Think of yourself in a train full of people during rush hour. It’s impossible to see the platform for the faces as everyone rushes to get off the train and make way for the incoming commuter train. It’s difficult for able-bodied people to move through this crowd. Consider what it’s like for someone in a wheelchair attempting to get through the same crowd; for someone who can’t hear attempting to make out the word from the loudspeakers, for someone with an intellectual disability attempting to read the signals in a world full of cues they don’t understand.

Suddenly, that normal daily commute has become a complex puzzle. And this tiny thought experiment gives us a hint into something much, much bigger than this. Just how easily can people access ordinary daily experiences?

Disability is not unusual. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion individuals worldwide suffer from some sort of disability. This represents 15% of the world’s population. These individuals can be those who have physical disabilities, those who have sensory impairments such as hearing or vision loss, and those who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Yet for so many of us, however, disability remains something we speak of defensively, politely, and only in faraway, clinical ways as if it’s something that only occurs in the “other” place.

The point is, disability matters to all of us, as neighbours, classmates, employees, relatives, or friends. More importantly, it is how we speak of it that will determine whether it is included or excluded.

It’s not simply a matter of bodies and brains, a disability can affect what one does in one’s daily life. Activities that we take for granted in normal daily life, such as walking down the sidewalk, understanding a conversation, filling out a form, getting access to healthcare, or for a job or an education, can become challenging tasks when the right accommodations aren’t in place. And because disability is such a varied category, assumptions can be dangerous. Intellectual disability does not define a person’s potential. While individuals may learn and adapt at a different pace and require support, with appropriate training and opportunities, they can develop abilities, work, and participate actively in their communities.

By speaking of disability in a curious rather than a frightened tone, a profound message is communicated: The voice of every individual counts. Positive attitudes, overflowing with respect, dignity, and empathy, can turn on a big light in the way an individual experiences their own identity and the way the world encounters them. One of the most important paradigm shifts in understanding disability is recognising that disability does not lie solely within the individual, but often arises from barriers in the environment. When systems, spaces, and communication are not designed inclusively, they create disability.

For example:

• A building with only a staircase and no ramp excludes persons with mobility impairments.
• Lack of sign language interpretation excludes persons who are deaf.
• Complex forms, instructions, or processes without simplified formats or assistance exclude persons with intellectual disability.

This is not “the inevitable limitations” but limitations we can overcome.

In India, discourse around disability is increasing but far too gradually. Social taboos, unawareness, and infrastructure can make inclusive living and working life secondary in importance. Nevertheless, with such a massive population of billions, even small changes in mindset and approaches can lead to gigantic transformations. Across India, educators, skill development leaders, civil society organisations, and grassroots movements are increasingly demonstrating the transformative power of inclusion. Inclusion is not only a matter of access, but of dignity, equity, and rights. Organisations such as Diya Foundation play a critical role in driving this change by enabling individuals with intellectual disability to build skills, confidence, and self-dependence through a learning-by-doing approach.

How Diya Foundation Is Helping Change the Story

Diya Foundation operates at the intersection of empowerment, skill development, and opportunity. While many systems continue to view persons with disabilities through a lens of limitation, Diya adopts a strengths-based approach that recognises potential and possibility.

This approach is guided by four core principles:

• Capability: Building life and vocational skills that enable individuals to develop confidence, competence, and greater independence.
• Visibility: Bringing real stories and achievements into the spotlight to challenge stereotypes and shift societal perceptions.
• Opportunity: Creating pathways to meaningful employment and active participation in the community.
• Dignity: Enabling individuals to make choices about their own lives and be recognised as equal participants in society.

With Diya walking along with people with intellectual and other disabilities, “awareness” is translated into real-life inclusion.
Talking about disability is not an awareness event. It is not ‘Disability Awareness Week.’ It is not something to be done.

Let’s think for a moment –

Who gets heard and who doesn’t?

What can we remove as barriers today?

How do we build systems that adapt to humans, as opposed to forcing humans to adapt to systems?

When we lead with openness and compassion, we help build a world where everyone belongs, and where diversity is recognised as a strength, not a difference to be excluded.