Inclusiv'e Voices with Javed Ahmad Tak

In today's series of Inclusiv'e Voices, we shine the spotlight on an extraordinary individual, a renowned name, and a beacon of inspiration for many—Mr. Javed Ahmad Tak, a Padma Shri Awardee and a dedicated social worker hailing from Jammu & Kashmir. He is a person with a spinal cord injury who uses a wheelchair. With a remarkable educational background, he holds degrees in BSc, B.Ed in Special Education, M.Ed, and a Master's in Social Work.

In the year 2003, Javed founded the Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline, an NGO that is actively engaged in disability inclusion and enhancing accessibility. He has also established the Zaiba Aapa Institute of Education, which provides education, rehabilitation, and recreation activities for 120 children with different disabilities.

The story of Javed begins when he was 21 years old. On the night of March 21–22, 1997, Javed experienced a life-altering event. He was shot in the spine during a militancy attack at his uncle's residence in Bijbehara, Anantnag. The intended target of the attackers was his cousin, who served as the block president of the National Conference. Amidst the chaos, Javed courageously attempted to save his cousin's life and unfortunately got shot in the process. The gunshot inflicted severe injuries on his spinal cord, kidney, pancreas, and intestines.

At that time, Javed was a final-year BSc student. Following the attack, he spent approximately a year in the hospital. Subsequently, he was discharged but found himself restricted to bed for the next three years.

During this period of immobility, Javed demonstrated exceptional determination. He not only provided tuition classes to children in the locality but also initiated a book bank for children from economically disadvantaged families.

Being a wheelchair user, Tak yearned to assist children with disabilities. He encouraged his friends and family to identify disabled children in his neighbourhood and other communities. This marked the starting point of his journey towards making numerous contributions to the betterment in the lives of individuals with disabilities across the J&K state.

Javed's understanding of Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations:

Javed's interpretation of "reasonable accommodations" revolves around the concept of achieving self-sufficiency and independence without relying on external assistance. He perceives reasonable accommodation as the pathway to living autonomously and confidently, enabling individuals with disabilities to navigate their daily lives and pursuits without the need for constant support from others. For Javed, this concept goes beyond mere assistance; it embodies the essence of empowerment, granting people with disabilities access to the same opportunities and experiences as their non-disabled counterparts.

As a paraplegic, he grasped accessibility challenges; as his home, washroom, footpaths, and transport were non-accessible. Despite using a wheelchair, university corners remained out of reach. Public spots like bus stops and government offices lacked basic accessibility. A letter to the Chief Justice turned into a Public Interest Litigation, yielding numerous directions.

Javed's perspective on accessibility encapsulates a profound understanding of a society where barriers cease to exist, preventing discrimination and marginalization. He remarks, "Despite 77 years of the country's independence, individuals with disabilities cannot fully enjoy their freedom. Those with severe disabilities are educated and skilled, but attitudinal barriers and infrastructural limitations often hinder them from accessing washrooms or seeking help without dependency. Reasonable accommodation is frequently unavailable. Individuals with hearing and speech disabilities face significant communication gaps. Even in large corporate offices, the absence of name plates, visual aid support, or interpretation services leaves them feeling abandoned. While technology empowers those with visual disabilities, such aids are often missing in reasonable accommodation. Some disabilities are invisible, and companies, government offices, and private sector stakeholders lack sensitivity towards various benchmark disabilities. Awareness campaigns among persons with disabilities are organized by government officials and private sector stakeholders. However, there's a need for awareness and sensitization among those with the power to create rules, formulate guidelines, and issue circulars for making the entire country disability-friendly," says Javed.

Javed and his organisation are now advocating for various disability issues: job identification for persons with disabilities, providing rehabilitation and relief facilities, and offering advocates for any matter concerning disability.

In the year 2020, for his distinguished service and contribution in the field of social work and disability inclusion, he was conferred with the "Padma Shri," the fourth highest civilian award.

Javed envisions an environment where individuals are not confined to the peripheries or restricted within four walls without valid cause. Instead, he advocates for a world where every person, regardless of their background or abilities, can fully participate and contribute to life.

All Rights Reserved ?