Four Disability Inclusion Facilitators in India tell us their stories of joining the SPARK programme, advocating for disability rights and leading change in their communities.
The Disability Inclusion Facilitator approach
SPARK aims to put people with disabilities in the lead. To do so, SPARK uses the Disability Inclusion Facilitator (DIF) approach in each of the four countries, where programme is implemented – Burkina Faso, India, Malawi and Mozambique.
Disability Inclusion Facilitators are young persons with disabilities who are trained to include people with disabilities in projects, livelihood and agricultural value chain programmes, as well as to raise awareness on community, local and national levels about the rights and needs of people with disabilities.

Commitment to inclusion

It was a simple newspaper advertisement that first introduced Radhika Suhash Bhoyar to the SPARK project. The initiative, aimed at advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, resonated deeply with her.
“It’s my calling, a vocation filled with the satisfaction of empowering others.”
SPARK has not only changed Radhika’s perspective on disability but has also infused her with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, whether it’s answering questions, dispelling doubts, or facilitating access to government schemes.
“I have never considered myself any less than the next person, and it’s not out of false pride, but I really feel that I am blessed with the best people around me as my family and friends, and with my good knowledge if I can bring a change in the society, then I am living a good and purposeful life.”
Advocating for change
For over a decade, Sharad Vikram Kamble has been associated with Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal, (MAVIM) – a women’s empowerment and social equity organisation in India – channeling his passion for community development and women’s rights into tangible action. The SPARK project ignited a new area of activism for him.
“I truly found a new passion in life – advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. If a new scheme is announced, or I learn of something which can change of lives of many people with disabilities, that I now know of, thanks to SPARK, I invest myself to connect the dots and make it happen.”
Over the past year, Sharad has served as a mentor, guiding, and supporting trainee DIFs around Rights of persons with disabilities and barriers faced by them.
Sharad primarily conducts mentoring visits and observes the DIF sessions, equipping them with the tools needed to foster inclusivity and support within their communities. He also strengthens their communications skills, with training in public speaking.

“many a times I was challenged to confront biases and preconceptions, opening my eyes to the lived experiences of individuals I may have not otherwise met.”
Creating inclusive spaces through entrepreneurship
“On the first day of our training, the environment was very serious, everyone looked anxious and not many people spoke with each other. But by the time the training ended all of us DIFs became good friends and support each other, as during the training we realized how all of us might be facing a different disability but have such similar challenges and that the answers to those challenges lie in front of us.”
Komal Sadashiv Muthal received support from her family and the fellow DIFs of the SPARK project. Together, they formed a tight-knit community, bound by a shared passion for inclusion.
Inspired by her community and fueled by her passion, she set her sights on starting her own business of incense sticks (agarbattis).

“I have already saved some money from my earnings, and working on this project has also given me the confidence to set out on this unknown journey of setting up a business, hopefully a successful one! Just like how the Community Managed Resource Centers (CMRC)* and MAVIM work for the empowerment of women, I aspire to set-up a similar structure with my business too, for people with disabilities.”
* Community Managed Resource Centers (CMRC) are federations of Self Help Groups, which provide financial and livelihood services to Self Help Groups. DIFs operate at the CMRC level.
Transforming identities

“My motivation to join SPARK was to empower my fellow community members and to further explore the rights of people with disabilities. It was an opportunity to transform others while also enriching my own understanding and knowledge.”
After completing her Master’s degree in Social Work, Lata Korde began her journey with SPARK. She realised the practical impact her work could have and has been supporting people with disabilities in her community to obtain recognition of proof of disability through Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards. UDID cards entitle people with disabilities in India to access government social welfare schemes and receive financial assistance, healthcare services, education, and employment, for example.
“Supporting people with disabilities to regain their identities has been a very rewarding experience in my work. It’s much more than just filling in the forms; it is about giving them back their self-esteem and dignity. Often, our disability seems like our identity, but then SPARK provided me a chance to allow create an identity for myself, and then through my work, I made efforts to bring a change in mindset.”
After SPARK, Lata wants to start her own organisation.
“My journey is far from over. With every step, I try to break through barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow. With my NGO, I want to challenge the charity model and empower people with disabilities to lead dignified lives. They deserve respect, not pity.”
More information
For more information on the DIF Approach, have a look at this article: The Disability Inclusion Facilitator Approach – SPARK.
And read more about the 11 DIFs who were recently certified in India here.