July 25, 2024

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur with disabilities?

Two entrepreneurs with disabilities discuss their work, their challenges and learnings, and the changes they’d like to see in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

2 min read
This is the fifth article in an 8-part series supported by the Forbes Foundation. The series is focused on changing mindsets to build awareness, increase sensitisation, and enable inclusion and access for persons with disabilities, while platforming practitioners and nonprofit leaders working in the space of disability.

View the entire series here.


On average, the percentage of persons with disabilities who struggle to find employment in India is greater than that of non-disabled people. A 2021 report indicated that although half of India’s disabled population is employable, only 11.33 percent of them are employed. As a result, the proportion of persons with disabilities engaged in entrepreneurial activities is even lower. The poor employment rate among persons with disabilities is driven by a variety of factors, including lack of access to education, employer prejudice, and dearth of supportive workplace accommodations or policies. 

But what specific challenges do persons with disabilities face within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and what are the ways in which their entrepreneurial endeavours can be supported better? In this video, two entrepreneurs with disabilities share their insights and learnings.

Know more

  • Learn more about the state of employment for persons with disabilities in India.
  • Read this article on enabling disability inclusion in corporate workplaces.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Anubha Singhal-Image
Anubha Singhal

Anubha Singhal is the co-founder and director of Enable Me Access Association. She has more than five years of experience in interiors and architecture. As an architect, she is working on the sensitivities of universal design accessibility and advocating for accessible and inclusive environments for all through public education. At the age of 18, Anubha was diagnosed with limb–girdle muscular dystrophy, a progressive condition causing muscle weakness in her upper and lower limbs.

Surashree Rahane-Image
Surashree Rahane

Surashree Rahane is the founder and CEO of Yearbook Canvas. A motivational speaker, she has featured on TEDx Talks and Josh Talks. Surashree has extensive experience in education, FMCG, and start-ups, and her mission is to leverage her expertise for societal development

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