World disability day: Wheelchair-bound Javed Tak builds a haven for specially-abled students

Bijbehara, Dec 03: Amid personal hardships and immense physical challenges, Javed Ahmad Tak from Bijbehara has become an inspirational figure for the specially-abled community in Kashmir. A wheelchair user himself, Tak runs a school dedicated to children with disabilities, fostering their inclusion in mainstream society.
Tak’s life took a drastic turn in 1997 when he was shot while visiting his uncle, a political worker. The gunshot wounds, compounded by severe burns during his hospital stay, left him with a 100% spinal cord injury. Doctors gave him little hope of survival, but his resolve to contribute to society sparked a journey of resilience and determination.
“Confined to one place for months, I asked my family to let me teach a few students at home. That marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life,” Tak recalls.
In 2003, Tak founded the Humanity Welfare Organisation, an NGO aimed at addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. Despite facing numerous bureaucratic hurdles and challenges in registering the organization, he remained steadfast, motivated by the lack of care and resources for disabled children in his region. A self-conducted survey across villages revealed over 30 disabled children, which led him to rent a room, enroll the children, and hire a teacher trained in special education.
Over time, Tak continued to enhance his own qualifications, earning a Master’s in Social Work, a Diploma in Special Education (D.Ed. Spl. Ed.), and an M.Ed. His efforts also garnered support through donations, including computers and vehicles, which helped in the education and transportation of disabled students.
Despite his contributions, Tak recently faced a severe illness that led to the amputation of his legs. “It all traces back to that gunshot which changed my life. The subsequent injuries and illness eventually cost me my legs,” he said.
Today, his school, the Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education, caters to 205 students, including those with mental disabilities, hearing and speech impairments, blindness, and orthopedic challenges. Established in 2008, the school has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for specially-abled children in the region.
“We also provide vocational training for students over 18 to make them self-reliant. Many of our alumni are now in colleges, universities, or engaged in meaningful work,” Tak said with pride.
Among the school’s notable achievements are students excelling in higher education and professional fields. One student is now pursuing studies at JNU, another works with the Cultural Academy, and yet another is preparing for the UPSC. Tak emphasized the vital role parents play in supporting their disabled children and urged the medical community to prioritize early detection and intervention.
However, Tak pointed out several systemic issues that hinder the full potential of disabled children. “The absence of ramps, accessible washrooms, and more special educators in schools adds to the challenges. Each disability requires unique teaching approaches, but the availability of trained teachers remains limited,” he noted.
Tak also called for the government to implement critical reforms under existing legislation. “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Mental Health Act, 1987, the National Trust Act, 1999, and the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 2000, must be implemented in their true spirit,” he said, stressing the need for accessible infrastructure, specialized educators, and customized curricula for disabled students.
Additionally, Tak urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to draft a comprehensive disability policy and appealed to the President and Prime Minister for political reservation for persons with disabilities. “I believe a 3% political reservation for persons with disabilities would empower them further and ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process,” he said.
Tak’s contributions to social work have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2020 for his outstanding service to the disabled community. Despite the challenges he continues to face, his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of specially-abled individuals remains a source of inspiration for many.