The Rise of Specially Abled Entrepreneurs in India: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Success

In a world where challenges often define success, specially-abled entrepreneurs in India are showing that disabilities don't stand in the way of achieving greatness. With creativity, determination, and innovative thinking, they are breaking societal barriers and reshaping industries. From improving accessibility to innovating in technology and fashion, these entrepreneurs are making waves in every sector.

Empowering Change: Disability-Driven Business Ventures

India is witnessing a rise in specially-abled entrepreneurs who are proving that talent, determination, and ambition are not confined by physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges. These entrepreneurs are redefining business landscapes across various sectors, demonstrating resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

RampMyCity: Transforming Public Spaces for Disabled Individuals

RampMyCity, founded by Prateek Khandelwal, is leading the charge in making urban India more inclusive for people with disabilities. In a country where public spaces often lack basic accessibility features, RampMyCity is bridging the gap by advocating for wheelchair-friendly ramps, accessible restrooms, and other necessary modifications in public places. What started in Bengaluru has since expanded to other cities, with noticeable improvements in parks, public buildings, and transportation hubs. The initiative sets a new benchmark for inclusive urban planning. Prateek's vision is not just about business—it’s about creating a world where public spaces are navigable for everyone, regardless of physical ability. Read all about it here.

ATPar: A Platform for Empowering Disabled Entrepreneurs

Another noteworthy initiative is ATPar, a platform created by specially-abled entrepreneurs to support their peers. Powered by NEDAR (National Empowerment for the Disabled and Rehabilitation), ATPar connects disability-owned businesses with customers, offering visibility and opportunities in a competitive market. This platform highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, where individuals with disabilities help each other succeed by sharing resources and building networks.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs Who Are Leading the Charge

Several specially-abled entrepreneurs in India are making remarkable strides across different industries, showing that resilience and innovation have no limits.

Swasti Mehta - Founder of Pudina Punch

Swasti Mehta, a young entrepreneur from Mumbai, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth. Passionate about cooking from a young age, she often experimented with smoothies for her family. In 2020, with the support of her family, Swasti launched Pudina Punch, a brand centered around her unique mint-based drink. Not just a refreshing beverage, her Pudina drink is specially formulated to aid digestion and relieve acidity-related issues, showcasing Swasti’s creativity and commitment to helping others through her business. Read all about it here.

Prem Sankar - Founder of CodeWithPrem

Prem Sankar, who is on the autism spectrum, has turned his passion for technology and coding into a thriving business. Despite societal labels, Prem believes he is "perfect" just as he is. After completing his Senior Secondary Grade and a Diploma in Adaptive Yoga, Prem's interest in computer skills led him to HashHackCode, where he honed his expertise in web designing, web development, and web accessibility. Today, through his platform, CodeWithPrem, he offers services focused on creating accessible and celebration websites. Prem's story is a testament to how, with the right support, individuals with disabilities can thrive in tech, and his work continues to inspire others to break barriers and pursue their passions.

Nidhi Goyal - Founder & Executive Director of Rising Flame

Nidhi Goyal’s story is one of immense courage and determination. Diagnosed with a progressive degenerative eye condition that led to her blindness at the age of 15, Nidhi did not let this stop her from following her dreams. After a career in mass media, she transitioned into activism, focusing on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls with disabilities. In 2017, she founded Rising Flame, an organisation dedicated to empowering women and youth with disabilities, helping them build leadership skills and become advocates for their own rights. Nidhi is also India’s first female disabled stand-up comedian, using humour to challenge societal notions of disability and gender. Through her work, she is creating a more inclusive world and has influenced corporate offices and policy spaces across India.

Vidhya Y - Founder of Vision Empower

Vidhya Y, who has been blind since birth, has proven that disability does not limit success. Despite being discouraged from pursuing science in school, she excelled academically and topped her class in MSc Digital Society from the International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru (IIIT-B). In 2018, Vidhya co-founded Vision Empower to help other blind individuals access the resources they need to live better lives. Vision Empower develops software for the blind community, providing learning resources to schools for the blind across Karnataka. Vidhya’s work continues to change the landscape of digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Remya Raj - Founder of Digital Arts Academy for the Deaf (DAAD)

Remya Raj, born deaf, is the founder and CEO of Digital Arts Academy for the Deaf (DAAD), an edtech startup that focuses on providing accessible technical education to deaf individuals across India. In 2018, Remya started her venture with a seed fund from Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), aiming to empower the deaf community by giving them access to technical skills and education. With a vision to make every deaf person a contributor to the world around them, Remya’s work has enabled many young people to build careers in the tech sector, showing that there are no limits to what they can achieve when given the opportunity.

The Need for More Disability-Focused Business Platforms

The road to success for specially-abled entrepreneurs is not without its challenges. Many face difficulties such as lack of funding, limited access to networks, and the stigma surrounding disabilities. Financial institutions and investors are beginning to recognise the potential of disability-owned businesses, though the process remains slow. This highlights the importance of targeted policies, government schemes, and non-profit support that can help disabled entrepreneurs gain financial backing and visibility, allowing them to scale their businesses.

Specially-abled entrepreneurs in India are reshaping societal perceptions of disability, proving it can be a source of strength rather than a limitation. Their success stories inspire others with disabilities to pursue entrepreneurship, challenging outdated views and encouraging a more inclusive mindset. As these businesses grow, industries are adopting more inclusive practices, creating products and services that cater to the needs of the disabled community, benefiting both the economy and society. The rise of specially-abled entrepreneurs highlights resilience and innovation, breaking stereotypes and opening new opportunities. With greater support and recognition, the future of specially-abled entrepreneurship in India looks promising, paving the way for more individuals to make their mark in the business world.