As part of the India Global Citizenship Convention (GCC) 2024, participants embarked on an eye-opening visit to the Association for People with Disabilities (APD) campus. The day was a powerful exploration of how inclusion can be brought to life, showing us how individuals with disabilities are integrated into society, not just through token gestures but with genuine opportunities for empowerment, education, and independence.
Melton Fellows at the APD Campus in Bangalore.
At the outset, Carlos, a Senior Fellow mentor at India GCC 2024, set the tone for the day with an important message. He urged participants to reflect deeply on what they would learn at APD, highlighting that inclusion isn’t just about observation but understanding how it relates to each person’s cultural perceptions of ability and disability. He reminded us that the real impact of such visits lies in what we take back to our communities and families, and how we translate that learning into actionable change.
As Misbah, a Melton Fellow from India put it “My experience at the Association of People with Disabilities (APD) was both profound and eye-opening. Meeting and talking with the passionate social advocates at APD gave me a deeper understanding of their incredible work. The beneficiaries, especially the children at the school, touched my heart, and seeing the principal’s unwavering dedication ignited a fire in me. I realized I had never truly looked at disability through the multiple lenses it deserves, nor understood the urgency and complexity of the challenges it entails. After this visit, I walk away with a much keener eye for the concerns of specially-abled individuals.”
Learning from APD’s Holistic Approach to Inclusion
Upon arrival at the APD campus, we were warmly greeted by Bhoomika and Prerna, who introduced us to the incredible work the organisation has been doing for decades. Established with the goal of integrating people with disabilities into mainstream society, APD offers a wide range of training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and confidence they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Our first stop was the horticulture training field, where we witnessed firsthand how individuals with disabilities are trained in gardening and plant care. This program not only teaches essential agricultural skills but also includes customer interaction training, preparing individuals for real-world business environments. It was inspiring to learn that APD partners with major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, as well as apartment complexes, to sell their horticultural products, demonstrating how inclusive practices can be both economically sustainable and impactful.
Beyond horticulture, APD’s training extends to office management and business process outsourcing (BPO) services, where individuals undergo a 45-day training program before being placed in various industries, including IT. It was heartening to see the care with which APD provides not just skills training but also food, accommodation, and mobility aids throughout the training period. This comprehensive support network, coupled with a follow-up program for one year after placement, ensures that participants are not only trained but fully supported in their journey toward financial independence.
Education with Inclusion at its Core
Our visit to the Sharadhanjali Integrated Primary School was another standout moment of the day, showcasing APD’s commitment to inclusive education. This school, which has been operating since 1973, serves children with a wide range of disabilities, including locomotive and intellectual disabilities, severe hearing impairments, and neurodiverse conditions. The school’s integrated approach means that children with and without disabilities learn side by side, fostering a truly inclusive environment from a young age.
The physical layout of the classrooms reflected the school’s commitment to accessibility. Desks were arranged in U-shaped configurations, allowing easy movement for children with physical disabilities. The teaching methods were equally adaptive, with individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to meet each student’s unique needs. These plans, revisited throughout the academic year, ensure that all students are given the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their abilities. In addition, the school’s 21 teachers, many of whom are trained in sign language, bring a dynamic approach to learning, incorporating not just pen and paper but hands-on activities and life skills training.
We learned that the school’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Students are involved in Bharat Scouts and Guides, a program adapted specifically for children with disabilities. This fosters leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of community, demonstrating that inclusivity can shape future leaders. The school’s principal proudly shared that some students have gone on to become para-badminton players, even competing at the state level in Karnataka.
APD’s tagline, “Shape Dreams and Build Inclusivity,” truly captures the spirit of this remarkable organisation. Whether it’s through education, vocational training, or advocacy, APD is dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are given the same opportunities as everyone else.
Key Takeaways
The visit to APD left a lasting impact on all of us. The comprehensive, thoughtful approach to inclusion we witnessed challenged our preconceived notions about disability and inspired us to reflect on how we can promote inclusivity in our own communities. Carlos summed it up best when he said, “It’s not enough to witness—what matters is how this experience changes your perspective and what you’ll do differently from now on.”
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from a conversation with Trueman, a Melton Fellow from Ghana. Reflecting on the visit, he shared,
“This experience has strengthened my resolve to create accessible education and entertainment for the deaf community in my home country. There aren’t enough resources for them, and I want to change that.” Trueman’s words resonated deeply with the group, highlighting how impactful inclusive practices can be on a global scale.
- Advocating for Inclusivity: The visit emphasized the crucial role each of us plays in creating inclusive spaces. We must actively ensure equal access to education, employment, and social engagement for people with disabilities.
- Inclusivity as a Mindset: Inclusion is not just a policy or project but a mindset that must be cultivated and practiced daily. It requires continuous effort, awareness, and empathy.
- Small Steps, Big Impact: Every small action we take in our daily lives can promote inclusivity. Whether it’s through simple gestures or advocating for larger structural changes, we all have a role in driving change.
Together, as global citizens, we take a step closer to the world we want to see—a world where inclusivity is not just an idea but a way of life.
Explore more about the impactful work of the Melton Foundation and join us in championing inclusivity around the globe.