Turning the page towards inclusion

How do Indians with disabilities overcome the barriers they face every day? How can communities empower rather than obstruct their citizens?

These questions were at the heart of an engaging and illuminating panel session presented by the United Nations India at the Jaipur Literature Festival, India’s annual high-profile celebration of books and reading.

The session, entitled Bridging Barriers: Inclusivity, Accessibility and Empowerment, discussed ways to either eliminate or bridge barriers so that persons with disabilities can enjoy their full place in society.

D.R. Mehta, the founder of Jaipur Foot, whose prosthetic limbs are used by millions worldwide; the medal-winning Paralympian Deepa Malik; the photographer and former street kid Vicky Roy; and the UN Resident Coordinator Shombi Sharp came together in conversation with Puneeta Roy, the founder trustee of the Yuva Ekta Foundation.

Panel members flagged the importance of hearing and seeing stories of persons with disabilities, living their lives and overcoming setbacks and obstacles. This is the theme of Mr. Roy’s photo exhibition, Everyone is Good at Something, which was also on display at the festival.

Ms. Malik, who has written the memoir Bring It On, told the session about her personal story. A series of surgeries to tackle a spinal tumor left her paralyzed from the waist down, but Ms. Malik nevertheless turned to athletics, swimming and motorcycling to channel her talents and energies.

“I survived the surgery and its complications and started learning the new body so that I could celebrate life,” she said. “Becoming a sportsperson was my way of breaking the barriers and changing the mindset that I am not wheelchair-bound, I am wheelchair-liberated.”

Mr. Sharp underlined that disability inclusion is both a human rights story and an economic story, with the data showing that inclusion leads to greater success for all.

“We must prioritize practical steps that address the barriers to accessibility and foster inclusion, including the voices and experiences of persons with disabilities in the development agenda,” he said.

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