The differently-abled have to fight for everything that the able-bodied take for granted. Demands for inclusive education and employment and easy access to public spaces are some of the visible signs of this battle. But they also quietly and often hopelessly battle stereotypes and the stigma society attaches to disability.
United Way Chennai, a non-profit organisation, is now empowering the differently-abled to counter unfortunate perceptions about disability, through ‘Know My Ability,’ an action-based workshop, conducted by people with disabilities for employees of corporate houses.
On June 21, under the banner of NGOs that work for their welfare, a group of people with intellectual disabilities conducted training sessions for employees of corporate companies. The sessions included yoga, jewellery-making, garland-making, clay modelling, diya painting, art therapy and creating art out of waste.
At the time of this article going to press — June 28 — a similar workshop will be conducted by the same group.
The initiative was aimed at showcasing unique skills of people with disabilities who are generally defined only by their disabilities.
“‘Know my Ability’ is a one-of-its-kind event that created a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their abilities and skills to a larger audience. Through this initiative, we also wish to encourage the culture of corporate volunteering towards the cause of disability,” says Archana Raghuram, Executive Director, United Way Chennai.
As part of the initiative, the organisation also released a video on social media titled #DoYouSeeMe aimed at changing perceptions of the general public and how they view the differently-abled.
Next year, United Way Chennai is planning to initiate various interventions for persons with disabilities such as setting up para-sports facilities across Tamil Nadu in partnership with Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India, improving accessibility, employability, and most importantly early detection and intervention for children with special needs.