'Sports facilities aren't where we want them to be,' says Sminu Jindal

With the 2024 Paralympics underway in Paris and a global television audience tuning in, the spotlights are on the differently abled.

Also on view are their mobility patterns and their needs are there for all to see in plain sight.

Accessibility is a fundamental right that often goes unrecognized, but for individuals with disabilities, it is essential for living a life with dignity.

This is where Svayam, India’s leading accessibility organization, steps in.

Founded in 2000 by award-winning entrepreneur Sminu Jindal, Svayam began as a platform providing information on government schemes.

Today, it has grown into a comprehensive advocacy and action organization, tirelessly working to make India more accessible for everyone.

Svayam is also the official accessibility partner with the Paralympic Committee of India for the 2024 Paralympics, emphasizing its commitment to improving the lives of differently-abled individuals.

In an exclusive conversation with The Bridge, Smini Jindal shared why a push for tangible changes in accessibility is essential in India.

The journey of Svayam

Reflecting on Svayam’s origins, Sminu Jindal shared, “We started like an information portal and I realized very early on that the government does a lot of things but we are not aware as a common person.”

However, she quickly realized that providing information was not enough to spread the message of accessibility.

“Accessibility is linked very closely to disability, but it is actually a solution that helps every person live their regular life.”

Jindal emphasized that accessibility is not just about helping people with disabilities but also about making life easier for everyone.

She cites the example of uneven pedestrian pathways and inaccessible public spaces, which pose challenges even to able-bodied individuals, let alone those with disabilities. “Disability happens, but I wouldn’t call it unfortunate because I think it is a part of life,” says Jindal.

“We believe no matter what, we all deserve dignity.”

Svayam’s work initially focused on creating awareness and providing information about government schemes, but it soon expanded into offering solutions and advocating for policy change.

The organization’s involvement in public policy and audits has played a critical role in shaping accessibility norms in India.

“We realized that if we didn't have rules, people would not be able to break them, and others would not be able to get anything done,” said Jindal.

This realization led Svayam to work on public policy interventions, influencing changes in various sectors, including urban development, heritage sites, and civil aviation.

Making heritage sites accessible; a landmark achievement

One of Svayam’s most notable achievements has been its work in making India’s heritage sites accessible.

In 2007, Jindal and her team began working with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to make heritage monuments more accessible to people with disabilities.

This was sparked by a significant incident in 1998 when renowned physicist Stephen Hawking visited India and was unable to enter iconic sites like Qutub Minar and the Taj Mahal due to accessibility barriers.

“I was very upset as an Indian citizen that he couldn't do that,” recalls Jindal.

Starting with Qutub Minar, Svayam worked closely with ASI to demonstrate how accessibility could be incorporated into heritage conservation.

The success of these efforts set a precedent, and today, there is a growing understanding worldwide that heritage sites need to be made accessible.

“Now everybody understands, even on a world level, that heritage sites need to be made accessible,” said Jindal proudly.

Svayam’s advocacy extends beyond heritage sites.

In 2008, the organization hosted a landmark workshop with various NGOs to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in air travel.

This workshop influenced changes in civil aviation policies, making it easier for disabled travelers to navigate airports and flights. Svayam has also been involved in shaping the guidelines for smart cities, the National Building Code, and public transport systems.

However, Jindal admits that there is still a long way to go.

“Accessibility is picking up but not at the speed I’d like to see,” she said, reflecting on the pace of policy implementation.

Despite the challenges, the organisation continues to push for greater awareness and sensitivity towards accessibility issues.

A fight for dignity and inclusion

As the official accessibility partner of the Paralympic Committee of India, Svayam plays a crucial role in supporting India’s para athletes, who face numerous accessibility challenges.

From inadequate sports facilities to inaccessible transportation, the hurdles are many.

“Quite honestly, sports facilities aren't where we want them to be,” says Jindal.

For para athletes, these challenges are compounded by the lack of accessible transport options, making it difficult for them to travel from their villages to state and national championships.

Jindal highlights that without accessible transportation, even the best sports facilities are rendered useless.

“Without transport, even if we have islands of accessibility like a stadium or a city like Delhi, it is still not enough because it’s like blood going to organs,” she explained.

Svayam’s contribution includes providing accessible vehicles with ramps or hydraulic lifts, allowing athletes to travel with their dignity intact.

Jindal emphasizes the importance of such solutions, especially for para athletes who are constantly in the public eye.

“They don’t want to have an oops moment when their shirt is going this way or their skirt went up,” she said.

Beyond pity and stereotypes

Jindal stresses the importance of changing societal perceptions towards differently-abled individuals.

Too often, people with disabilities are met with pity or treated as less capable. Jindal argues that this mindset needs to change.

“People who are suffering from any kind of adversity are brave human beings,” she said.

“Just because somebody is able to walk or do things regularly and somebody isn't doesn’t make the agony of an able-bodied human being any lesser,” she added.

She believes that increased visibility and interaction with differently-abled individuals will help bridge the gap in understanding.

“With accessibility, people will be encouraged to go out of their homes, and once that happens, I think students, children, and citizens of the world will be able to communicate with them in a regular way,” said Jindal.

While Svayam has made significant strides, Jindal acknowledges that more needs to be done at the policy level.

She urged the government to prioritize accessibility in public transportation, as it can have a transformative impact on society.

She also points out the economic benefits of accessibility, noting that it would encourage elderly and differently-abled individuals to participate more in economic activities, thereby boosting the economy.

The power of sports

Sports play a vital role in the lives of differently-abled individuals, offering not just physical exercise but also a sense of belonging and purpose.

Jindal, who plays badminton herself, believes that sports can transform lives.

“All of us want to be counted as part of a whole group,” she said. “Sports is a medium where, for a moment, I feel one forgets about the challenges that they face,” she added.

Jindal has witnessed firsthand how sports can uplift spirits and build resilience.

“Many times, I’ve seen people come out of their blue moods because of sports,” she shared.

For para athletes, sports provide an avenue to defy their physical limitations and achieve extraordinary feats.

“Some of the para players have left behind even the world records of able-bodied people,” Jindal said proudly.

As the world watches the Paris Paralympics, the importance of accessibility and inclusion has never been more apparent.

Svayam’s work, under the leadership of Sminu Jindal, proves that plenty can be achieved when there is a commitment to making the world more accessible for all.

From policy advocacy to providing tangible solutions, Svayam is breaking barriers and changing lives.

Jindal’s vision of a more inclusive world, where every individual can move with dignity and participate fully in society, continues to inspire and guide the journey towards true accessibility.

As Jindal puts it, “Life is about experiences, and everyone deserves the opportunity to live it fully.”