November 7, 2022

Puneet Singhal | ssstart

One day, the whole class started to stammer “gu-gu-gu-good morning,” and I realized that they were mocking me. My classmates and their parents even complained to the principal that I could be a bad influence and make all of them stammerers. My mother couldn’t believe that her son, whose tongue was as fast as a train and sharp as a razor, was struggling with his speech! Being subject to constant mocking, I completely lost my confidence. I used different strategies to ease my stammering: finding alternatives for words I generally got stuck on, reducing my statements to a minimum, or arriving late to avoid introducing myself. When people tried to help by asking me to slow down or by finishing my sentences, it made me even more self-conscious. And then there were these weird and rather dangerous pieces of advice like licking ashes of cremated bodies or rubbing alum on the tongue until the upper layer was removed.

Looking back, my childhood was not easy, but do I regret having a stammer? No. It made me a more sensitive human being. I feel connected with all who are unable to express their thoughts and are longing to be understood. Witnessing violence in my personal surroundings shook me and took me to an island of isolation and loneliness. I changed from a child who loved to be in the spotlight to a stammering, timid boy who tried to avoid conversation. Today, I embrace my special style of communication, and I dream to set free those who are prisoners of their inability to communicate fluently.

WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I stand for disability inclusion. We are working to create a narrative that doesn’t exclude disability rights from human rights and the understanding that accessibility and accommodation needs are not special needs but human needs. One of human civilization’s tragedies has been seeing people with disabilities as pitiable, tragic victims who should adjust to the world around them. The need is to address social exclusion instead.

WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?

We have been able to touch the lives of 60 teenagers directly and 250+ youngsters around the world through our online mentorship sessions. Our social media reach has created an organic impression of 100,000 and a followership of around 17,000 people across geographies.

WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO DO THIS WORK?

My life with poverty, domestic violence, and multiple disabilities drive me to change the lives of other people like me. No matter how small the change is. I am immensely self-motivated and I do not feel the need to get motivated by an external source. My life is inspirational enough to fuel me up to keep working day in and day out.

WHAT’S YOUR VISION, YOUR BIG DREAM FOR THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?

I want to see more inclusive world for people with disabilities, especially in the Global South. In India, I have never come across any political party or candidate saying anything about how inaccessible our buildings, education system, transportation, and healthcare facilities are. There needs to be more conversation around these issues in order for there to be action and this applies to all countries to a greater or lesser degree.

WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?

I see four main challenges, so far:

1) People see us as complainers, as negative and bitter beings. Often, we are considered to be obsessed with self-pity. It acts as a resistance for many people with disabilities to ask for their rights without being apologetic. We need to form a cooperative network of activists who identify themselves as a part of a large community, whilst actively participating in common goals and aspirations.

2) Disability is diverse. There are many vastly different disability issues, all equally important but some are covered and talked about more than others. From ramps to sign language and employment opportunities to healthcare. There is a wide range of issues to think about which makes it difficult to prioritize. This then causes millions of people with disabilities to feel ignored or sidelined.

3) Hierarchy within the disability community. The communities and organizations are committed to full inclusion. However, on ground ideals, we are struggling to live up to these ideals. For example, the divide between physical disabilities and mental or cognitive disabilities is pretty evident. Moreover: race, gender, sexuality, education, wealth, and other identities also play a huge role in generating strong division amongst disability communities.

4) Accessibility or disability issues are not sufficiently discussed and debated. In India, I have never come across any political party or candidate saying anything about how inaccessible our buildings, education system, transportation, and healthcare facilities are. There needs to be more conversation around these issues in order for there to be action and this applies to all countries to a greater or lesser degree.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAUSE AND/OR THE WORK YOU’RE DOING?

To become financially independent, we need to collaborate with organizations that are aligned with our vision and to expand in other parts of India employing young exciting talent.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE OR WORDS OF INSPIRATION TO SHARE?

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ― George Eliot

HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?

Here are some ways you can help me and my work.

• Sharing, liking our posts, and connecting me to potential supporters that can be individuals or organizations.
• Please let me know if you have any speaking opportunities or any possible collaboration regarding the intersection of disability, poverty, domestic violence, and life in a slum. I would love to share my lived experiences on the above topics.
• You can also have a membership of my Patreon with a monthly commitment: patreon.com/Puneetssstart/membership or Paypal: puneetsinghal2808@gmail.com
• I also offer workshops on DEI focused on disability rights and accessibility

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