Adding Life to Days: Prarthana Kaul's Impactful Journey with GiftAbled

Authors: Anupam Gupta and Rinku Vatnani

Prarthana Kaul is a prominent figure in the fields of diversity and inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and motivational training. She is the Co-Founder of GiftAbled , an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to building an inclusive society. Prarthana has been a driving force behind supporting the livelihood of thousands of individuals with disabilities and underprivileged people in India through initiatives like Supply Chain Diversity and various projects.

Before co-founding GiftAbled, Prarthana Kaul had gained valuable experience at IBM and iVolunteer . She is widely recognized as a cause marketeer and motivational trainer, known for her high-energy keynotes and her consultancy work in the realm of disability inclusion for numerous multinational organizations. Prarthana has conducted sensitization workshops on disability inclusion, sign language, Braille, volunteer management, and employee engagement across India, impacting thousands of volunteers and hundreds of non-profit organizations.

Her contributions to the empowerment of people with disabilities have earned her several prestigious awards, including the Social Entrepreneur of the Year by Namma Bengaluru Foundation in 2015, Top 3 social enterprise in the country by IIM Calcutta Innovation Park as part of Tata Social Enterprise Challenge (2019) and the Best Social Entrepreneur Award by Hand in Hand in 2018. Prarthana has also been recognized as a Social Innovation Leader and has received awards from various organizations, including the World CSR Day and World Women Leadership Congress.

GiftAbled, Born To Transform The Lives Of Individuals With Disabilities And Promote Awareness...

Could you please provide a brief overview of GiftAbled, including your mission and what inspired you to co-found this organization?

GiftAbled, the organization I co-founded, originated from my personal journey. After spending 18 years in the corporate world, I began volunteering during weekends. However, I soon realized that a couple of hours of volunteer work every week wasn't enough to address the pressing social issues I cared about. My transition from the corporate sector to the social sector was supported by my parents, who encouraged me to follow my passion. As I delved into volunteering, particularly focusing on reading for the visually impaired and spending time with underprivileged children, I recognized that disability was a cause that often found itself at the bottom of the priority list.

This realization led to a commitment to change perceptions and stereotypes around disability. Learning sign language was a significant step, and I vividly remember my early encounters with deaf individuals who were surprised to see someone not directly connected to the deaf community using sign language. This spurred our efforts to promote inclusivity and awareness of disability-related issues. The journey took an unexpected turn when my co-founder, my better half, sought advice on what gift to give blind children. Our initial assumption that they would all appreciate musical instruments was challenged, leading us to a broader realization that basic awareness about disabilities was lacking. This moment marked a pivotal shift in our mission, which expanded to include healthcare, education, and livelihood support for children with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on early intervention and education. Today, GiftAbled operates in various states and aspirational districts, striving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

Addressing The Diverse Needs Of Disabilities Involves Broadening Employment Opportunities And Education...

Can you provide insights into the broad spectrum of disabilities and the various ways in which both corporations and society can tackle the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities?

In India, there are now 21 recognized types of disabilities according to the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016, a significant expansion from the previous seven. This inclusive approach covers disabilities ranging from physical to intellectual impairments, which offers corporations a broader scope for employing individuals with disabilities in diverse roles.

Less than 1% of the population is gainfully employed, and the reasons behind this issue are multi-faceted. A significant contributing factor is our education system, where a large percentage of students drop out after high school, not only in India but globally. This results in a limited pool of graduates and postgraduates, making it challenging for corporations to find the talent they need to promote disability inclusion. Moreover, with approximately 70% of the population residing in rural areas, there's a need to find ways to reach and support them. To address these challenges, we've initiated industry-ready courses in collaboration with corporations, providing skill development opportunities. Additionally, we promote supplier diversity, encouraging the purchase of products made by individuals with disabilities as a means of indirect support for their livelihoods. So, while there are challenges, there are also viable solutions to address them and enhance disability inclusion.

GiftAbled Empowers Artisans With Disabilities, Offering A Wide Range Of Products, Fostering Economic Independence...

Prarthana, GiftAbled’s approach to supplier diversity is remarkable in supporting livelihoods for many. Could you give us some insights into the variety of products that GiftAbled offers, and share some examples of the artisans who create these products?

GiftAbled's approach to product diversity encompasses artisans with various disabilities, enabling them to create a wide range of items, from stationery and bags to artwork and corporate gifts. The organization believes in offering opportunities to individuals with different types of disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities who may find it challenging to engage in prolonged tasks. For instance, there's a story of a youth with autism named Akhilesh, who initially faced uncertainties about his future. However, through GiftAbled, he found a means to contribute to his family's income by creating paintings. These transformations in the lives of individuals and their families are the heart-warming results of this approach. It's not just about the products; it's about promoting economic independence and dignity. GiftAbled is also pioneering the creation of inclusive products, such as tactile Rubik's cubes made by youths with intellectual disabilities, illustrating the potential for inclusive innovation.

Corporate Inclusion Journeys Require A Foundation Of Awareness And Accessibility, Not Just Quick Hiring...

Prarthana, you've worked with numerous corporates on their inclusion journey. Could you shed light on the challenges that multinational companies face when striving to become more inclusive and disability-friendly?

Absolutely, from our extensive experience working with various corporates, one common challenge we've observed is that many companies rush into hiring people with disabilities without first sensitizing their workforce. To facilitate a smoother journey, we recommend that companies establish an inclusion framework. This framework includes sensitizing the leadership team, the teams where employees with disabilities will work, and ensuring that the physical environment is accessible. Only after these steps are in place should companies focus on hiring individuals with disabilities. This way, the team is already prepared to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. For example, conducting a sign language workshop before a deaf employee joins can make a significant difference, as the employee feels welcome and supported right from the start. It's these small considerations and preparations that matter. The journey towards inclusivity is ongoing, and we've learned that patience and a willingness to learn from one another are key to overcoming challenges and fostering a truly inclusive environment.

Startups Can Lead With Inclusive Practices...

With the evolving landscape of India Inc., particularly with the emergence of numerous startups, it's crucial for them to contribute to the space of disability inclusion and make it part of their mission. Can you offer some insights or unique responsibilities that startups have in becoming disabled-friendly or integrating inclusion into their business model?"

Startups can begin by focusing on the little things that can make a big difference. Ensuring workplace accessibility goes beyond just having ramps. Startups can seek guidance from organizations like GiftAbled to perform accessibility audits. Small adjustments, such as the height of washbasins or the placement of light switches, can significantly improve accessibility. Additionally, incorporating inclusive practices can be as simple as hiring a few individuals with disabilities, without making it a mandatory quota. This approach can lead to increased productivity and a more inclusive work culture. As startups grow, building a culture of inclusion from the beginning is much easier than attempting to incorporate it as an afterthought. Awareness and sensitivity are key, and early education can help individuals open their minds to more possibilities, fostering a more inclusive society.

GiftAbled Touches Lives Daily...

Could you share an inspiring story of an individual whose life was significantly transformed by GiftAbled?

One remarkable story that highlights the impact of our work is that of a young woman who had never received any formal education or therapy because of her deafness and blindness. It took her ten years of determined effort to become independent and learn basic communication through touch and gestures. While her success isn't solely attributed to GiftAbled but to a combination of factors, including special educators, parents' efforts, and her own determination, it represents the tremendous potential in people with disabilities.

Additionally, I recall a heart-wrenching story of three deaf-blind sisters who had spent their entire lives isolated, with no means of communication beyond touch. These sisters' story illustrates the urgent need for comprehensive support systems and therapies for those in remote areas who are often overlooked. There are countless other stories, such as a woman who bore the pain of childbirth without understanding what was happening due to her lack of awareness about pregnancy. These are just some examples that showcase the pressing need for health, education, and livelihood support for people with disabilities.

The story doesn't end there. There are approximately 5 lakh deaf-blind individuals in our country, and we need to find ways to reach out to all of them.

The Challenges Of Social Entrepreneurship Are Met With A Commitment To Learning And Shifting Mindsets Toward Inclusion...

Could you share some significant challenges you have faced and continue to face as you navigate the world of social entrepreneurship? And do you have any lessons or insights for our listeners?

The journey of social entrepreneurship has been both rewarding and challenging. One of the most significant challenges we've encountered is finding the right passionate and dedicated talent. It's not always easy to identify individuals who are genuinely committed to creating positive change, especially when you aim to work across the entire country.

In terms of lessons and insights, I believe it's essential to keep learning and evolving. Understanding the world of disability, its nuances, and its impact on individuals has been an ongoing educational journey for us.

During our journey, there was a profound moment when our co-founder, Prateek Kaul, passed by and shared a thought with us. He said, 'Disability is just two things, a closed mindset and an inaccessible environment.' This statement deeply resonated with us. To overcome this, we need to focus on spreading awareness, changing mindsets, and making our surroundings accessible. Technology plays a crucial role in empowering people with disabilities to perform at par, and it's vital for everyone to embrace these opportunities for inclusion. I invite anyone who resonates with our mission to join us in any capacity they can. Together, we can create a more inclusive world. Thank you for your support, Anupam. Your willingness to be part of this journey is truly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming more members to our cause.

Getting Involved Is Simple – Volunteer, Open Your Mind, And Consider Purchasing Inclusive Gifts For Diwali...

I'm sure our readers are eager to find ways they can get involved in this journey, whether through volunteering or other means. Could you provide some practical steps or tips for individuals to open their minds to this journey?

Absolutely, getting involved is simpler than you might think. It doesn't require any special expertise or rocket science. To start, consider volunteering your time. You can become a mentor, and during the pandemic, we had nearly 3,000 volunteers sign up. We discovered that it often takes a crisis to inspire people to volunteer. With so many volunteers on board, we wanted to put their efforts to good use. As a result, we launched a digital library with thousands of recorded storybooks. These recordings aren't just beneficial to the visually impaired but are also used by children who lack access to bedtime stories.

Additionally, many volunteers started engaging with acid attack survivors, helping them become small-scale entrepreneurs in their local communities. Learning sign language basics is another great step. This will enable you to communicate at a basic level with someone who uses sign language, shifting the conversation from asking, "Are you deaf?" to "Are you a volunteer?"

Many corporations encourage employees to volunteer by offering opportunities for giving hours. Some even have a mechanism for tracking volunteer hours, which can benefit the NGOs where you volunteer. The impact of your efforts may extend beyond your awareness.

So, start with small actions. Volunteer, become a mentor, open your mind, and raise awareness. Consider purchasing gifts made by people with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially with Diwali approaching. You can explore a variety of gifts on our website, GiftAbled.com. Your choice of gifts can contribute to a positive change and make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your support, and now you know where to find your Diwali gifts!

The realE? Moment...

Our channel "realE" is all about capturing pivotal and defining moments in people's journeys. Could you share a defining moment from your professional or personal journey that holds a special place in your heart and influenced your trajectory??

Certainly, among many moments, I'd like to share one that isn't directly related to disability. It's a moment that has stuck with me for almost 13 years. I've been involved with an organization called Karunashreya, a cancer hospice home, for about 15 years. Each year, we organize a Diwali event, and many volunteers, including those with disabilities, join in. This particular memory harks back to when we had around 13 volunteers at the Diwali celebration.

I was conducting activities, asking participants to perform simple tasks like shaking their right and left hands and counting. I encouraged everyone to participate, even those with disabilities. One person on a stretcher, who had throat cancer, raised his hand and expressed his desire to sing a Kannada song. We wholeheartedly supported his request, and he sang the entire song with a feeble voice. It was heart-warming to see hundreds of volunteers applauding him. It was the year that began with 13 volunteers, and now we have hundreds of volunteers join us every Diwali.

The poignant part of this story comes a week later. I visited the hospice home to inquire about the person who sang the song. To my surprise, he was on his deathbed, and I was told that this might be his last day. I was unsure of what to say or do. However, even before I could utter a word, he gave me a smile and did the same activity from our Diwali event: shaking his right hand, left hand, and counting. It dawned on me that "you cannot add days to their life, but you can always add life to their days."

This experience has parallels with my journey at GiftAbled, where we have witnessed life-changing transformations in the lives of people with disabilities. They have become more independent, more productive, and more dignified. We've empowered them to live life to the fullest, which is truly rewarding. The power of volunteers and donors in bringing about this change is remarkable. Together, as a collective ecosystem of government, corporations, NGOs, and individuals, we can make a significant difference. It's not a daunting task; it's an inspiring journey.

Once again, thank you to all the supporters - our families, friends, volunteers, donors, corporate partners, and everyone who has been part of this journey. It's a collective effort, and we're grateful for your support.

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