SIBLING
STORIES
Community support through real-life stories
Our campaign focuses on celebrating stories of siblings of children and adults with disabilities in India. In these compelling accounts, they delve into their own journeys as well as the interconnected ones of their siblings. Their stories provide insight into the real experiences of families in supporting individuals with disabilities, and the joys and challenges of navigating life with their siblings.
Suvi & Vinayak
"I'm Suvi Pandey, sister of Vinayak Pandey. I'm currently working in a MNC as a Digital Project Manager and also a trained classical singer and belong to a musical family, music for us is something that runs in the blood. My brother Vinayak is 18 years old and has mild Autism, he was diagnosed at the age of 2 and half years, we initially thought he had hearing problems but later figured out he was autistic. My future goal is definitely to contribute to society in a way that it helps any person with special needs, additionally striving to create Autism Awareness leading to Autism Acceptance.
"The message that I want to share here is that instead of asking how they will adjust, why don’t you try to fit in their world, why don’t you understand them better, why don’t you become less judgmental and let them be themselves, why don’t you let them have the liberty to fit in your world without any change at all!"
VINAYAK: SUVI'S BROTHER
There are many fond memories of his childhood, it was not the most regular relationship you share with a sibling. We never received the typical reactions from him but he had his own way of expressing his emotions. There's one really fond memory I have with him, it was the day he said my name for the first time, after 13 long years just hearing my name from him made me feel so overwhelmed, it was the happiest day of my life!
Solving puzzles is his most favorite activity, he can solve a 100+ piece puzzle in a span of a maximum of 3 minutes, it’s amazing to see that. Also, I think he is a baking master. I have had the most delicious desserts made by him. He loves cooking, be it any dish he pours his heart into it and I think that’s what makes it special. Apart from that every year Vinayak has won Gold Medal in sports from his school, he wins the relay race every year and is great in gymnastics.
Vinayak is so strong personality-wise. He always has a smile plastered on his face even in the most difficult times and that gives us so much strength. He is really inspiring, especially because he has dealt with the loss of a loved one, at a young age of 15. That helped him become a really mature person.
There's a quote that I really love - 'Hope is the rope that will swing you through life'. I think this simple quote carries a deep meaning and definitely resonates with me. Ever since my brother’s diagnosis, we (my family) have had hope for something or other to look forward to, and every time the goal was achieved however small it was, it was like a big achievement for us. Even in the hardest times, it was a hope for a better future that kept us all going.
My Message to the World - The message that I want to share here is that instead of asking how they will adjust, why don’t you try to fit in their world, why don’t you understand them better, why don’t you become less judgmental and let them be themselves, why don’t you let them have the liberty to fit in your world without any change at all! To everyone out there, change is not the easiest thing you can ask of a child on the spectrum. Instead of that let’s change our perspective and make them feel accepted amongst us."
For persons with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), noisy places can be overwhelming or even painful. While noise-cancelling headphones can help, quiet zones can make public spaces more welcoming for everyone.
