Beyond Barriers – From Accessibility to Opportunity
Four incredible professionals share their inspiring stories of disability inclusion and resilience.
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[This story has been produced as part of our campaign, #DisabilityInclusion: A Billion Reasons For Change. Learn more about Accenture's Disability Inclusion initiative.]
Despite increasing awareness, barriers in hiring and workplace inclusion persist due to ongoing stigma and misunderstanding surrounding both apparent and non-apparent disabilities.
We spoke to four such incredible professionals who are not just figuring out life with disabilities but are thriving in their respective fields. Their stories remind us why disability inclusion is a shared responsibility and why creating an inclusive workplace culture benefits everyone.
Prashant Kumar Kale
Associate Director, Technology for Operations, Accenture
Diagnosed with polio at the age of one, Prashant has spent his life breaking barriers, both personal and professional. He emphasizes the importance of family support and an inclusive workplace culture in his success, proving that the right environment can empower individuals to achieve greatness.
Shenaz Haveliwala
Entrepreneur, The Salad Company
For the past 18 years, Shenaz has lived with epilepsy, a condition that presents unique challenges in her personal and professional life. Despite the unpredictability of her condition, she has built a thriving business that champions healthy living. Her story highlights the importance of understanding and flexibility in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Pranav Lal
Principal Cybersecurity Engineer, Lloyds Technology Centre
Living with total blindness hasn’t stopped Pranav from becoming a leader in his field. Pranav’s success story is a powerful example of how technology and an inclusive workplace can enable individuals to excel, regardless of physical challenges.
Nisha Mayadevi
Custom Software Engineer, Associate Manager, Accenture
Nisha has been managing systemic lupus, a non-apparent disability, for the past 16 years. The condition brings unpredictable challenges, including fatigue and joint pain, but Nisha’s perseverance has been unwavering. With a supportive workplace and a network of understanding colleagues, she’s been able to balance her health and career.
These stories are a powerful reminder that inclusion isn’t just about policies—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Disabilities, whether apparent or non-apparent, should never define a person’s potential. As these individuals have shown, resilience, determination, and the right support can break down barriers and redefine success.
Stay tuned to watch the full video on The Quint and hear these inspiring stories firsthand.