Inclusiv'e Voices with Anuj Arora

Meet Anuj Arora, a vibrant personality from North India, whose journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Anuj's early life was marked by a passion for sports, particularly cricket, where he thrived in both academic and social settings. From a young age, he was full of life, promising himself to maintain that enthusiasm for as long as possible.

Growing up in a service-class family instilled in Anuj the values of hard work and the desire for a respectable status in society. This background motivated him to seek a secure job that would provide him with a sense of stability and achievement. However, his aspirations shifted dramatically when he was exposed to business concepts in school, igniting a newfound passion for entrepreneurship. He began dreaming of starting his own ventures, exploring ideas that aligned with his interests.

Anuj holds a B.Com (Pass) from ARSD College, Delhi University, and an MBA in Finance from ICFAI Business School, Gurgaon. His academic background, combined with his extensive professional experience, has laid a solid foundation for his career, enabling him to face challenges head-on.

Anuj's professional journey began in 2010 when he joined a bank in South India. Over the years, he has navigated through various roles with commendable adaptability. Starting in liabilities operations, he spent three years in Bangalore and Hyderabad before transitioning to branch banking as a Branch Manager in Delhi for over two years. His career continued to evolve as he took on the role of Regional Service Manager for a year and later became a Unit Head for Asset Operations.

Anuj's health journey took a significant turn in 2013 when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive disease of the central nervous system. Initially, he managed his condition with disease-modifying drugs for about five to six years. Unfortunately, these medications did not yield the desired results, leading his doctor at AIIMS to discontinue them. As a result, Anuj transitioned to symptomatic treatment and multivitamins, along with regular physiotherapy at home for maintenance.

By the end of 2015, he began using a stick and walker for support, eventually relying on a wheelchair from 2017. The issues with his upper limbs started in 2021, further complicating his mobility. Despite these challenges, Anuj had previously enjoyed bike rides, a passion that allowed him to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

Anuj’s childhood was characterized by active participation in academics, sports, and various social activities. He developed a love for exploring food and became the go-to food guide for his close circle of friends. His culinary adventures took him to cities like Indore, Amritsar, and Lucknow, where he savored diverse flavors and shared these experiences with those around him. Anuj has always valued his friendships and believed in standing by his friends in all circumstances. He enjoyed road trips, creating lasting memories, and attending events that are etched in his mind. A standout experience was attending a Metallica concert in Bangalore, which holds a special place in his heart. For him, outings to stand-up comedy shows provided him with a much-needed relief from his days of house arrest due to MS.

Anuj’s understanding of Reasonable Accommodation and Accessibility

Anuj's accessibility needs are integral to his daily life. He relies on a wheelchair for mobility, uses a headmouse to interact with digital devices, and employs earphones with auto call pickup enabled, all supported by a 24-hour hired caregiver. In the workplace, he actively advocates for reasonable accommodations, which include the installation of elevators, ramps, disabled-friendly restrooms, and flexible work arrangements. These accommodations are essential for him to navigate his professional environment effectively.

His understanding of accessibility goes beyond compliance; he emphasizes that it encompasses the feasibility of being reached, used, or understood by individuals with a wide range of abilities. Anuj believes that true accessibility is about removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in activities. He defines reasonable accommodations as the necessary modifications that enable persons with disabilities to perform their tasks and enjoy equal opportunities. These adjustments should align with organizational goals without imposing undue stress on employers, fostering an inclusive work environment for all.

Anuj's journey with disability has been filled with profound challenges. The battle for acceptance was a deeply personal one, compounded by societal stigma and the shifting dynamics of his identity. As his mobility decreased, accessibility became increasingly crucial, especially since public transport did not cater to his needs. He found that commuting in his personal vehicle was essential for maintaining his independence. The barriers he faced, such as staircases, pothole-ridden roads, and uneven surfaces, made outings daunting and forced him to plan meticulously, often checking for ramps and elevators before visiting public places like restaurants.

Despite these hurdles, Anuj was fortunate to have a reliable support system of friends and family who provided emotional backing. However, he often felt a disconnect from society due to the physical barriers he encountered. The stigma attached to disability led to altered perceptions, and although he tried to maintain connections, he sometimes felt left behind. His employer's willingness to accommodate his needs was crucial during this transition, enabling him to continue contributing meaningfully in the workplace.

As his condition progressed and he began losing control over his upper limbs, technology became a vital ally. He discovered assistive devices like Mouseware by Dextroware Devices, a headmouse that allowed him to interact with digital platforms and stay engaged in the modern, digital world. Anuj is passionate about raising awareness of such technologies, sharing his experiences to highlight their importance in providing a level playing field for persons with disabilities.

Outside of his professional commitments, Anuj embodies a spirit of exploration and community engagement. His love for food and travel continues to enrich his life, as he eagerly shares his culinary discoveries with friends and family. He believes that every experience contributes to the tapestry of memories that define us. Anuj’s journey is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about inspiring others to embrace their challenges and advocate for inclusivity.

Anuj Arora's story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within each individual, regardless of the obstacles they face. His experiences tell us about the importance of support systems, accessibility, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions. As he continues to live his life, Anuj not only seeks personal fulfillment but also strives to advocate for greater understanding and acceptance in society. His commitment to sharing his story illuminates the path for those who may feel isolated or discouraged, proving that with resilience and determination, one can create a fulfilling life.

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