International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2022 – is a day to put the spotlight on the fact – that we must become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by specially-abled people. Not discriminating between mental and physical disabilities, the mood of the day is – to ensure that all people have equal opportunities for work, play, good health and success. Here’s a reality check – people with disabilities can be and very often, are contributing and valued members of society. Today, it is all about saluting them!
If you are specially-abled and you are thinking of becoming a small business owner, the right ideas and tools can make all the difference. People with disabilities often find it difficult to find work, but fortunately, there are many success stories of disabled individuals starting their own businesses. Being an entrepreneur can indeed provide financial stability and purpose. And there are specific resources for people with disabilities – to create a business plan, qualify for schemes and get training too.
There are entities coming out to help such people.
Here, we focus on Nai Subah Foundation, which is directed at creating opportunities for the marginalized and help them unlock their potential. This is an organization founded by Tarini Malhotra, a student of The Shri Ram School, Moulsari. Their unique initiatives are multi-faceted, for they aim to foster diversity and inclusion, create income-generation opportunities, showcase talent and creativity and extend financial assistance to those who need their support, by means of networking, advocacy and fundraising.
Emphasizing the significance of the day, Tarini Malhotra, Founder, Nai Subah Foundation says, “As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the topic of ‘disability inclusion’ is in the air. Several steps are being taken to ensure that people in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities (PwDs) do not feel ostracized in society”. Including a word of caution, she adds, “While we are on the journey to de-stigmatize disability, we still have a long way to go. We are all different and we uniquely perceive and experience the world. Autism isn’t a disorder. Neurodiversity is not a ‘disability’, it’s a different form of being. And while society is becoming more ‘accepting’, we are still not doing a good job to make inclusion really authentic”.
There are bodies like National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) which has designed and launched special schemes to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Then there is Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, where women with physical disabilities and economically-weak backgrounds can get help to initiate income-generating activities.
So, as a specially-abled business owner, you may often feel like you are facing more challenges than others, which can be daunting. But, it is important to remember that you are not alone. You can plan ahead and manage your time and resources effectively. And, the day has come to step ahead with confidence!
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
