principles:
- The Power of Collaboration: The World Cup example served as a powerful illustration of what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal.
- Dreaming Big: The success of the event highlighted the importance of dreaming big and not being afraid to tackle seemingly impossible projects.
Prateek concluded by highlighting the transformative potential of technology and the importance of an inclusive mindset when considering those with diverse abilities. This led to two final takeaways:
- Technology as a Tool for Inclusion: The panelist emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to create inclusive solutions for people with disabilities.
- Economic Empowerment: The panelists highlighted the significant economic benefits of including people with disabilities in the workforce.
Join the Movement for a More Inclusive World
Coacharya’s “Opening the Inner Eye” series serves as a vital platform for sparking conversations and raising awareness about the crucial role of the social sector. This webinar, focusing on the experiences of individuals with disabilities and the champions advocating for their inclusion, provided invaluable insights for coaches in particular. By understanding the challenges and triumphs of those navigating a world that isn’t always built for them, coaches can gain a deeper understanding of empathy, resilience, and the power of fostering a truly inclusive environment. The stories shared by the panelists offer profound lessons in overcoming adversity, embracing innovation, and recognizing the immense potential that lies within every individual.
The webinar illuminated the power of purpose, the importance of inclusivity, and the potential for technology to drive meaningful change. But the conversation doesn’t have to end here. We encourage you to watch the full webinar to delve deeper into these inspiring stories and insights. Let’s collectively challenge our perspectives, embrace innovation, and work towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their unique talents. Join us in building a truly inclusive and empowered future for all. And stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions in our “Opening the Inner Eye” series, as we continue to explore the transformative power of purpose and the inspiring journeys of those working towards the greater good. Watch this space to stay updated on our upcoming webinars in this series.
(This blog post is based on the latest Coacharya webinar, “Opening the Inner Eye” and aims to provide a general overview of the key takeaways. For more in-depth information, please refer to the original webinar recording.)
