On a journey of destigmatizing disability | Virali Modi | TEDxMICA

What is usual for one, might not be standard and enough for the other. Becoming the change you want to see is the need of the hour, they say.
Realizing the need to make traveling in India more accessible for everyone, Virali Modi started #MyTrainToo campaign in 2017 that garnered huge traction. She believes that if she could spearhead a movement and bring about a change, anyone can. Her inspiring journey teaches one to make use of the power each of us have and to raise our voice responsibly. Each voice has a strength that can be culminated to bring about revolutionary change and can challenge the traditional system. Changing the way we talk about disability is needed for equality. Destigmatizing disability will require coming together and raising voices to give freedom to those with disability.
Virali is a disability rights activist whose efforts to make Indian railways more accessible landed her in the list of ‘BBC 100 Women 2017’. A fighter at heart, she is determined to fulfil her dreams of becoming a model and actor one day.
A determined fighter, 14-year-old Virali Modi was diagnosed with malaria that put her in a coma. The Pennsylvania resident, who wanted to become a model and an actor one day, had gone to Mumbai, where she contracted the disease. Due to a delayed diagnosis, Virali ended up in a wheelchair after multiple near death experiences. Despite her disability, she is still following her dream of becoming a model and is an aspiring actress. In 2014 , she became the first runner-up at the Miss Wheelchair India contest. It has been many years since the incident, Virali now is a disability rights activist whose efforts to make railways more accessible landed her in 'BBC 100 Women 2017'. She is also a motivational speaker inspiring millions with her arduous journey. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx