Breaking Barriers: Social and Emotional

Nanda Jyothish.K

My Journey at WinVinaya Foundation

By Nanda Jyothish.K

Currently pursuing B.Com integration at Dayanand Sagar University

When I first walked into WinVinaya Foundation for my social internship, I carried what I now realize was a narrow lens , one tinted with sympathy. I used to wonder about how persons with disabilities are able to manage their daily lives? Don’t they always need help?

That was my starting point.

But where I ended up was somewhere completely different.

 Over the course of my internship, I met individuals who shattered every assumption I’d ever made. They weren’t waiting for support. They were learning, leading, and thriving, often in ways many of us take for granted.

Have you ever seen candidates with disability enjoying a moment so fully that you forgot every label placed on them?

Yes, I did.

During a recent showcase at the WinVinaya Foundation, where I witnessed a series of heartwarming videos created by our incredible candidates with hearing and speech impairment, individuals with disabilities who continue to break barriers every single day. These videos were more than just farewell tributes. They were stories of resilience, creativity, and the powerful human connections built throughout their journey.

Two videos stood out in particular. In a light-hearted and humorous way, candidates mimicked their trainers and peers, capturing not only their quirks and gestures but also the deep emotional bonds formed over time.  Just like how many of us once mimicked our teachers and friends during our own schooldays, these candidates embraced the same playful spirit, but in their way, that is using ISL. This shows that fun, friendship and memories are universal. What made these moments truly special for the candidates wasn’t just the laughter they brought, it was the warmth, the familiarity, and the love behind each impression. It was a beautiful role reversal, where trainers got to see themselves through the eyes of their students, and peers saw how much they mattered in these relationships.

Another video captured snippets of everyday life: classroom sessions, training activities, exploring Bengaluru, attending movies, and even a walkathon where they participated to give back to society. These weren’t just fun memories, they were powerful representations of capability, independence, and the joy of learning and living fully. From learning professional skills to participating in social outings, each moment painted a vivid picture of what inclusion truly looks like.

Check out the magic here: Insert the video link here

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Inclusion isn’t charity; it’s opportunity. Given the right tools and environment, individuals with disabilities thrive, they learn, lead, and inspire.
• Disability does not define a person. Their creativity, sense of humour, emotional intelligence, and community spirit shine far brighter.
• Representation matters. When society sees individuals with disabilities as capable, fun-loving, and full of potential, perceptions shift.
• Belonging creates growth. The love and support these candidates gave and received are proof that inclusive communities lead to real transformation, for everyone

These candidates didn’t let their disability hold back, but instead dived deep into the world of banking, finance, Zoho bookkeeping, and Power BI.

Yes, Power BI! The same tool professionals use to interpret complex data and build dashboards. Watching them confidently analyze numbers, organize financial records, and explain workflows, all while using Indian Sign Language or simple gestures, was nothing short of inspiring.

There was no self-pity in the room. No helplessness. Only focus, grit, and an undeniable hunger to learn.

One of the most unforgettable moments? Watching a candidate deliver a mock financial presentation entirely through sign language, with such clarity, command, and professionalism that I forgot, completely, that we weren’t using spoken words. That’s when I understood, communication isn’t limited by speech. It’s powered by intent

The big lesson I’m taking away would be,

Disability is not dependence. It’s society’s perception, that needs the real change.

These students don’t need pity. They need platforms. They need accessibility, opportunity, and respect. And at WinVinaya, they’re getting exactly that. As an intern at WinVinaya Foundation, I’ve seen how the HSI candidates have broken not just professional, but emotional and social barriers. Through support and inclusion, they’ve grown in confidence, connection, and self-belief. This experience has shown me that the real barriers often lie in society’s perceptions and watching them overcome those has been truly inspiring. At WinVinaya, inclusion isn’t just a concept, it’s a lived reality, and one that continues to transform lives every day.

This internship didn’t just change the way I view persons with disabilities; it changed how I understand strength. It’s not loud. It’s not always visible. Sometimes, it speaks in silence. Sometimes, it signs. And always, it shows up with determination.

As I go back to my campus, I carry not just stories, I carry a mission. To break stereotypes. To advocate for true inclusion. And to remind others, as I remind myself:

They don’t need our sympathy. They need our solidarity.

Thank You!