Creating an Inclusive & Integrated Oshwal Community
Jai Jinendra & Pranam,
Welcome to the very first edition of our Enabling Network Newsletter! 🎉
This newsletter is created to inform, inspire, and connect our community. Whether you are an individual with a disability, a parent, a sibling, a caregiver, or an ally, this is your newsletter.
As we step into the summer months, we’re excited about the many upcoming EN initiatives within OAUK that continue to make our community more inclusive for all.
Who We Are
Founded in 2010, the Enabling Network (EN) is a movement within the Oshwal Association of UK (OAUK), bringing together young adults and children with disabilities (both learning and physical) with the ultimate goal of inclusion and integration—irrespective of ability.
Meet the Team:
Our Enabling Network portfolio holder is Shilpa Shah, supported by a passionate sub-committee of 10 members: Anjali, Khilna, Priya, Sarita, Smita, Sweta, Urvina, and our newest members, Shital, Avni and Harshil.
What We Do
✔ Raise Awareness – Educating our community about disabilities
✔ Encourage Inclusivity – Creating welcoming spaces for all
Enabling Network supports people with lifelong disabilities, including physical, learning, and neurodivergent conditions. Whilst we recognise and respect all experiences of disability, our focus doesn’t include age-related conditions.
For over 15 years, we’ve pioneered inclusive initiatives, shaping a more accessible future for our Oshwal community! More on this will be on the Oshwal website soon – watch this space.
EN Initiatives
🔹 Derasar Lift
Last year, our Derasar became fully accessible, benefiting visitors with mobility challenges within the community.
🔹 Online Disability Survey – Have Your Say!
We’ve launched a community-wide survey to identify the needs of individuals with disabilities and ensure our events remain inclusive. Your feedback is vital—Click here to complete the survey today!
🔹 Living Beyond Barriers Webinar Series
An inspiring series of real-life stories, conversations and insights on all disabilities Watch the episodes on the OAUK YouTube Channel or on our website https://oshwal.org.uk/health/.
Topics covered so far:
- Discovering the Journey, Parent Stories
- Turning Point, Parent Stories
- Sibling Perspectives: Growing together with disabilities
- Making informed choices: understand the options for care provisions
🔹 October 2024 EN Workshop – Future Roadmap to Inclusion
In this impactful workshop, attended by people with disabilities, carers, area committee members, and community leaders, participants outlined strategies for a more inclusive Oshwal community.
🔹 Oshwal Annual Sports Day – Boccia Inclusion
We are proud that Boccia (a Paralympic sport) is a regular feature at the Oshwal Sports Day since 2016!
🔹 Accessibility at OAUK Venues
Shakti Centre in West area now has step free access.
Accessibility plans are ongoing for Wallington Sports and Social Club in South area.
News and Updates
🔹 EN Shines at the Rotary Club North Disability Games!
Our EN team competed against various disability clubs/groups and proudly brought home:
🥇 3 Gold Medals | 🥈 2 Silver Medals | 🥉 2 Bronze Medals
🔹 Neurodiversity Celebration Week – 17th to 23rd March every year
The week aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities while celebrating the talents and strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
Click here for more information and resources
🔹 World Down Syndrome Day – 21st March every year
This is a global awareness day which has been officially observed
by the United Nations since 2012. The goal is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better.
Did you know?…
The date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Downs syndrome.
For more information about Downs Syndrome click here.
Regular Activities & Upcoming Activities
Enabling Sports & Social Club (ESSC) – Every 3 Weeks at Ekta Centre from 8pm to 10pm (Nominal fees apply)
A vibrant family-friendly club where participants enjoy:
🎯 Boccia | 🏐 Volleyball | 🏏 Indoor Cricket | 🏆 Obstacle Courses | 🎨 Arts & Crafts | 🍣 Sushi Making | 🎭 Dance & Board Games and much more
🗓️ Forthcoming ESSC Dates:–
| Sports | Social |
| 4th April 2025 | 25th April 2025 |
| 16th May 2025 | 6th June 2025 |
| 27th June 2025 | 18th July 2025 |
North-West Empowering All Abilities (EAA) – Every Week at Harrow Leisure Centre from 7.45pm to 10pm (Nominal fees apply).
Activities for those with individual needs covering dance, sports, fun and games
IDPD (International Day of Persons with Disabilities)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated every year on December 3rd. It was established by the United Nations in 1992 to promote understanding of disability issues and advocate for the rights, dignity, and well-being of people with disabilities worldwide.
Each year, IDPD has a specific theme focusing on inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges still faced by people with disabilities in different areas of life, such as education, employment, and social participation.
Since Enabling Network is about fostering inclusivity and awareness, celebrating IDPD has become a key feature in our activities. Watch this space for this year’s celebrations.
💙 How Can You Help?
📢 Spread the Word – Share EN’s mission within the community
🤝 Encourage Participation – Know someone with a disability? Invite them to join us!
💪 Volunteer With Us – Assist at ESSC or other events
📩 Contact Us:
✉️ Email: en@oshwal.org
Together, let’s build a truly inclusive Oshwal community!