As I pen my 100th column in this series on ‘Media and Disability’, I find myself at a crossroads of pensive reflection and curious anticipation. What began as a fortnightly series has blossomed into a transformative journey spanning four years, challenging perceptions, and advocating for India’s largest invisible minority. From those nascent thoughts on the International Day of Persons with Disability back in December 2019 to this centennial piece, I’ve traversed a landscape of change, confronting stereotypes, celebrating progress, and tirelessly pushing for a ‘person first’ narrative in mainstream media.
I never imagined to have run a score of hundred. In fact, often I found myself wondering if I’ll be able to dish out fresh content on the same subject. And yet every time I sat down to write, I was faced with persistent issues and stories which required relentless campaigning for visibility, dignity and equal representation. Have my efforts been rewarded? Has disability found a better spot in the media? Do you hear or read more about this marginalised community now? Or does everything remain frustratingly the same?
Not quite. Even if it’s at a snail’s pace, change is happening. The ability to influence even a single journalist accounts for success. That I can happily acknowledge. Stories of persons with disabilities mentioned in my column have also made entry into family dinner settings. Another reason to celebrate. Friends at my co-working space are inquisitive about the work I do for disability inclusion. But we have miles to go.
Persons with disabilities are still seen through an ableist lens, portrayed as either heroic or helpless. Thankfully the recent coverage around Paris Paralympics wasn’t entirely inspiration porn. The reportage wasn’t confined to mere feel-good accounts. Some dailies and television channels tracked down back stories which shaped the winning champions.
The pandemic has also played a part in altering perspectives. Universal experience of isolation and restricted mobility following the Covid-19 outbreak helped people get a glimpse of what’s life like for someone with a disability or a chronic illness. And of course, there’s been an increase in awareness around mental health issues, and newfound respect for caregivers.
There are still some incessant challenges including stereotyping and bucketing disability into an exclusive group, disability first narrative, and the endless rant around limitations. Normalising disability and conversations around disabled folk is something that hasn’t captured the media’s imagination.
Before I carve out a plan for all that remains to be accomplished, I want to revisit and relish some of my memorable pieces. Not only because I enjoyed writing them, but some for the stir they created, some for the unease they caused, some for how well they were received and some simply because no one else would have voiced them so.
CODA winning the Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards represented a significant step forward in disability inclusion with deaf actors casted to portray deaf characters, a rarity in Hollywood and Bollywood. The story follows Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of a deaf family, as she struggles between pursuing her passion for singing and supporting her family’s fishing business. (https://www.mxmindia.com/news/representation-matters-inclusion-matters-disabled-lives-matter/)
Closer home, cinema inspired many when the story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired entrepreneur hit the big screen starring Rajkumar Rao. It also struck an inclusive chord when the Delhi High Court ordered movie producers to make accessible cinema, for all. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/shruti-pushkarna/are-we-set-to-redefine-access-and-inclusion-for-cinema-lovers/)
The challenges and opportunities for Modi 3.0 in advancing inclusion and implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. The government’s commitment stands to be tested in its ability to deliver promises of accessible infrastructure, inclusive healthcare, disaster management, digital accessibility, and social security for PwDs. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/shruti-pushkarna/does-modi-ki-guarantee-extend-to-persons-with-disabilities/)
Not a very sporty person, yet I wrote a fair bit on sporting events. While I urged media for better coverage around Paralympics 2024, many readers (with disabilities) shared how they missed out on the sporting action especially around Cricket World Cup because of inaccessibility. Television commentary and news/sports websites overlook the needs of persons with vision impairment or hearing impairment, depriving them of all the fun. But earlier this year, Disney+ Hotstar made the Indian Premier League (IPL) more accessible for fans with disabilities through initiatives like audio descriptive commentary and sign language interpretation. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/will-persons-with-disabilities-enjoy-the-icc-world-cup-coverage/)
I also got a chance to celebrate 25 years of First World Cup Cricket for the Blind along with the players and organizing committee. The stories were priceless, enthusiasm unmatched. (https://www.mxmindia.com/columns/shruti-pushkarna-changing-mindsets-rebuilding-lives-celebrating-25-years-of-first-world-cup-cricket-for-the-blind/)
There were also some riveting conversations with Merry Barua, Peter Gibson, Neha Arora and more! Honestly, when I think of it, it’s difficult to handpick a few select specials.
Looking back inspires me to move ahead with a determination to not only challenge but educate, so that fifteen percent of the global population feels included.
To my readers – whether you’re a journalist, a media executive, a disability rights activist, or a concerned citizen, I implore you to question stereotypes, demand inclusive storytelling, and support platforms that give voice to the disabled community. For progress isn’t just about changing what we see in the media, but about changing how we see each other.
The story of disability in the Indian media is far from over. In fact, we’re just beginning to write its most important chapters. Here’s to the next hundred columns, to the voices yet unheard, and to a future where inclusion is not an exception, but the norm.’’
Wondering why MxMIndia publishes a disability advocacy column? Well, we strongly feel that the media can dramatically transform the world for persons with disabilities. This series attempts to help bring forth issues that the media must champion to create a truly inclusive and accessible India. Writing this column is Shruti Pushkarna, a former journalist and now a disability inclusion advocate based in New Delhi. Her views here are personal. To access the archives of her 100 columns, please visit: https://www.mxmindia.com/category/ columns/shruti-pushkarna/
If you have a view on the issues raise or would like to align with MxMIndia on this cause, write to us at editor [at] mxmindia.com.