5 Innovative Project Ideas & Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

According to a Forbes article, the coronavirus pandemic indirectly resulted in various new opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The increasing dependency on the internet and technology to carry out our daily activities, be it at the workplace or home, opened up space for more innovative programmes accommodating individuals with disabilities.?

A few years ago who could have imagined the possibility of disabled dancers and singers putting up a virtual show for a corporate, a hearing impaired photographer capturing events or a magician with a disability, let alone know if performers with disabilities could be hired by companies??

But, at Atypical Advantage, we believe that the possibilities are endless, as long as there exists a platform for PwDs to thrive.?

In the last 1.5 years, we have conducted several never-before-seen shows and projects with the end goal of generating livelihoods for PwDs and creating awareness of inclusion in companies.?

Here are 5 of them:?

1) 30 Artists Paint Pepperfry Studios to Mark 75th Independence Day?

To mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, 30 artists with disabilities from Atypical Advantage painted their perspective of freedom using Pepperfry Studio’s facade as their blank canvas across 12 cities.?

Keeping alive the spirit of the right to equality and freedom, these artists not only got a platform to showcase their skills but also the confidence to put their artwork in public.?

These artists have their journeys and challenges which they overcame with determination.? Their disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, locomotor disability, hearing impairment, spina bifida, and down syndrome.

Saloni Khosla, Head-CODE (Centre of Design Excellence), Pepperfry said, “On this 75th Independence Day, Pepperfry and Atypical Advantage celebrate the spirit of ‘freedom’ through stellar artwork by differently-abled artists. Their depiction of freedom painted on our Studio fa?ades brings out a creative edge that is vibrant and lively. It gives us great delight to unite with Atypical and provide a platform to encourage diverse talent in the field of art.”

2) Teaching Doodling 300 Accenture Employee

Varun Naren, a caricaturist and artist on the autism spectrum, had never conducted a corporate workshop before. Impressed by his talent, Accenture asked Varun to lead a corporate class where he taught caricature and doodling to over 300 employees.

Varun learned how to make his session more engaging during a co-creation journey that involved the team conducting numerous mock sessions. It was a first for both, Varun and the Accenture employees.

It may be a tiny thing, but we truly appreciate the time the senior leadership invested in mentoring Varun & giving him a chance. The Accenture audience indeed loved the session and acquired a new skill.

3) Sunadha Band for RPG?

For their Diversity & Inclusion conclave in July 2022, the RPG group invited the multi-talented Sunadha musical group. Everyone from dancers, and singers to instrumentalists, has a disability including visual and hearing impairment.?

This was the first live performance given by Sunadha and it melted everyone’s hearts. The event was well received and there have been many inquiries regarding the group since then. Post this, they also performed at Bengaluru’s Galleria Mall, Yelahanka on 15th August.?

We are grateful to RPG who allowed our talented bunch of artists to showcase their brilliant dancing and singing skills.?

Watch this beautiful performance by Sunadha musical group:

4) A 60 sqft Live Canvas Painting

To celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, four talented artists attempted a rare feat never envisioned in India's history. Artists with locomotor disability, hearing impairment and spina bifida did the impossible and painted a 60+ square feet canvas live in a couple of hours.?

The painting represents India’s growth in the form of a banyan tree with roots comprising of some of the most inspiring great leaders like APJ Abdul Kalam, Ratan Tata, Narayan Murthy, Lata Mangeshkar & Sachin Tendulkar. This symbolizes the value of leadership, innovation, hard work and consistency.?

The stem of the tree comprises of Indian Defense forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), which symbolizes the incessant support they provide and the sacrifices they make in keeping the nation safe and secure in times of war and calamities.

The branches and leaves comprise aspects which India is known for like Indian art, Indian culture, Indian food, Indian movies, Yoga & spirituality, Indian sports (Olympic & Commonwealth medalists), Make in India, and Space missions.

5) Models with Autism for Derby Photoshoot

Four individuals with autism came together in Chennai and shot for one of India’s leading clothing brands, Derby. The company’s founder, Vijay Kapoor was also present at the store to witness this one-of-its-kind shoot. The four models were Rupak Munje, Jeet Pattanayak, Karthik Krishnamurthy and Swaminathan Manivannan.?

Rupak and Swaminathan, also talented painters, presented their respective artworks in-between shots. This shoot broke all beauty-defining norms and made photoshoots an inclusive activity.?

Atypical Advantage has always been at the forefront of experimenting with new and innovative possibilities. Turning dreams into reality is a quality that we thrive on so that when a person with a disability is considering career options, they know that limitations and stereotypes are meant to be broken.?

5 key takeaways from our projects:?

1: Heading towards a more inclusive society?

2: Experience an entertaining session?

3: Disability sensitisation and awareness among employees

4: Boost people’s confidence in their abilities

5: Break myths around disability?

Visit here to book talented performers with disabilities for your next event or virtual show.?