A World Reimagined: Flipping Perspectives on What Disability Truly Means.

Have you ever wondered how hard it would be to exist in a world that wasn't designed for you ? Recently, we came across this thought-provoking video on disability sensitization. It was one of those rare narratives that stay with us with challenging perceptions and inspiring introspection. The video carried a powerful message, “disability is not about an individual's limitations but it arises when the world isn't designed for everyone.” This profound insight inspired us to translate the experience into words, aiming to evoke the same emotional impact for readers.

A Journey Through a Reversed World

Next, she enters a bank, only to find the representative communicating solely in sign language. She blinks in confusion and leaves helpless. This segment highlights how inaccessible communication can exclude individuals.

The video further explores physical spaces, such as a long, slippery ramp connecting floors. Wheelchair users move effortlessly, but those on foot face a treacherous climb, slipping repeatedly.

A visit to the library drives the point further. The shelves hold only Braille books, accessible to some but unintelligible to others who rely on standard alphabetical print. Seating is non-existent, as the design assumes that everyone arrives with a wheelchair. Individuals who came without a wheelchair were left without a chair to sit on or resources to read.

The final moment of the video left us with a stark realization. A Braille word appeared on the screen, but we couldn't read it. Our immediate thought was to convert it into readable text, but we quickly discovered that no easily accessible software or tool existed to perform this seemingly simple task. In that moment, we felt disabled, not because of any inherent limitation in us, but because the tools and resources we needed weren't available. It was a jarring experience that mirrored the struggles of people with disabilities who face such barriers daily.

The Message

The video culminates with a profound statement: “The world is harder when it isn't designed for you and Disability is when the world isn't designed for everyone.” It reminds us that infrastructure and design isn't about favoring one group over another but about ensuring equity. It's a call to action for designing spaces, resources, and systems that cater to diverse needs.

The narrative of the video isn't merely a portrayal of challenges; rather, it serves as a compelling call for the “Adoption of Universal Design Principles”. Universal design seeks to create spaces, systems, and resources that are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. It emphasizes designing for the full spectrum of human diversity, ensuring no one is excluded. While we reflect on this disability sensitisation journey, it is clear that a lot can change in twenty years but yet a video of 2005 remains relevant even today, reminding us that achieving true inclusivity is still an ongoing process.

We don't want to leave the readers disabled without access to that video. While we have done our best to convey the video's message, its visual storytelling has a unique power to touch hearts and change minds. To truly experience its impact, scan the QR code below and watch the video. Let it inspire us to advocate for a world where no one feels excluded.

(Ms. R. Arulmozhiselvi is a District Judge on Deputation, currently working as an Officer on Special Duty (Registrar), Supreme Court of India, and as Member (Human Resources), e-Committee, Supreme Court of India.

Mr. Arun Karthick is a Law Clerk/Research Associate, Training Cell, Supreme Court of India.)

(Views expressed in this article are personal.)