The photo series titled "Ability in Disability” aligns with this year’s  International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme, ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities’. The exhibit showcases 21 impactful narratives from the 'Everyone is Good at Something’ Campaign shedding light on the challenges and triumphs experienced by People with Disabilities across every Indian state and union territory, encompassing all 21 disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016.   Emphasizing on the individual rather than the disability, these photos illuminate the struggles and victories of relatively less-known persons with disabilities. Through the compelling portrayal of their daily lives, EGS aims to raise awareness about disability among the broader public, challenge preconceived notions and biases, and foster a more inclusive society that embraces diversity.   Aman Kumar Mahto,14 years “I play with ball in school. Sometimes my mother makes my favourite chicken drumstick and aloo paratha”. Aman faces challenges in articulating his thoughts due to a speech impairment, but his mother, Sanu Devi adeptly deciphers his somewhat incoherent words when posed with questions. He says he likes school because he can play ball there, and that his classmate stole some of his tiffin! He loves chicken legs, instant noodles and aloo paratha.   Aman, who has an intellectual disability**, is in Class 1 of the special school at the Deepshikha Institute of Child Development and Mental Health in Ranchi, Jharkhand. His mother Sanu Devi (33), a domestic worker, drops him off and picks him up from the school bus stop, 13 km from their home in Pithoria. Aman expresses his fondness for school, citing the enjoyment of playing ball and revealing a humorous incident where a classmate pilfered some of his lunch. His culinary preferences include a love for chicken legs, instant noodles, and aloo paratha.   Sanu's life has been marked by hardship, particularly after being widowed at the age of 24. Constant harassment from her in-laws, possibly stemming from her background in a landless family, led to her eviction from their house. Struggling as a daily wage earner, her husband Mahesh succumbed to filariasis in 2012, a parasitic infection causing significant leg swelling. Sanu persevered with the support of her siblings, enduring periods of minimal or no meals while taking care of her two sons, Aman and Ankit (12 years). With a government grant and a private loan, she managed to build a home, and Aman's disability pension of Rs 1,000 lightens her financial burden and supports her childcare. Deepshikha Institute has also waived Aman's school fees.   Aman, engrossed in cartoons and mobile games, may not fully comprehend the sacrifices his mother makes to provide him with the cherished chicken dishes he craves.     Amir Hussain Lone   “I’ve never celebrated my birthday. One should celebrate each new day, since one never knows what life has in store.”   Amir Hussain Lone, a resident of Wagham village in Kashmir's Anantnag district, remains uncertain about his birth year, estimating it to be around 1989. However, he vividly recalls the fateful Sunday in 1997 when, as a young boy delivering lunch to his brother at his father's sawmill, a mechanical saw got entangled with his jacket, resulting in the loss of both his arms.   Amir narrates his life experiences with a clarity as if they transpired yesterday. He recounts how villagers abandoned him but it was a neighbour who sought help from the nearby army camp, and soldiers transported him to a hospital in Baramullah. The financial strain on his family led to the sale of their land to fund his treatment. Emerging from years in the hospital, Amir faced discouragement from villagers, who suggested injecting him with poison, deeming him worthless. However, his cherished grandmother, Fazee (who passed away in 2010), provided unwavering support, soothing his troubled mind and encouraging him to attend school in Marhama village.   Adapting gradually, Amir learned to use his feet for daily activities such as shaving, bathing, eating, drinking, and writing. Inspired by watching Sachin Tendulkar play on TV, he became a lifelong fan and took up cricket himself. Through hours of relentless practice, Amir mastered the art of bowling with two toes and batting by tucking the bat between his chin and shoulder. In 2016, he captained the J&K para cricket team, and in 2017, he received the Punjab Swabhimaan award.   At the time of this conversation, Amir was preparing for an upcoming match in Anantnag the following day. His most treasured possession is a bat signed by Sachin, and his ultimate dream is to meet his "guru."     Dr. Shanthipriya Siva, 50 years    “Enjoy your ups, and have the courage to face your downs”    Over the course of her life, Dr. Shanthipriya Siva (50), a resident of Chennai has taken on various roles – an ophthalmologist, an artist, an author, a model, and a motivational speaker. However, the role that has empowered her the most is that of being a Young-Onset Parkinson’s warrior.   In the early months of 2010, Dr. Priya's husband, Dr. K. Siva (51), and her son, Dr. Khanishk (25), observed an unusual stiffness in her right arm while walking. Initially dismissing it as a gym-related sprain, she later faced the challenge of her right foot refusing to fit into her slipper. Seeking specialist opinions, neurologists confirmed Young-Onset Parkinson’s, an infrequent, progressive disorder occurring between the ages of 20 and 45.   Moving from denial to acceptance, Priya embarked on a journey to comprehend and manage the disease, determined to assist others facing similar struggles. In 2019, she relinquished her medical practice and established the SAAR Foundation to raise awareness and aid in managing Parkinson’s. Attending the 5th World Parkinson’s Congress in Kyoto, she delved into abstract artistry and underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery.   DBS not only helped regulate symptoms and reduce medication but also triggered compulsive behavior. Priya began creating a new artwork every other day and commenced writing. Her painting, ‘Meraki,’ earned recognition at the London Art Biennale in July 2023. The previous year, she accomplished an inclusive trek up Kerala's Meesapulimala peak, the second-highest in the Western Ghats. Currently, Priya is working on her book, 'Living Well with Parkinson’s,' aiming to support individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers in coping with the challenges of the disease. “I don’t think that I’m disabled,” she asserts. “Parkinson’s has transformed me into an artist, an author. It has made me a better person.”     Shekhar Naik, 36 years  “Parents of visually impaired children should not hold them back. They should support their children by utilising the opportunities the government provides”   Growing up in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Shekhar Naik (36) faced exclusion from childhood games due to his blindness. However, he defied these early challenges to become an exceptional cricketer, ultimately earning the national award for his achievements.   Hailing from an agricultural background, Shekhar's blindness was hereditary, with his mother Jamila Bai, her parents, and several other relatives also affected. At the age of eight, a fall prompted a visit to a health center, where the possibility of partial vision recovery was mentioned. Rushed to Bengaluru, Shekhar underwent an operation that granted 40 percent vision to his right eye.   Shekhar's education took place at Sri Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra, a center for the blind providing free education and emphasizing sports and cultural activities. While mastering the veena and participating in Yakshagana, a traditional coastal Karnataka theatre form, cricket remained his primary passion. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), an initiative of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, identified his talent. Shekhar's cricketing journey unfolded progressively – from the state blind cricket team to the national team, earning accolades such as 'Man of the Match' and 'Man of the Series,' captaining the Indian team, and ultimately receiving the prestigious Padma Shree award.   Shekhar tied the knot with Roopa K.C. while she was employed at Samarthanam, and they are parents to two daughters: Poorvika (12) and Sanvika (7). In 2019, he founded the Shekhar Naik Foundation to support budding blind cricketers. Despite the prospect of complete vision loss due to retinal pigmentation, Shekhar maintains, "Disability is not a weakness. It is one's strength."     The Sheroes “Never look back. If you look back you will get stuck and you won’t be able to move forward”   The vibrant ambience of Sheroes’ Hangout Café mirrors the resilience of the women who operate it. Their T-shirts proudly proclaim, “My beauty is my smile,” while the back carries a powerful message: “Stop acid attacks.”   Among the ten female staff members, all of whom work in shifts, the five individuals we spoke to shared a common history of being attacked with acid during their teenage years, stemming from various tragic circumstances. Rukaiya Khathun (37) from Aligarh, who aspired to be a fashion designer, was attacked at 14 by her sister’s brother-in-law after she rejected his marriage proposal. Dolly (20), aspiring to become a doctor, endured an acid attack at the age of 13. Roopa (27) faced a similar fate at 14 when her stepmother poured acid on her face. Madhu (40) experienced an attack at 17 after rejecting a marriage proposal. Bala Prajapati (26) from Bijnor was attacked at 17 by a man seeking revenge after her mother spurned his advances. Beyond the isolation and depression that marked their lives, most of these women received no justice or compensation, and the financial barrier to multiple plastic surgeries was insurmountable. The restaurant, initiated by Alok Dixit, founder of the Chhanv Foundation, provided them with a newfound purpose. “I used to hide my face behind a burqa,” shares Rukaiya, “but now I am comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt.” She aspires to work in the café kitchen someday. Roopa dreams of designing and selling clothes online, while Dolly envisions opening a dance academy. Madhu, proficient in computer skills and fascinated with video editing (a skill acquired during the Foundation's training sessions in various disciplines amid the lockdown), has her own aspirations. Bala captures the sentiment of all the Sheroes, stating, “Life does not stop just because our faces are scarred.”     For more stories, visit: www.everyoneisgoodatsomething.com More about India Inclusion Foundation: https://indiainclusionsummit.com To download these photos, visit: www.wephoto.in

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in India and the Norwegian Government have joined forces for a project aimed at supporting women smallholder farmers in the country’s northeastern state of Assam.   Under the project, WFP will work closely with Assam’s state Government to equip smallholder farmers with adaptive farming practices, diversification, and livelihood expansion strategies to withstand the adverse effects of climate change in the long run.   An initiative was signed on 15 November by Ms. Elisabeth Faure, WFP's Representative and Country Director in India, and Ms. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development for Norway. The signing took place in the presence of Mr. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary (NRM/RFS) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in the Government of India.   The initiative aims to pilot innovative strategies for climate-resilient agricultural practices. The goal is to create a scalable model that can be customised and implemented internationally, fostering South-South learning.   Assam faces significant challenges due to its climate vulnerabilities. The state relies heavily on agriculture and has a sizable rural population. However, it struggles with a climate that oscillates between excessive rainfall and drought-like conditions. With an annual rainfall of almost 2,300 millimetres, well above the national average, Assam faces the dual threats of floods and minimal rainfall.   Assam’s Government has made commendable efforts to support rural livelihoods through schemes such as the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Society. However, there are still obstacles that hinder adaptation to climate change. These include a lack of measures that are tailored to address the specific impacts of climate change, limited financial capacity to adapt, and the inadequate provision of clear climate information to farmers.   The vulnerability also extends to societal dynamics, particularly the disadvantaged position of women. The erosion of the matrilineal system and the prevalent patriarchy contribute to the marginalization of women, leading to lower literacy rates (77% compared to 84%) and a higher prevalence of anaemia (66% among women aged 15-49), further exacerbating the issue.   The significance of climate-resilient agriculture in women's empowerment cannot be overstated. With women comprising 29% of the workforce in 2019 and a growing feminization of agriculture due to male outmigration, women farmers find themselves disproportionately exposed to climate risks. Despite their pivotal role in crop cultivation and livestock caregiving, women face challenges accessing resources and recognition.   “Supporting communities, especially women, to safeguard their livelihoods and food security against the mounting impact of climate change is a priority for the Government of Norway. The partnership with WFP in India will also create a model for wider scale-up and expand learning in climate change adaptation,” said Ms. Tvinnereim. The partnership will involve various departments in Assam, including the Department of Agriculture, the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and the Department of Meteorology and Environment. Moreover, local organisations will be approached for community mobilisation, including engaging with women's self-help groups and federations.   WFP will also work with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research to access their expertise on climate-neutral and resilient farming systems relevant to the project worldwide.   “The partnership with the Government of Norway is strategic and builds on the substantial technical expertise that WFP has in working with the national and state government and other stakeholders. The project will support vulnerable communities through nature-based solutions and a gender-transformative approach,” said Ms. Faure.   WFP works together with various state governments across India to empower smallholder farmers to adapt to climate challenges. WFP partners with local authorities, such as the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment in the state of Odisha, to enhance farmers’ resilience and encourage practical actions towards sustainable agriculture.

United Nations is celebrating the 75th year of the world's landmark document on human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UN Information Centre New Delhi has converted the online version of UDHR into a fully accessible document. Accessibility features like tagging, text recognition and alternative text for images have been added to the PDF of UDHR.  Accessible PDFs ensure that persons with disabilities can now read or hear the document with bookmarks, a table of contents, and descriptive hyperlinks for easy navigation.  Read / Download the Accessible UDHR here.       

Delhi’s parks are the green jewels of the Indian capital, beloved by its residents. Now they should become more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities through an innovative training programme co-organized by the United Nations.   Earlier this month the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) joined forces with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) and the Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment (CABE) Foundation to hold a two-day course for 80 park officials from across the National Capital Territory of Delhi.   The officials learned how to design and retrofit parks to make them more inclusive, especially for users with disabilities as well as older persons, women and children, and discuss how to operationalize these inclusive approaches in the parts of Delhi   On the second day of the training, the participants visited Shahidi Park in the city centre and conducted an accessibility survey. They were divided into groups, with each group having at least one wheelchair user and one person simulating vision impairment to explore the park’s infrastructure and facilities.   Mikiko Tanaka, Director and Head of the ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia shared, “ESCAP mandates on disability inclusion affirm the importance of developing inclusive public spaces that are fully accessible for persons with disabilities – and of utilizing a universal design approach in achieving this objective. In this context, we stand ready to support park authorities in the design and retrofitting of selected public parks in Delhi.”   The course was the first in a series of training sessions on designing inclusive green spaces across South and South-West Asia –based on a compendium on the topic developed by ESCAP.