Every year, Disability Day arrives like a polite reminder set by the world. A day to talk about inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities.
While many remain on the sidelines, there’s a wind of change blowing, and I am too positive not to catch the breeze!!
A few days back, I was asked to show around our offices to a group of new recruits. My response, as always, was “sure, most gladly”. After I disconnected the call, a much younger, agile and sprightly girl flashed before me. Someone who was never chosen despite what she brought to the table – even if it needed no physical effort.
Forever eclipsed by “ones” who had no “defect” and by what people assumed I could “not” do. It was not my inability but the definition of the world around me that dismissed my capacity. I had it all - creativity, talent, intelligence, and grit. But quiet, unnecessary exclusion pushed me to slip into an abyss of meagre achievements.
Settling back at my desk after the “tour”, I realised inclusion begins by looking beyond the obvious and partnering without pitying. It starts with not being seen as an inspiration for just showing up. It’s never about being a story of resilience or applause for existing. And it is definitely not about special treatment or sentimental praise. It’s about something simpler but far more radical - level field, access and chance. An opportunity to contribute, to belong and to be seen and heard as a resource.
Kudos and cheers to the leaders who understand this simple fact – quietly, firmly, without a fuss. To them, we are never on the extremes of the spectrum – not inadequate, nor inspirational – just regular.
And maybe… just maybe… the world otherwise is missing out more than we are by mere assumptions.
Change the narrative, look beyond, and you will find brilliance, impact and potential.
Images are sourced from Google and are subject to copyright.
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