Thursday May 22, 2025

SoWhoCaresAnyway E19 Flying in ever decreasing circles

“Are you ready to stop looking for problems to fix and start asking the right questions? What matters most to you, and how can I help you achieve that?”

In this episode of So Who Cares Anyway, I speak with Diya Sharma, a postgraduate researcher, associate lecturer at Canterbury Christchurch University, and advocate with Muscular Dystrophy UK. Diya’s journey challenges deep-seated assumptions about disability, happiness, and autonomy, demonstrating that true freedom begins with choice, not circumstance.

Despite facing ongoing physical and social barriers, Diya refuses to be defined by her wheelchair. Her passion for travel pushes against societal expectations, proving that accessibility isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about changing mindsets. While misconceptions about disability have affected her own social well-being, Diya has cultivated resilience, pursued academic excellence, and become a strong advocate for others, encouraging them to reclaim their right to freedom of movement.

This episode explores:

How society often assumes what people need instead of asking what matters to them.
The right to freedom of movement and how Diya is shaping conversations around inclusion.
Why people with disabilities are often viewed through a lens of limitations rather than possibilities.
How support should focus on empowerment—not deficits.

Diya’s story is a reminder that true inclusivity means listening, understanding, and removing barriers—not making assumptions about what people can or cannot do. By shifting the conversation from “What do you need?” to “What matters to you, and how can I help you achieve that?”, we unlock opportunities for everyone to thrive.