GOQii

Blog

  • HOME
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • FITNESS
  • HEALTHY RECIPES
  • USER STORIES
  • KARMA
  • BUY GOQii

December 3, 2020 By GOQii 1 Comment

Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities In The Outdoors

persons with disabilitiesAnyone who is an avid trekker, nature enthusiast or just loves sitting by a quiet lake on a bright sunny day cannot bear being away from the rustling of trees, the winds that brush against their skin or the rays of the warm sun embracing their body for too long. More so, they can’t keep away from the freedom and thrill the outdoors offer. The great outdoors are always open to everyone. It is your right to experience what it means to be in the open, irrespective if you cycle, skate, run, climb mountains or play sports. The outdoors are open to everyone, including Persons With Disabilities.  

Who Are Persons With Disabilities? 

As per the UN, the term persons with disabilities is used to apply to all persons with disabilities, including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various attitudinal and environmental barriers, hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

But Can PWDs Actually Live On Equal Basis With Others? 

Imagine having to deal with an injury that takes a while to heal. You miss out on your morning runs, you’d have to tweak your diet a little, probably give up a trip you were planning because you are unable to move or perform any activity. It is a hindrance. That long awaited weekend ruined by an injury or a temporary disability. Now, imagine living with that injury or disability for life. Imagine not having the chance to see that beautiful sunrise, take a carefree stroll in the park, to cycle, to ride, to run or do something that you would love doing. 

No. Persons With Disabilities do not share the same opportunities that able-bodied individuals do but as they say, you can never keep a burning desire down for too long. There are always barriers to the things you want to achieve and you can overcome those barriers. There are always people who will break stereotypes, go against the grain and accomplish something extraordinary.   

Paving the Path & Breaking Stereotypes 

In 2018, a team of 3 blind climbers and 10 able-bodied individuals from India and Israel took an expedition to Mt Kilimanjaro that stands at about 5,895 meters above sea level. It was India’s first “inclusive climb” to Africa’s tallest peak. The inclusive climb was to question our rigid views about disability and shatter stereotypes that plague Persons With Disabilities. 

“The climb was a major challenge but we did it,” said Anusha Subramanian, the expedition leader and who has been working towards building awareness about Inclusion in the outdoors, . “The Kilimanjaro inclusive climb saw participation of visually challenged as well as sighted climbers. This sends out a strong message that all of us are part of the same society. Mountains and the outdoors do not differentiate between anyone, so why is it that we differentiate among people? I have always believed that to change something, you have to be the change yourself. We can, indeed, be inclusive and grow together beautifully.”

In 2019, Anusha Subramanian, along with Sanket Bhirud, who was born blind, took the GOQii Trail Challenge which was a 50km, arduous trail that snaked through Mandangad. It was a challenging trail, not just for Sanket but even the other 120 odd sighted participants. This challenge that Anusha and Sanket undertook was again to build awareness about  inclusion of disabled people in the outdoors as well as the lesser privileged.

Sanket Bhirud (L) at GTC 2019 along with Anusha Subramanian (R)

You will see varied activities such as these where PWDs have sought to break stereotypes by participating in marathons, tandem cycling with an able-bodied person or simply doing what they love, all with an aim to make sports and the outdoors more inclusive to everyone despite their disabilities. Whether disabled or not, we believe that every person has a right to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.

Vishaka (L) Tandem Cycling along with Anusha Subramanian at Night Ride Mumbai, Dec 2019

Last, but not the least, always keep in mind that we are all alike in more ways than we are different. PWDs are normal human beings where some just lack the sense of sight, hearing or may not be able to walk but have the same kinds of interests as everyone else. One just needs to take time out to get to know them and then you will understand how cool, fun and alike these guys are. Try it some time! 

#BeTheForce 

❮❮ Previous Post
Next Post ❯ ❯

Comments

  1. Anitha says

    December 3, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    Awesome Anusha. You are God sent

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search

Recent Posts

  • Simple Ways to Overcome Depression
  • 4 Essential Vitamins That You Should Consume This Winter
  • Tired All The Time? Start With These Superfoods
  • Does Exercising In Cold Weather Have Any Special Benefits?
  • Healthy Eating: Dates and Nuts Custard

Stay Updated

Archives

  • January 2021 (18)
  • December 2020 (27)
  • November 2020 (25)
  • October 2020 (27)
  • September 2020 (26)
  • August 2020 (26)
  • July 2020 (27)
  • June 2020 (27)
  • May 2020 (25)
  • April 2020 (26)
  • March 2020 (24)
  • February 2020 (22)
  • January 2020 (17)
  • December 2019 (21)
  • November 2019 (24)
  • October 2019 (25)
  • September 2019 (24)
  • August 2019 (18)
  • July 2019 (23)
  • June 2019 (22)
  • May 2019 (25)
  • April 2019 (24)
  • March 2019 (23)
  • February 2019 (21)
  • January 2019 (25)
  • December 2018 (17)
  • November 2018 (11)
  • October 2018 (12)
  • September 2018 (13)
  • August 2018 (23)
  • July 2018 (17)
  • June 2018 (23)
  • May 2018 (17)
  • April 2018 (28)
  • March 2018 (19)
  • February 2018 (14)
  • January 2018 (22)
  • December 2017 (16)
  • November 2017 (28)
  • October 2017 (22)
  • September 2017 (23)
  • August 2017 (10)
  • July 2017 (12)
  • June 2017 (13)
  • May 2017 (14)
  • April 2017 (9)
  • March 2017 (7)
  • February 2017 (7)
  • January 2017 (12)
  • December 2016 (10)
  • November 2016 (8)
  • October 2016 (9)
  • September 2016 (8)
  • August 2016 (13)
  • July 2016 (11)
  • June 2016 (10)
  • May 2016 (13)
  • April 2016 (18)
  • March 2016 (19)
  • February 2016 (8)
  • January 2016 (8)
  • December 2015 (6)
  • November 2015 (10)
  • October 2015 (8)
  • September 2015 (10)
  • August 2015 (14)
  • July 2015 (12)
  • June 2015 (15)
  • May 2015 (9)
  • April 2015 (13)
  • March 2015 (10)
  • February 2015 (6)
  • January 2015 (13)
  • December 2014 (14)
  • November 2014 (12)
  • October 2014 (6)
  • September 2014 (16)
  • August 2014 (14)
  • July 2014 (9)
  • June 2014 (3)
  • May 2014 (8)
  • April 2014 (5)
Mukul Bhartiya

Always Look At The Big Picture – Mukul Bhartiya User Journey

We often treat health as a one off objective but what happens once we achieve our goal? Do we fall back to our previous habits? While keeping health goals, it is important to always look at the big picture. While losing weight is a good target, being healthy … [Read More...]

Rishikesh Ayre

The Right Guidance With Gradual Change – Rishikesh Ayre User Journey

Do you want to make a positive lifestyle change but don’t know how? Does it take every ounce of motivation for you to move? Do you need a nudge in the right direction? These are all valid questions and you’re not alone. Sometimes, we want to begin something new but don’t know where to start. […]

Nalin Talwar

Nalin Talwar Goes From Couch Potato To Fitness Freak!

Can you make a positive lifestyle change in just 3 months? Is it even possible? After completing 3 months with GOQii, our player, Nalin Talwar decided that it’s a good time to share his experience. He did face some unfavourable experience with the hardware but for most of it, his overall experience has been good. […]

Nirmal Bhatt

“Don’t Ignore Your Health!” – Nirmal Bhatt Shares a Message For All Womenfolk

As a working woman, managing a professional life and a personal life can be quite challenging given the status quo that exists in our society. Sometimes, so much effort goes into looking after a household as well as crushing it in the professional field that one easily forgets to take care of themselves. Nirmal Bhatt, […]

  • HOME
  • HEALTHY LIVING
  • FITNESS
  • HEALTHY RECIPES
  • USER STORIES
  • KARMA
  • BUY GOQii

Copyright ©2016 GOQii