Developing the ‘disability inclusion’ mindset
Vijay Krishnamurthy
Author of "Get Kids To Play" | Sports Researcher (Ph.D.) | Executive Coach (PCC)
Most people see a wheelchair and think of illness or aging. But in the world of sports, particularly for differently-abled tennis players, it's a tool of empowerment, a means to achieve athletic dreams.
I'll never forget my visit to the KSLTA stadium in Cubbon Park, Bangalore. There, I saw wheelchair tennis players for the first time, practicing on a court adjacent to where I stood. They played by the same rules – same court size, net height, and scoring system – as their able-bodied peers. Their commitment and love for tennis were as fierce as any athlete I'd ever seen. Wheelchair tennis isn't just a sport; it's a medium for social development and inclusion.
This experience made me think deeply about 'disability inclusion.' When should we start fostering this mindset? Considering the challenges differently-abled individuals face from childhood, it is clear societal barriers are as significant as physical ones.
Take the #ToyLikeMe campaign launched in 2015 by Rebecca Atkinson in the U.K. Rebecca, who wore hearing aids as a child, felt excluded from her able-bodied peers. She worked with toy giants like Mattel and Lego to create toys representing differently-abled individuals. Over six years, this initiative has fostered understanding among able-bodied children and given differently-abled children toys that reflect their experiences. It's a big step towards making 'disability inclusion' a standard part of our mindset.
Witnessing the tenacity of wheelchair tennis players and learning about campaigns like #ToyLikeMe, it's clear that change is happening. We're moving towards a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. And it all starts with how we view a wheelchair – not as a symbol of limitation but of possibility and empowerment.
What can Parents do to address diversity and inclusion?????????????????????????
“The activities were fun, and at the same time, the children learned to manage their bodies and develop coordination. I have been observing the activities and the improvement that the children have been showing. The children have been improving their space management and hand-eye coordination and are better adaptive individuals,”? Coordinator grades 1 to 7, Chennai.
“Since these physical activities were kinesthetic, they improved the children's hand-eye coordination, and we could also see academic improvements. This service has been precious for the children, and we will continue to work the same way with EduSports in the coming years to bring in a holistic development for them,”? Teacher, Head of the Special Education Department, Chennai.
Clearly, structured sports activities have had a very positive impact on the children. The EduSports team was able to help the children overcome their difficulties through physical activities that were fun, engaging, and customized for each child, depending on his/her specific needs. It has helped develop healthier and fitter children and enhanced their intellect.
(The above section is an extract from our book Get Kids To Play)
Get Kids To Play discussion with Prakash Padukone ?
Our book 'Get Kids to Play' goes to big hands to yet another legend who put India on the sport's international map - Mr Prakash Padukone. Delighted to share a proud moment as our Founder & CEO Saumil Majmudar and his co-author Vijay Krishnamurthy gift the book to the Badminton champion at the Padukone - Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence.
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In the summit, school-leaders, parents, PE trainers, corporate industry leaders, brands, philanthropists and policy-makers, will drive some insightful conversations around play and its importance.
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We designed the book with two critical decision-makers in mind: parents and school leaders. Both groups want to get the kids to play but often struggle with the "How?" and get bogged down with obstacles.
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So heartening to read your newsletter on inclusion Vijay Krishnamurthy!
Consultant (Cloud & On-prem Software Engineering) | Coach (ICF ACC) | Counselor (Mental Health)
7 个月Excellent article Vijay Krishnamurthy; thought-provoking and calling for action. A few weeks back I did (a mock) interview for some graduates who are undergoing training at WinVinaya Foundation. At least 10 out of those 16 hearing-impaired graduates signed playing badminton, football, or chess as their?interest from childhood. I could see the happiness on their face when they explained winning trophies at sports/games was their achievement in life. Your article made me think?that physical education teachers or sports coaches (and parents) who can communicate using sign language would maximize the potential of the hearing impaired.