NGOS, people with disability discuss ways of inclusion

Mumbai: Diversity is a concept that is gaining ground the world over, but organisations need to look beyond it to inclusion, and even ‘smart inclusion’.

“Diversity is when we are invited to a party, inclusion is when we can dance, and smart inclusion is when we are part of the organising and curating committee,” Ketna Mehta, chairperson, Nina Foundation, said at a panel discussion to address the challenges faced by people with disability.

The discussion, held at the amphitheatre at Carter Road, Bandra on World Day of the People with Disability on Monday, focused on inclusion at the workplace and the barriers to it.

The discussion was attended by several non-governmental organisations as well as people with disability, who shared how challenging it was to get a job in the first place. “I have been called for interviews at various big firms and the Human Resources executives have simply not turned up after learning that I was a disabled candidate,” said Dhawal Chotai, a disabled rights activist and chartered accountant.

Neenu Kewlani, a disabled activist with ADAPT (Able, Disabled, All People Together), formerly known as the Spastics Society of India, shared her views on how to adapt to ‘unfriendly workplaces’.

“Changing one’s own attitude is the most important thing. Unlearning privileges is the key. I had to figure out how to fetch my own coffee while operating the manual wheelchair. Once I did that, I saw a change in the attitude of the management as well as my coworkers,” Ms. Kewlani said.

The discussion was organised by ADAPT.

Discussing India’s situation in accommodating people with disability, Malini Chib, author, spoke about her experience with living and working in London as well as in Mumbai.

“In London, people come to you instead of you going to them. In India, you have to beg them to allow you to work. It’s more of a privilege than a right for the disabled to work in India,” she said.
International consultant Sathi Alur spoke about the government’s role in creating an accommodating society. “In India, the government won’t do anything unless you shout, march or pay money,” he said.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/smart-inclusion-for-people-with-disability/article25666675.ece