The promise and pressure of online disability activism
Also as a Hindi podcast: Puneet Singh Singhal's and Soumita Basu’s tips on navigating disability activism on social media
Dear Reframers,
The Global Directory of Disabled News Media Professionals is in the works and I hope to have the first version ready in March.
If you are a person with a disability and a student or working journalist, non-fiction filmmaker, podcaster, photographer, photojournalist, illustrator or social media expert, please fill out the form in an earlier edition to get your name added to the directory, preferably soon. The form will be indefinitely open, but updated occasionally after the release of the first version.
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[Logo ID: On a bright purple background, two white hand illustrations form an open rectangular frame. Inside the frame, the words ‘Reframing Disability’ are written in white text, symbolising a fresh perspective on disability.]
Since I’m involved with the directory, this time I have a gem from the archives – along with a new AI generated Hindi podcast based on the written piece – many of you loved. In November 2024, I hosted a webinar featuring a discussion with two Indian disability activists, Puneet Singh Singhal and Soumita Basu on their purpose and strategies for disability activism on social media. Today’s interview is an edited version of that conversation first published in this edition.
[ID: Colorful infographic about disability activism on social media. Key messages include asking instead of assuming, honest storytelling, learning in public, self-care as discipline, prioritising deep written content, and building mutual understanding to influence policymakers.]
How to navigate disability activism on social media
Puneet is a disability inclusion advocate and an accessibility consultant. He is a person with dyslexia, dyspraxia and stammering. He has co-founded Billion Strong, an identity based organisation empowering persons with disabilities across regions. Currently, he is also curating a community based initiative called “Green Disability” addressing the intersection of disability/neurodiversity/chronic illnesses and climate change.
Soumita runs her award-winning fashion brand, Zyenika, which makes fashion inclusive by designing collections that cater to all, particularly people with visible and invisible disabilities, and the elderly. Soumita uses her lived experience of an acquired disability at the age of 32, along with her experience as policy researcher and communications strategist to drive inclusion as an entrepreneur, consultant, storyteller and now with her social media presence as well.
[Image description: Soumita, an Indian woman with long black hair pulled back is smiling into the camera. Her mustard jacket with white block print makes a dashing combination with her black top with white embroidery on its border. On the right is Puneet, an Indian man with black hair, moustache and a light beard who is speaking at an event with an ardent expression and head slightly turned to the right. His mouth mic and round neck T-shirt are both yellow and his short hair is pulled back with a hair band.]
Takeaways from the dialogue with Puneet Singh Singhal and Soumita Basu, in an AI generated Hindi podcast and English text below.
(This format is an accessibility measure for those who prefer to listen in Hindi. The only issue we have with this fairly accuare NotebookLM generated podcast is the part where the term “andhi race” is used. Puneet, Soumita and I do not support such ableist language, so please ignore the term and listen to the rest.)
On their purpose and motivation for posting on social media
Puneet
Puneet’s purpose on social media is to share his thoughts with honesty. His desire to be prolific on social media stems from a sense of guilt about not being able to socialise in person or actively participate in conferences as a speaker.
When people invite him for public speaking, he often tells them, “if you want to know my views, you can find them on social media, I have nothing more to offer.”
He is also mindful of the carbon footprint associated with travel and the accessibility barriers that make traveling difficult. His social media presence is a way to make up for those missed conversations and meet people where they are.
Soumita
Soumita’s purpose on social media is to make disability and disabled people visible because “it’s almost like they don’t exist and there are way too many assumptions around them,” she said. So one of the things she always conveys is “ask, don’t assume”.
“For example, I have a locomotor disability, but I never claim to know about deafness, because that’s not my disability. Also, I know my problem, but I wouldn’t know the problem of another person with a locomotor disability,” Soumita explained.
She uses social media to open up conversations that make people sit up and think.
On using social media as a tool for advocacy and connections
Puneet
As an activist, social media allows Puneet to connect with thousands of people, and have meaningful conversations about disability and advocacy. Sometimes, these discussions go viral, engaging audiences beyond his immediate connections. This creates a space where we start to “learn in public”, Puneet said.
When people comment, he gets to explore diverse perspectives, though sometimes comments can be insensitive too. “I’ve found an honesty code, and realised that if I write from my heart, it is going to resonate with people,” Puneet said. To him, authenticity matters more than tactics like hashtags.
He is prolific and posts daily. But while he embraces vulnerability on social media, he also practices self-care by avoiding comments that might ruin his day.
Still, he values the connections he has made and the evolution of his activism. Sharing personal stories was terrifying initially, but over time, he has learned to balance personal emotions with community advocacy, inspired by the LGBTQ and the autistic communities’ movements. Social media, for all its flaws, remains a powerful tool for representation and change for Puneet.
Soumita
On Facebook, Soumita tries to bridge the gap between disabled and non-disabled audiences, for mutual understanding. LinkedIn, however, is where she hopes to reach people in positions of influence—those who can make products, marketing, and workplaces more inclusive. As someone who consults on these issues, she wants her posts to inspire tangible changes, like ensuring everyday experiences, such as shopping, are accessible.
Her posts often reach unexpected audiences showing a broader interest in these conversations, which aligns with her goal of making disability more visible. She hopes to encourage readers to “pause a little” before judging or dismissing others, and instead ask, “Is there something that can make it easier for you?”
On content creation and strategies
Puneet
Puneet is not constrained by rigid strategies. He likes to jot down his ideas on paper because “it regulates my bodily pace, and really calms me down.” Sometimes he just writes words, and later makes a longer post about it. “But sometimes, if I don’t want to write a big post, I just post a quote, it’s as simple as that,” he said. There is no planning behind it.
He loves words and believes they resonate more deeply than videos, even though platforms like LinkedIn push visual content. For him, “the written word has become a kind of meditation” and sharing his thoughts in text feels natural. He aims to shine a spotlight on important issues, focusing on collaboration and uplifting stories that matter. “If something good is happening in our world, I will be sharing it. And that makes my work so much easier, because then I don’t need to do much work,” he said.
Soumita
As a former journalist, Soumita embraces both creative bursts and writer’s block. When ideas flood in, she notes them down, creating a “content bank” to revisit later. Like Puneet, writing is her comfort zone. Ultimately, she said, it’s about balance, and pushing yourself to grow and not punishing yourself for setbacks.
On consistency and discipline
Puneet
Consistency looks different for everyone, and it’s important to define it on your own terms, Puneet said. For him, it might mean daily, while for someone else, it could be weekly—and that’s perfectly fine. Don’t rely on external definitions; just find what works for you, he conveyed.
Soumita
Discipline is complex and deeply personal, especially when health challenges or other life circumstances come into play. For Soumita, the core of discipline is self-care: “If you’re disciplined in helping yourself, taking care of yourself, I think that’s the core.” This means accepting that there will be days when nothing gets done—and that’s okay. If the world breaks down because I miss a few social media posts, “there’s something wrong with the world.”
Building habits, like social media use, is a gradual process. Soumita wasn’t initially a social media person at all. Expecting herself to post daily right away wasn’t realistic, so she started small—once a week—and increased over time. It’s like exercising: you build up gradually.
On collaborations and boundaries
Puneet
Social media has been transformative in forming meaningful connections for Puneet. Strangers, not acquaintances, have been instrumental in shaping his journey—like his first donor, who reached out on Instagram and became a close friend. Still, he is mindful of protecting his energy, especially when responding to emotional feedback. Activism, for him, is about creating genuine impact, respecting boundaries, and using social media to raise understanding, amplify voices, and build community. “I think social media has desensitised us about numbers,” We’re making a significant impact “even if it’s 100 people engaging,” he said.
Collaboration is essential, but Puneet said he has learned to be selective. He understands the importance of aligning on values. If there’s a strategic conflict—like working with an organisation rooted in a charity-based approach on disability, he avoids partnering, even if goals seem similar. He has made mistakes by ignoring red flags in the past and now feels more confident saying “no” when needed.
On media representation and accessibility
Puneet
Many people have shared feedback with Puneet about their inability to engage with news platforms due to a lack of inclusivity. His inbox is full of such messages from real users, offering valuable insights that organisations choose to ignore.
He said that accessibility issues go beyond technical fixes like alt-text or ramps; they stem from a top-down mindset that lacks sensitivity and nuance. For instance, stories about disability often get reframed into “inspiration porn” by editorial filters. This highlights the need for a mindset shift, not just logistical improvements.
While he values collaboration with those who grasp the nuances of disability, many journalists gatekeep based on numbers or predefined criteria. “Social media is an amazing platform where there is no gatekeeping,” he said. This is a reminder to journalists to recognise diverse voices and the potential of inclusive, accessible reporting.
Soumita
Before experiencing disability firsthand, Soumita said she overlooked disability inclusion—not out of neglect, but due to a lack of visibility. “That’s one of the reasons I am not supremely angry with the world,” she said. This also drives her commitment to making the disability community seen. However, she criticises clickbait journalism that sensationalises personal identity (for example, “disabled woman entrepreneur” instead of “entrepreneur”) over actual work, as it distorts the narrative and overshadows contributions.
She values sensitive journalism and journalists that approach stories with care. To combat superficial storytelling, she proactively collaborates with journalists, pitching ideas about others’ impactful work to ensure meaningful stories reach the spotlight.
Advocacy is a personal journey
Puneet
Puneet emphasises that finding your authentic voice on social media may take time—years, even—and that’s completely okay. He advises focusing on the present and not overthinking long-term goals immediately. Instead, he suggests writing about what comes to mind, and over time, you’ll discover more about yourself, including whether social media is the right platform for you at all. Regardless of the outcome, he encourages embracing the journey and owning your space, especially as a disabled person, which (as one of the audience members said) is a revolutionary act in itself. In today’s challenging global context, he stresses the importance of being strong, assertive, and building meaningful relationships in this space.
Success will come gradually, through consistent effort and patience, he said After a year of consistent posting, people will start noticing your work, and even high-profile individuals may reach out. He recommends approaching organisations and brands strategically, understanding that only a small percentage (around 5%) may respond to cold pitches. The key is to combine hard work with persistence, building a strategy for the long term.
Soumita
Soumita spoke about impact through social media.
“Even if I’ve impacted one single life, I think that’s a huge achievement, and I’m not suggesting that’s where one should stop,” Soumita said.
Impact isn’t always measurable, but even changing one life profoundly is significant. While big goals are important, the true value of impact often lies in unquantifiable moments.
“Activism is not only about marching in thousands. We get lost in doing something great. There is a lot of joy in doing the small things,” she signed off.
Read
Puneet Singh Singhal’s Poem
If everyone was a little disabled Part 1 (and Part 2 on LinkedIn)
If everyone was a little disabled,
the world would look a little different,
a little softer, a little slower, a little kinder.
Ramps would blend into sidewalks,
and doors would open without a struggle.
Braille would be as common as print,
and sign language would flow like poetry
in conversations, in classrooms, on screens.
If everyone was a little disabled,
timelines would flex, meetings would pause,
and hustle culture might finally take a seat.
No one would call it “special treatment”
if we all needed space to breathe,
to rest, to gather strength for the next step.
People would think before they spoke,
seeing words as bridges, not weapons.
They’d know that some days are harder,
that patience isn’t charity, it’s humanity.
Crowded rooms would be quiet sanctuaries,
not battles of noise and glare,
and stairs would come with options
for those whose steps falter,
for those who roll, or sway, or lean.
If everyone was a little disabled,
we’d build a world that fits us all—
not out of pity, but out of respect,
out of understanding that strength
wears many faces, and moves in many ways.
Accommodations would be just “the way,”
not an afterthought, not an extra ask.
We wouldn’t marvel at “resilience”
because the world itself would be resilient,
with walls that bend and floors that lift
to meet us where we are.
If everyone was a little disabled,
compassion wouldn’t be a policy;
it’d be the pulse of every heartbeat.
And I wouldn’t need to explain
why I deserve a space in this world—
the world would simply be made for me.
Inspired by “If Everyone Was A Little Autistic” By Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht ND RP
Watch
In a recent development, one of Peppa Pig’s main characters has hearing loss and kids are feeling represented and proud to be d/Deaf! Catch new episodes at the Peppa Pig official YouTube Channel. I’ll share it with the parents of my two-year-old nephew, Vidyut, to introduce him to the concept of hearing loss and sensory differences among humans. How about you?
Listen
While I have explored adaptive clothing in my reporting, it is only recently because of my fractured shoulder that I started hunting for it myself. Soumita is one of the few people in India who has an adaptive clothing brand. Listen to her recent interview with the BBC.
Please sign this petition
While accessibility standards have finally been issued for OTTs in India, mandatory compliance for new content is delayed by 36 months and makes accessibility for existing content libraries subject only to “best efforts.” In practice, this means millions of persons with disabilities remain excluded from films, series, documentaries, and cultural programming that others access freely every day. Will you join me in signing this petition for mandatory, time-bound compliance?
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
In case you missed recent editions, journalist and content creator Shelby Wright spoke to the rise of the media created by the disabled community and two Indian journalists predicted the future of mental health and disability inclusion in the media in 2026.
Thanks for reading, or listening to this issue (on the Substack app). As always, press reply to share your thoughts —I love to hear from you! I’m also available on LinkedIn and Instagram and Reframing Disability has an Instagram account too – follow and engage!
Until soon.
Warmly,
Priti