On April 22, 2024 Vidhi’s Disability Inclusion & Access team hosted an event on Autism Inclusion and Acceptance. Conducted in two parts, it saw individuals with lived experiences, caregivers, experts, and advocates come together for a:

1. Panel Discussion: Dr. Sushama Nagarkar (Managing Trustee, Yash Charitable Trust & co-founder, Cafe Arpan), Ms. Mugdha Kalra (Media Professional & co-founder, ‘Not That Different’ Movement), Ms. Nehal Tiwari (MNC Consultant & Stone Artist on the Autism Spectrum), her father Mr. Anupam, and Ms. Manisha Kamble (Mother of a young girl on the Autism Spectrum) discussed the exclusionary nature of urban environments and shared their experiences on how small efforts can enhance inclusion and independent living for persons on the autism spectrum.

2. Workshop: Sanchita Mahadik, a Senior Autism Interventionist at Ummeed Child Development Center conducted a workshop on the practical tools and strategies for caregivers to better assist persons on the autism spectrum in navigating everyday living and advocating for their inclusion as equal members of the community.