At this meet-up, disability isn’t a barrier

Next Sunday, June 25, is going to see a unique weekend party. In a novel initiative, the people behind a dating app for the disabled have organised a meetup for them at a central Delhi nightclub. The event, at Kitty Su, Barakhamba Road, is open to all, but mainly aims to bring people with disabilities together, giving them a chance to find likeminded people. So far, about 30 disabled people have registered for this event, organised by the app Inclov.

Everyone who plans to attend is excited — for many, this is their first opportunity to properly experience a city’s buzzing nightlife. “Going to a nightclub with my friends has been a distant dream,” says Manish Raj, 34, an IT associate, who is wheelchair-bound. He was once refused entry to a popular club in Kolkata as “the management said that their ‘normal’ guests would feel conscious”. Another person with limited mobility, 40-yearold Ankur Bhir couldn’t even get any nightclubs to let him book space for a party for the disabled. “My New Year’s Eve is mostly spent alone at home,” says Bhir, who is self-employed.

That’s going to change on June 25. Co-organiser Shankar Srinivasan promises “fun introductions”, ramps and lower dance floors for easy wheelchair access. DJ Aamish, who’s himself wheelchairbound, is performing here.

PHOTO: ISTOCK