foreword by executive director - RIst

foreword by ExEcutivE DirEctor - riSt

We often say that walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is the best way to really understand who they are and how they see the world. In essence, experiencing a glimpse of what their journey through life entails. Jhalak (a glimpse) gives us that opportunity. I was honored to be asked to contribute to this volume of Jhalak for two main reasons: First, I am so proud to have been one of the fortunate few to work on the establishment of Keystone Institute India (KII). KII plays an instrumental role in advocating for equity and inclusion of all people who are living with a disability in India. The approach taken by KII is one of pure empathy. The ability to truly understand someone else, see the world through their perspective and have an emotional stake in their wellbeing is not an easy thing to do. It’s agreed, that empathy does not equate to having the same experiences as another person, but it is an important step to advocating and ensuring equity for them. Empathy alone is not enough, however. The second, but equally as important reason, for me being so happy to contribute to this volume of Jhalak, stems from the word “inclusion.” Over the last 5 years or so, my connection to KII has allowed me to learn so much about what inclusion means. Every aspect of life must be one where there is no line between those with and without disability. The word inclusion does not specifically have a direct tie to disability, but in this case can illustrate how if we, as human beings, can make inclusion a priority, so many other divisive issues within our society can be eradicated. Instead of highlighting why someone can’t do something, they are empowered internally and externally to understand nothing but equity. Just think about the possibilities!

So, since we are now thinking about the possibilities, let’s reflect back to a time, not too long ago, when so many were convinced that people with mental health issues and other disabilities needed to be locked up and put into large-scale institutions. Exclusion from society was a real answer to the “problem.” KII, as well as a number of likeminded people and organizations have been on the forefront of not only dispelling the theory that people with disabilities are a “problem,” but have been actively transitioning people from exclusion to inclusion and the results are absolutely amazing!

This volume of Jhalak will lead you on a journey that is teeming with exciting stories of those people and organizations that are changing the perception of how we think about people with disabilities. These leaders are breaking barriers, reducing stigmas and just plain doing the right thing when it comes to ensuring an inclusive and equitable future for those with disabilities in India. I hope that you all are as grateful for their existence as I am after reading through this volume of Jhalak, and desire more than just a glimpse into this movement… sparking your involvement in taking things further than we ever could have imagined!

Paul Glick Executive Director Rural India Supporting Trust