Adrishya Kaaravaan

Discovering Abilities in Unity

Adrishya Kaaravaan is an interactive event aimed at challenging stereotypes about persons with disabilities (PWD), fostering empathy, and promoting inclusion through a series of engaging, team-based activities. By partnering participants with PWD, the event highlights their abilities, resourcefulness, and unique contributions, breaking down barriers of misunderstanding and stigma.

 

Event Goals

  1. Challenge Stereotypes: Demonstrate that individuals with disabilities are capable and resourceful.
  2. Foster Empathy: Facilitate meaningful interactions between participants and PWD.
  3. Promote Teamwork: Encourage collaboration by positioning PWD as integral team members.
  4. Raise Awareness: Educate participants on accessibility needs and the barriers faced by PWD.

 

Event Format: Accessible Quest

Structure:

Adrishya Kaaravaan will take the form of a scavenger hunt or an adventure-style quest with multiple challenges. Each team will consist of 4-6 participants, partnered with a PWD who plays a central role in solving clues and completing tasks.

Clue Access:

The PWD will have exclusive access to the clues in formats tailored to their abilities:

  • Braille clues for visually impaired participants.
  • Sign language videos for hearing-impaired participants.
  • Tactile puzzles for participants with limited mobility.
  • Pictorial or simplified instructions for participants with cognitive disabilities.

The rest of the team must collaborate with the PWD to interpret and act on the clues, emphasizing their essential role in the quest.

Game Flow:

  1. Teams receive their first clue at the starting point.
  2. Clues lead to various stations, each with a unique challenge.
  3. Successful completion of a station unlocks the next clue.
  4. The event concludes at a final destination with a celebration of teamwork and inclusivity.

 

Proposed Challenges

  1. Tactile Puzzle:
    • A jigsaw or logic puzzle where the visually impaired participant reads clues in Braille to guide the team.
  2. Silent Charades:
    • A hearing-impaired participant communicates a clue to the team using sign language, which they must interpret to proceed.
  3. Navigation Task:
    • Teams navigate a wheelchair-accessible obstacle course, guided by the wheelchair user who holds the map or instructions.
  4. Barrier Breaker:
    • Teams solve a task simulating barriers faced by PWD, such as decoding non-verbal instructions or overcoming physical obstacles.
  5. Accessible Tech Challenge:
    • Teams use tools like screen readers or text-to-speech software to decode a digital clue.
  6. Empathy Challenge Stations:
    • Activities that simulate PWD experiences, such as navigating a path blindfolded or communicating non-verbally.

 

Pre-Event Activities

  1. Orientation:
    • A brief session introducing the purpose of Adrishya Kaaravaan.
    • Real-life stories of PWD showcasing their abilities.
    • Sensitivity training on effective communication and interaction with PWD.
  2. Team Introduction:
    • Icebreaker activities to familiarize team members, including the PWD partner.

  

Post-Event Activities

  1. Reflection Circles:
    • Teams and PWD partners share their experiences and insights.
    • Discussions on breaking stereotypes and fostering inclusion.
  2. Awareness Panels:
    • Talks by advocates or achievers with disabilities.
    • Highlights of success stories and accessible innovations.
  3. Feedback Collection:
    • Gather feedback from participants and PWD to measure the event’s impact.
    • Identify areas for improvement for future iterations.

 

Event Enhancements

  1. Workshops:
    • Conduct mini-workshops during or after the event, such as basic sign language or Braille reading.
  2. Interactive Stations:
    • Demonstrations of tools and techniques used by PWD in daily life.
  3. Rewards and Recognition:
    • Celebrate teamwork, creativity, and inclusivity rather than just speed or completion.

 

Key Takeaways

  1. Empowerment of PWD: Position them as active contributors and problem-solvers.
  2. Breaking Barriers: Provide participants with direct exposure to the realities of living with a disability.
  3. Sustainable Impact: Equip participants with a deeper understanding of inclusivity and accessibility.

 

Logistics and Planning

  1. Venue: Ensure the venue is fully accessible for all participants.
  2. Materials: Prepare accessible materials in advance, such as Braille clues, tactile puzzles, and sign language videos.
  3. Volunteers: Recruit and train volunteers to assist with station management and participant support.
  4. Promotions: Use social media, email campaigns, and community networks to promote the event.

 

Next Steps

  1. Finalize event details, including challenges, venue, and schedule.
  2. Identify and invite PWD participants and speakers.
  3. Create promotional materials and begin outreach.
  4. Develop and test accessible clues and game materials.

 

Adrishya Kaaravaan is more than an event; it’s a movement to bridge the gap between perception and reality. By creating an engaging and inclusive experience, participants will walk away with a renewed understanding of the abilities and resilience of persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society.