People of determination create a happy video on inclusion
dubai — A happy video featuring people of determination (PoD) was released by a Dubai-based organisation to send a positive message on Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), which is celebrated annually on May 21.
Wings Of Angelz produced the video inspired from the popular TikTok challenge ‘Pass the Brush’. But, instead of passing the brush (makeup), PoDs and volunteers of the organisation can be seen passing a marker with which they pen down their dreams and aspirations.
“The marker in this video signifies gratitude and hope. People with different impairments have come together to share what they are grateful for in 2020 and their hopes for 2021,” said Shobhika Kalra, founder of Wings of Angelz platform.
Kalra, also a PoD bound in a wheelchair, said: “Since there is increased anxiety due to the restrictions around the current pandemic, Wings of Angelz wanted to spread the message of accessibility and inclusion digitally as that is what the Global Accessibility Awareness Day is all about — to get all talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.
The video is supported by Eduscan School of Determination and KnackTag Digital Media and shows its participants smiling, dancing and jiving with the song
playing in the background, while they hold placards with messages of hope, inclusivity and acceptance.
Some of the messages given out by PoDs include a singer holding a placard ‘awaiting new opportunities’; an autistic boy expressing the need to be accepted by society; young girls hoping to have an inclusive playground among others. The video includes an emotional appeal by the PoDs to make the world a more inclusive place. The message stated at the end of the video read: “You can count on us too…if we are given the right opportunities and accessibility”.
“We have 11 stars who feature in this video. While they have different impairments, we have consciously chosen to describe them with words beyond their impairments as we would want people to start looking beyond their impairments,” said Kalra. The concept and editing is done by Ruchika Kalra and supported by Halima, Knick Tag Digital Media and Shahan Khalid. The choreography was done by Swagata Das and Ashwin Sahityani managed talent.
Kalra through her initiative Wings of Angelz has helped build over 1,000 wheelchair ramps across the UAE. “We are now looking to take this to the next level. In the second half of 2020, we are launching an app that will empower and enable people with different impairments by giving them information on accessibility and career opportunities. So yes, this is the first step of expansion of Wings Of Angelz into supporting people beyond just mobility impairment,” she added.