The Mind Talk had the opportunity to connect with Faride Shroff of Sensational Foundation. A finalist of Community Business awards 2024 and a dedicated advocate of inclusivity, Faride found her calling when she was working as a teacher for children with special needs. After thirty years Faride continues to take steps to ensure that people with disabilities have equitable opportunities to thrive. Her foundation champions equitable inclusion by creating a world where every person with a disability is empowered, valued and contributes fully to society with respect and dignity.
Advocacy Through the NGO
As the Founder of Sensational Foundation, Faride plays a crucial role in her mission to promote inclusivity and understanding. Sensational Foundation provides comprehensive training for corporations on disability awareness and inclusion, helping businesses recognize that hiring individuals with disabilities is not merely an act of charity, but a savvy business decision. “Our programs offer both short-term and long-term solutions, incorporating practical activities that engage employers,” Faride explains. This approach encourages companies to create supportive environments where all employees can thrive.
In addition to corporate training, Sensational Foundation offers free services to individuals with disabilities, their parents, and caregivers. These services prepare them for the workplace and assist them in navigating their careers. By focusing on amplifying the voices of those often overlooked, the organization ensures that individuals with disabilities have access to opportunities and the support they need to succeed.
Faride’s early life and journey
As a former teacher, Faride is deeply committed to her students, and shares a connection that transcends the typical teacher-student relationship. For her, this bond is rooted in love and a sense of calling, a profound commitment to a group often overlooked and forgotten. “I want them to have hope and to know that we are in this together,” she says emphatically. After more than 35 years in the field, she maintains contact with former students and their families from India, celebrating the mutual growth they have experienced over the years.
This enduring relationship brings Faride immense joy. “There’s nothing else I would do with as much passion,” she reflects. Her extensive experience working with a diverse range of disabilities, including particularly challenging cases, has been transformative. Such encounters have deepened her understanding of care and compassion, reinforcing her belief in the necessity of making the world a better place for everyone.
Faride’s journey has also profoundly impacted her family. Her children have grown up alongside friends with disabilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity within their home. “They’ve always included their friends with disabilities in celebrations like birthday parties,” she shares. This openness has enriched her children’s lives, shaping them into more empathetic human beings who understand the importance of kindness and acceptance. She attributes her success to her husband’s dedicated support and invaluable help.
Through her advocacy, Faride aims to instil these values not only in her family but also in the broader community. She believes that fostering empathy and understanding in young people will create a ripple effect, promoting a more inclusive society.
Faride is passionate about the need for more schools to embrace inclusivity and teach students the value of diverse life experiences. “Bullying remains a heartbreaking issue,” she laments. “I’m committed to changing that.” Her extensive work in this field has made her acutely aware of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and she recognizes that there is still much to be done.
The need for support spans all ages, from young children to older adults. “The more I engage in this work, the more I discover the various ways we can assist those in need,” she notes. Through the efforts of her NGO, she aspires to foster a culture of understanding and inclusion that benefits not just individuals with disabilities, but society.
The Importance of Awareness and Understanding
As Faride continues her advocacy, she emphasizes the importance of awareness and understanding in combating stigma. “Many people still hold misconceptions about disabilities,” she explains. By educating corporations and communities about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities, she hopes to challenge these stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of diversity.
Her personal experiences further illustrate this point. By sharing stories of her students and the challenges they face, Faride aims to humanize the conversation around disabilities. “It’s vital to recognize that every individual has unique strengths and talents,” she asserts. “When we look beyond disabilities, we can see the incredible potential in every person.”
Faride’s journey is a testament to the power of connection and compassion in driving social change. Through Sensational Foundation, she not only advocates for individuals with disabilities but also inspires others to embrace inclusivity in their own lives. “Together, we can foster a culture of understanding and inclusion,” she says passionately.
Her vision extends beyond her immediate community, aiming to create a world where everyone is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. By continuing to engage in this vital work, Faride hopes to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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