Acceptance: Lessons Beyond the Classroom
DISABILITY
Anushka Shankar
4/10/20252 min read
Acceptance: Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Anushka Shankar
10 April 2025
Place
Growing up, we often hear about the challenges faced by people with disabilities—whether physical, mental, or developmental—due to the stereotypical society that still lingers around us in bits. But what we don’t often hear enough about are the stories of acceptance, empathy, and genuine human connection and unity. My school life gave me one such story, one that left a lasting imprint on my heart and shaped my perspective towards inclusivity.
During my school days, as a part of the student council, I witnessed multitudes of mentalities. One of those stories that stayed with me involves several children with disabilities—some had physical limitations, others were on the autism spectrum, and a few dealt with conditions like ADHD or anisomelia, a condition in which the limbs are unequal in size. These scientific terms might not be familiar to everyone, but the real essence was in how these students were treated by those around them.
Not once in my years there did I see a student with disabilities being mocked, excluded, or treated negatively. There was an unspoken understanding that everyone was equal, regardless of their challenges.
Many moments stand out in my memory—like watching a group of younger students help a classmate with autism during a class activity, or a girl assisting a boy with a physical disability that made it hard for him to climb stairs. I remember a boy with ADHD being gently calmed down by his fellow students. They didn’t treat it as a duty or an obligation—they acted out of genuine care and concern.
Another memory I cherish is of a junior student who had both ADHD and autism. Though he couldn’t speak clearly, he was a national-level Tabla player. Everyone in the school knew he was the best in Tabla, and he was always encouraged and appreciated. These small yet powerful acts of kindness were common and truly heartfelt.
Whether it was helping someone with physical mobility during sports or simply being a friend to someone who perceived the world differently, the environment at my school promoted encouragement and unity. The teachers played a crucial role in building and sustaining this culture. While younger children often demonstrated these values more naturally than older students, their actions encouraged all of us.
Looking back, I realize how rare and precious that environment was. It helped us grow into more empathetic individuals and taught us lessons that went far beyond textbooks. It reminded me that when children grow up in inclusive spaces, they naturally learn to see beyond differences and embrace humanity.
I feel fortunate to have been part of such a space. It gives me hope that if more schools nurture this kind of culture, the world will become a more beautiful place for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
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