World Disability Day: These success stories prove disability is no impediment

BENGALURU: Deepa Narasimhan moves confidently in her motorised wheelchair around EMC India's Centre of Excellence office on Outer Ring Road. She is the head of diversity and inclusion at the multinational technology company, where she ensures that differently-abled people are a part of the company's talent pool.

Narasimhan is tetraplegic, paralysed neck down and able to move only her thumbs. This has never been an impediment for the young executive, who swiftly rose up the ladder after joining EMC as a marketing communication specialist in 2008. A few years ago, she spearheaded the formation of a global disability network, Disability Empowerment Resource Group.

Then there is Ajit Babu, whose cerebral palsy did not come in the way of his entrepreneurial ambitions. The 26-year-old college dropout founded a renewable energy startup, LifeHack Innovations, this year.“Differently-abled people need not be treated with sympathy ,“ he said. “Instead, you should strengthen community support and enable them to do things just like anyone else.“

Babu will on Thursday receive a Karnataka state award recognising the achievements of the differently-abled. The state recognises individuals, institutions and special teachers ev ery year in 30 categories for their achievements and contributions.

With greater sensitisation among companies and initiatives to absorb an under-tapped talent pool, young executives and entrepreneurs like Narasimhan and Babu are among the many voices in the city rising above their disabilities.

Shek Habeebula Haq, a customer support engineer with Cisco, said company backing is the key. The 28-year-old arts graduate said that visually challenged people like him are not taught computer education in school due to lack of aid. His transition into an engineering job profile was made possible only because of Cisco's open learning programme.

Narayan Shanthamurthy, a creative specialist with Target India, explained how teamwork can be both an opportunity and a challenge. “In my journey , my teammates and leaders have played a key role in helping me become a part of the team,“ said Shanthamurthy, who has locomotor disability . “This has now helped me be a subject matter expert in my field.“

Mansoor Ahmed S, senior manager with the Association of People with Disability , said 80% of disabled children drop out of high school because of a lack of supporting infrastructure like ramps and special toilets.

“The prime minister says `Education for All' but it needs to be applicable to the disabled as well,“ said Ahmed, a former student of APD who rejoined the institution three years ago after a brief corporate stint. He, too, has locomotor disability.“Unless we have an exit plan and commit ourselves to numbers of schools to be equipped every year, this dream will remain a dream.“