Puneet Singh Singhal Wins Award for Disability Inclusion Advocacy
Winners of the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards pictured with CommonWealth general secretary and the honorable president of Kenya. Diverse group of 16 people smiling– some holding framed awards.
By Arielle Dance, Diversability Writer
Puneet Singh Signhal (he/him) is one of the 2023 winners of the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards. He was recognized for his advocacy in disability inclusion at the ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya. The Awards recognize and celebrate the contribution of innovators in the public, private and voluntary sectors across the Commonwealth who are making progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As a disability inclusion advocate and an accessibility enthusiast, Puneet’s work is especially aligned with these goals. The Commonwealth webpage highlights Puneet as the founder of ‘ssstart’ who is working towards eradicating stigmas and taboos associated with disabilities and creating awareness of disability inclusion.
Recently diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and stammering, Puneet feels liberated when he thinks about his diagnoses. With feelings of acceptance, he allows himself to take breaks when needed and find harmony within himself. Despite challenges and frustrations while seeking diagnosis, he shared that “now, I am in sync with my authentic self, and no longer harsh on myself for my emotional needs.” The biggest lesson he has learned during his journey is finding peace in spite of life’s chaos. To maintain his peace, he takes regular walks to free his mind and allow himself to get clarity. Puneet works towards normalizing speech and communication disabilities and is passionate about creating safe spaces for young people with disabilities by harnessing the power of storytelling and the arts.
Puneet is also excited about the launch of his new podcast, The Diversity Dialogue for Global Network for Young Persons with Disabilities. The podcast is filled with conversations between disabled people and organizations working on accessibility, disability inclusion, and sexual and reproductive rights.
Acknowledgement: Thank you to Puneet Singh Singhal, a member of the Diversability Leadership Collective, for sharing your experiences with us.
About the Author:
Arielle Dance is a content writer at Diversability who identifies as a Black, queer woman with disabilities. A Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine, Arielle is published on multiple online platforms and has an award winning children’s book, “Dearest One,” that focuses on mindfulness and grief.