CategoriesAwarenessFor decades, special education has been built on a foundation of care, structure, therapy, and specialized support. These systems were designed to help—and in many ways, they have. Yet despite good intentions, many models of support have also unintentionally created separation: separation from typical environments, separation from real-life experiences, and separation from the valued social […]
CategoriesAwareness CSR and CompaniesStop Testing People. Start Understanding Them. Introduction: When Hiring Systems ‘Miss’ the Point A young man once walked into an interview after days of preparation. He had rehearsed answers and tried to align himself with what the system expected. The interview lasted just 15 minutes. He struggled with eye contact, took longer to respond, and […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeVansh’s journey began with uncertainty. Born as a premature baby, his early years were marked by developmental delays, especially in walking and speech. Like many children with developmental disabilities, he struggled to communicate his needs and emotions, often relying on others to make decisions for him. His world was shaped not by what he wanted, […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeA Beginning Filled with Uncertainty Arman’s journey began with uncertainty. Diagnosed early with Down Syndrome, his childhood included health challenges and a future that felt unclear to many around him. Despite this, his family remained a constant source of care and strength, supporting him through early medical needs and developmental milestones. As he entered school, […]
CategoriesAwarenessReframing Inclusion Through Social Role Valorization (SRV) Introduction: The Invisible Force That Shapes Opportunity In every classroom, playground, and workplace, one invisible force quietly determines who belongs, who participates, and who progresses: social roles. A neurotypical child is almost automatically understood as a student, a friend, a teammate, and a future professional. These roles are […]
CategoriesAwareness CSR and CompaniesThe Reality Behind Closed Doors In India’s cities—behind construction sites, informal settlements, and crowded rental rooms—there is a reality we rarely acknowledge. A daily wage worker leaves home at 6 a.m.Inside, a child with a disability stays behind. Not because the family does not care.But because they have no choice. This is where disability meets […]
CategoriesStories of ChangeBackground and Challenge Naman Bhattacharjee is a bright and curious young person who enjoys music, food, travel, and technology. He has a strong memory, an ability to observe emotions around him, and a keen interest in sounds, gadgets, and cooking. However, like many young people with developmental disabilities, Naman experienced barriers in communication, social participation, […]
CategoriesAwareness CSR and CompaniesDisability is not a marginal issue—it is a fundamental part of the human experience. Globally, over 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability. In India, official estimates suggest 26.8 million persons with disabilities, though the real number is likely much higher due to underreporting. Within this population are millions of neurodivergent individuals, including […]
CategoriesAwareness CSR and CompaniesAs corporate social responsibility (CSR) investments in disability inclusion continue to grow in India, many companies are making sincere efforts to support persons with disabilities. However, disability is a highly specialised field that intersects with education, health, rehabilitation, employment, and social inclusion. As a result, well-intentioned CSR initiatives sometimes fall into predictable pitfalls when programmes […]
CategoriesAwareness CSR and CompaniesIn CSR committee meetings across India, one number often dominates the discussion: cost per beneficiary. It appears neutral, rational, and financially prudent. Lower cost per head is frequently equated with efficiency, scalability, and good governance. But in disability-focused CSR — particularly in neurodiversity and developmental disabilities — cost per beneficiary is not merely misleading; it […]
