Introduction

Deepening understanding of disability for Zubaan

Deepening understanding of disability for Zubaan

Between May and June 2025, we undertook a comprehensive six-part virtual training series for Zubaan projects and Zubaan books teams. This initiative was designed to deepen Zubaan’s institutional commitment to disability inclusion, fostering a culture of equity and accessibility from the inside out.

By bringing together 15 individuals from the publishing and programmes teams alongside administrative and operations staff, the sessions bridged diverse educational and professional backgrounds. This collective engagement ensured that the foundation for change was laid across every department of the organisation.

The series was led by experts from our team, and we were joined by a diverse group of disability rights advocates, practitioners, and facilitators. The curriculum moved beyond theory, encouraging somatic awareness and a transition from reflection to action.

Key focus areas included:

  • Unpacking Narratives: Challenging dominant and often harmful societal perspectives on disability.
  • Understanding Intersectionality: Recognising how disability overlaps with other identities to shape unique lived experiences.
  • Creating Inclusive Workspaces: Developing internal systems that support all employees and community members.
  • Digital & Systemic Accessibility: Equipping teams with the technical tools to embed accessibility into digital platforms and organisational workflows.

Through such partnerships, we continue to support organisations in moving beyond compliance towards authentic and sustainable inclusion.