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.
FOR MOST OF THE PEOPLE COMING TO THIS MEET-UP, THIS IS THEIR FIRST CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE A CITY’S NIGHTLIFE... THAT, TOO WITHOUT ANY DISCOMFORT