At times, when we start looking at too big a space or a task, the very fact may be extremely daunting. It means that we will not even take the first step towards that goal if we are too overwhelmed at the start itself
Dr Unnati Shelar and Siddharth Mhatre look on as a pavement becomes disabled friendly. Pic/Ashish Raje
A Dadar resident is spearheading an initiative to make his immediate environs more accessible to wheelchair users. A report in this paper stated how the young man, a wheelchair user himself, has kickstarted a project along with supporters to ensure that footpaths are disabled-friendly so that wheelchairs and even those on crutches can negotiate them with some ease.
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The project is within a housing colony but these are baby steps and eventually, more parts of Mumbai could be covered. The same report cited a Non-Governmental Organisation working in the space for inclusivity with founders speaking about project completion in a western suburb with more on the anvil.
What is key here is the baby steps approach. We need to bat for inclusivity for all, but we can begin small. We can focus on our immediate surroundings and push for change with a small support group.
At times, when we start looking at too big a space or a task, the very fact may be extremely daunting. It means that we will not even take the first step towards that goal if we are too overwhelmed at the start itself.
The key here is to sensitise a population and then see that groups take it upon themselves to understand the importance of access and work towards a more egalitarian society. This can happen when we have a mass awakening of sorts and then, people organise themselves in order to make inroads into creating or even tweaking infrastructure to be designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Once a movement begins, with ordinary people and authorities working in tandem, we will be able to see change on the ground. No step is too small or insignificant when one wants to make a difference. A changemaker can begin in the humblest way and still have deep impact.
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