The 2023 World Games in Berlin were a highly anticipated platform for athletes from all over the world to showcase their talent and hard work. For some, like cyclists from Special Olympics Bharat (India) and Special Olympics Pakistan, their sporting dreams were initially limited by poor quality bicycles and gear. In fact, during an earlier World Games in 1999, both countries’ teams had to contend with damaged bicycles due to poor transportation practices.

Reflecting on these challenges, Satbir Singh Sahota, coach of Special Olympics Bharat, said: “Most athletes are from below the poverty line. It is very difficult for them to keep up, especially in a sport like cycling where bicycles and equipment are costly. Unlike sports like football or basketball, you need good equipment.”

Tracy Lea, a longstanding Special Olympics (SO) volunteer official for global cycling events, was one of those who noticed the lack of proper equipment for teams from India and Pakistan back in 1999. She recalled seeing the bicycle frames from the two teams crushed as they had been shipped in cardboard boxes rather than hard, protective cases.

After seeing a repeat of broken and substandard equipment over the years, Tracy canvassed multiple companies hoping for donations. However, efforts to secure proper equipment for the Indian and Pakistani delegations had often fallen short.

Finally, in 2022, a breakthrough came when Gina Vanderloop, CEO of ROI Solutions, made a pivotal US$10,000 donation. This critical financial gift enabled the purchase of new bikes, helmets, and spare parts for both teams. The logistical challenges of shipping were also overcome with the support of Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP), who managed direct and timely delivery to India and Pakistan so that athletes from both countries could train properly for the upcoming games.

The coaches even participated in a joint training session conducted by Lea ahead of the World Games in Berlin, picking up tips on packing the bicycles safely in hard cases and learning what important spare parts are needed, when travelling for major competitions.

Adil Lakho, coach of SO Pakistan, added, “There is a huge difference and impact that SOAP and SO Pakistan has created after these athletes join the movement. The positive experiences and sense of community the athletes gain here will equip them to become productive members of society upon returning home.”

With the new equipment and gear in hand, athletes like V. Indu Prakash and Mughees Alam were able to shine on the global stage. Prakash even went on to win gold in the 1km time trial. 

As Satbir Singh Sahota aptly summarised, “We are thankful for the donations of excellent cycles because of which we are here today. We couldn’t come to the Games with our regular cycles. This would not have been possible without all the help we received.” 

He added, “Winning medals is secondary. Our primary focus is reintegrating them back into mainstream society. Inclusion is a core value of Special Olympics. My goal is for them to become independent and stand on their own.” 

Reflecting on the broader significance, Tracy Lea observed, “Politics can sometimes divide India and Pakistan, but in Special Olympics, the focus is always on the athletes and creating a space for them to thrive.”  

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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What makes us different from one another? Is it in the clothes we wear, the cultures we come from, or our accents? No two people are ever the same, we are all unique with distinct quirks and differences. But the one thing we do have in common is being human.

In a world that is often divisive, appreciating differences and fostering empathy and compassion may sometimes seem more of an anomaly than the norm.

Thankfully, its stories like the heartwarming friendship between Yumna Masood and Humaira Kazim that illustrate how friendship can trump differences. Though they may seem like two young girls united by their shared love for sports, their unique bond goes far deeper than what meets the eye. Humaira, a remarkable individual with intellectual disability, finds not just a friend in Yumna but a unified partner (individuals without intellectual disabilities that play sport alongside athletes that have intellectual disabilities), mentor, and guide, all wrapped into one incredible friendship.

The two sportswomen earlier represented Pakistan at the Global Youth Leadership Summit in Berlin amidst the backdrop of the World Games. “I have seen so many people represent Pakistan and I am so proud to be a part of this,” said Yumna of the experience.

Despite the pandemic, the duo’s friendship continued to strengthen, guided by mutual respect and reciprocity. Explained Yumna, “In 2020 and 2021, due to Covid, we couldn’t meet each other. So, we would always be on Zoom calls whenever we had projects to work on. If we had to collaborate, we would get on a call. I talk and she listens. Then she would talk, and I would listen.” 

In a distraction-filled world, the duo’s friendship underscores the importance of giving someone undivided attention and active listening. Yumna said, “we tend to talk over people, especially special children, some of which have verbal challenges.” She urges society to embrace differences with respect and acceptance, “I would urge people to have the patience to accept special children. They are really amazing people, if you get to know them. They are beautiful people,” she continued.

Humaira and Yumna’s journey challenges prevailing misconceptions surrounding people with Intellectual Disabilities. It shines a spotlight on the unique skills, potential, and qualities inherent in each person. Their story encourages us to look beyond stereotypes and see individuals as the dream chasers that they are.

It reminds us that inclusivity is within reach, requiring just one person with a different perspective, willing to take that extra step to extend a helping hand. 

What’s next for the two? 

Yumna’s goal is to ultimately be a role model, a beacon of inspiration. “They already call me a youth leader, but I think there is more to it. It’s a long way to go,” she said. 

Humaira adds, “I want to spread awareness in my country about people with intellectual disabilities. Inclusion in society is very important. I want to be a good example for children with intellectual disabilities.”  

Humaira and Yumna are doing their bit for a better tomorrow. It’s time we too, play our part. 

To know more, follow @humanraceasia and @soasiapacific.

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Syed Ali Roshan first got to know Haseeb Abassi, a Special Olympics athlete leader with autism, when he watched his TedX speech 5 years ago. Roshan became an instant fan. Today, the pair are best friends, having stood by each other through their proudest milestones and worst setbacks. They have travelled the world together, advocating for inclusive environments that allow people with intellectual disabilities to thrive. Meet this inspirational duo, who share what makes their friendship tick! 

Q: When and how did you meet? 

Haseeb: I met Roshan for the first time on Autism Day in Islamabad, at a cycling event. With a big smile, he shook hands with me. I was shy at first, but when he told me that he heard great things about me and watched my TedX talk, I was so happy! He was really impressed with my cycling as well. That day, we even cycled together. I introduced him to my mom too. 

Roshan: I had the opportunity to listen to Haseeb’s TedX Talk a year before I actually met him, so meeting him wasn’t any less than meeting a celebrity for me! His speech was captivating, and I was struck with awe. I introduced myself to him and told him that I was extremely inspired by his journey. 

Q: Over the course of your friendship, what did you learn from each other? 

Haseeb: Roshan always gave me the confidence, support and encouragement I needed. Whether I’m about to go on stage for a speech, or preparing for a presentation, he’s always right there next to me. He has helped me become a more independent person. I used to struggle with money management but Roshan has helped me to handle cash competently. He also taught me how to use tools like MS Word and MS Excel, which really helped me grow my business and find a job. Yes, he’s the reason I can use technology comfortably now.  

Roshan: I’m Haseeb’s mentor and friend, but most importantly, a huge fan of his! It’s incredible to be in his company and watch him accomplish anything he sets his mind to. His achievements are extraordinary for any person, regardless of ability or disability. His ambition and consistency towards achieving his goals is unbelievable and it remains the most valuable lesson he’s taught me in life. He always wanted to get higher education and despite being rejected from several institutes, he got a diploma in special education and went on to the Allama Iqbal University in a bachelor’s program. He wanted to earn his own living but despite his best efforts, no one wanted to hire him. So, he became an entrepreneur and started his own juice bar, Squeezy, and this enabled him to get his first job at a university. He doesn’t accept no for an answer, he keeps trying, no matter what.  

Q: How do you usually spend your time together?  

Haseeb: I love to travel and Roshan is my travelling companion. Singapore is my favourite place to be outside Pakistan. I love having ice cream at Marina Bay. We’ve also been to Indonesia and UAE together. At home, we love going on cycling adventures together. In fact, one of my greatest achievements that I’m so proud of, is the time we went to Khunjerab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world.  

Roshan: I enjoy Haseeb’s company. I feel a sense of comfort in talking to him about anything, including personal issues. He’s probably the best person to confide in and he keeps all my secrets safe. We love going to movies and concerts together. Being the certified foodies that we both are, we love to explore good food and hang out at different restaurants. These days, nothing beats sitting outside Squeezy, Haseeb’s juice bar, and enjoying each other’s company with a refreshing drink in the afternoon. 

Q: What is your fondest memory together? 

Haseeb: Roshan’s wedding last year! I danced like no one’s watching, took amazing photos, met all his friends and cousins, and had the yummiest food. I’ve never been happier for him. I was in such a good mood that it was one of the few times I wasn’t afraid of the fireworks. Other than that, the 2019 Special Olympics Summer Games in Abu Dhabi is also one of my favourite memories with him. Going for desert safaris, riding on camels, watching the sunset and sandboarding for the first time – that’s just a glimpse of the amazing trip we had! 

Roshan: I’m not sure where to start. My favourite memories would be from the time when I used to travel with Haseeb. The World Games in 2019, where Haseeb was owning the stage, while I was backstage, with my legs shaking. Going to different schools all across Pakistan and inspiring kids to be inclusive, playing unified sports together, going for hikes and cycling, visiting each other at home – my list might never end! 

Q: Describe your best friend in one word.  

Haseeb: Positive 

Roshan: Inspirational! 

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Shruti and Rishabh:  

“Before the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games, my brother Rishabh was loved by us, his family. Now, he is loved by the nation.”  

Shruti’s brother, Rishabh, was born with microcephaly, a condition that affected his cognitive and physical development. He struggled to pay attention and was hyperactive. He didn’t speak till the age of 3, but when he did, Shruti was elated to the words “didi” (elder sister in Hindi). She spent at least five hours every day teaching him the alphabet and how to count. When he was called names and bullied by the kids in the neighborhood, she was the one who constantly looked out and stood up for him. Rishabh later joined Special Olympics and showed a flair for skating. Soon after, Shruti received life-changing news – her brother had been selected to represent India in skating at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi. When Rishabh won a gold medal and two bronze medals, accolades from friends and family poured in. The same people who had doubted his ability were now inspired by his transformation. Shruti is committed to continue supporting her brother. She says, “He now has the power to inspire others, and show the world that nothing is impossible.”  

Aloysia & Anastasia: 

“We’re wrong to think that people with intellectual disabilities can’t achieve great things or teach us powerful life lessons. Anastasia has proven all of us wrong. We have so much to learn from one another.” 

Growing up, Aloysia longed for a close relationship with her sister, Anastasia, who has Down syndrome. But she wasn’t sure her sister would ever truly understand her. Today, they have become best friends, watching movies together, doing each other’s hair, painting their nails, and traveling. There is nothing that they hide from each other. Anastasia looks up to her sister and copies everything that she does. Aloysia, too, has learned important life lessons from her sibling. She says, “The one big thing I’ve learned from Anastasia is confidence. She embraces life and celebrates her uniqueness. Seeing how carefree she is has taught me the importance of living life to the beat of my own drum.” 

Faris & Farah: 

“After years of ignorance about Down Syndrome, I began to understand more about my sister’s condition. I also began to learn that my sister was extremely capable of achieving more than what I thought she could.” 

Faris Vohra’s elder sister, Farah, has Down syndrome. The way he likes to introduce her is as a great swimmer, his biggest role model, and someone who emanates joy. Every day, she inspires him with her strength, her sheer excitement for life, and her ability to love. Growing up, he wasn’t always supportive of her. In fact, he felt embarrassed by all the attention she drew in public and used to shy away from her. The turning point came in his teens when he watched her being interviewed on national television for her achievements in swimming. It struck him then that if strangers could celebrate her accomplishments, how could he, as a sibling, feel ashamed of her?  Today, they’re each other’s loudest cheerleaders and supporters. Faris has traveled the world with Farah as a Special Olympics advocate. Together, they help foster the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in Pakistan and across the region.  

This Siblings Day, celebrate each other and show your siblings how much they are loved! Do you have a sibling with an intellectual disability, and wish to support him or her through sport? Hit this link to find out more!  

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Meet three Special Olympics athletes living with autism to understand, accept and embrace their uniqueness:

• Grace Payne: She’s a basketball champ from New Zealand who’s carving a niche for herself in the circuit nationally and internationally. This Special Olympics athlete leader competes in basketball, football and powerlifting, and has been a passionate advocate for creating inclusive environments that allow people with intellectual disabilities to thrive and lead their best lives.
  
  “What needs to be understood is, people are born with autism. They do not develop it. It’s a neurological disease. And all people with autism are different. One person might not have the same symptoms as another. Autism is not linear in nature. I like to see it as more of a wheel with different colors, where each color represents a different aspect, like communicative abilities, sensory needs etc. While I might be able to communicate properly, I can have trouble driving. Likewise, someone else might be able to drive with ease, but have difficulty in communication. 

• Haseeb Abbasi:  He is a business owner from Pakistan. While it was an uphill task for him to convince landowners that people with autism like himself are capable of running successful enterprises, he never gave up. He met with a lot of resistance, and many people he approached turned him away.  But passion and grit have shaped his dreams into reality.
  
  “My hope is to be able to work independently and earn my own living. My vision is that people with intellectual disabilities will all be given employment opportunities, and be empowered with skills to eventually run their own businesses.”

• Benjamin Haack: He is an athlete leader from Australia and has been involved in Special Olympics for 16 years. An inspirational athlete, accomplished football and cricket player, Ben has been fighting for inclusion at a national, regional, and global level as a member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. He has advocated the message of inclusion all over the world, and the importance of treating people with respect and dignity. He believes that our voices are the most powerful tool to change the world.
  
  “Our society still works in a way where people believe that those with intellectual disabilities offer very little value and that we must prepare the family and the community for the worst. It is a common mindset that people like me are full of defects, and we need extra resources and attention in order to get anything out of us. If we slow down and provide everyone with an inclusive environment to show what they can do, the results can be amazing.”
  
  This World Autism Day, we’re coming together to create a more inclusive and unified world, where everyone can achieve their potential and live their dreams. Will you join us in creating One World?

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We discovered Special Olympics in Pakistan when I was 8 years old. Special Olympics was conducting a free health screening for people with intellectual disabilities as part of their Healthy Athletes program in Karachi, and I went for an eye test. My teachers and parents were shocked to find out that I had cataracts in both eyes. My father, in particular, was very upset. He couldn’t believe that I had such a condition more common in the elderly, at this young age. He was depressed for a time and said that things would never improve in my life.

After the screening, the Special Olympics team referred me to the LRBT hospital, a free eye hospital in Karachi, for further treatment. Cataract surgery was recommended, and an appointment was made in December 2016. Unfortunately, on the day of the surgery, I had a chest infection and the procedure had to be postponed. Finally, in April 2017, I had surgery done on one eye.

I will never forget the day I had my eye shield removed at my follow-up check. For the first time in years, I saw the faces of my loved ones and those around me clearly. It was as if the fog had lifted. I was thrilled, and so was my family.

Six months later, I went for a second procedure for my other eye. My life has been completely transformed since. Since my vision improved, I have gained the confidence to take part in various sports activities. I have been training in cycling with Special Olympics Pakistan, and my health has improved as a result. I also love doing art, reading, and playing video games with my elder brother!

My family says I am a changed person. Previously, I kept to myself and stayed home a lot. Today, I am a cheerful and outgoing teenager. Seeing a change in my personality and attitude over the past few years has given my family hope for my future. They know that I will now be able to develop my skills through sports and be an independent person.

Although I have not been able to train outdoors over the past year due to the pandemic, I have been keeping fit at home through online workouts. I am looking forward to when I can train again, in cycling as well as other sports. Special Olympics has given me wings to fly!      

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Believe it or not, I only got my severe myopia corrected more than a decade later, as a young adult. My life has been a rainbow of opportunities since!

My name is Ijlal Iqbal. I have Down Syndrome, and this is my story.

In Pakistan where I was born, children with intellectual disabilities are often seen as a curse. It is a challenge to get equal opportunities in all aspects of our lives, and even equal access to basic services like quality healthcare doesn’t come easy.

I remember my parents taking me to an ophthalmologist when I was 5. The doctor refused to treat me, and told my parents in front of everyone in the room, to take me to a place where there was special equipment to treat people like me. My parents were speechless. The incident left them in shock and deeply humiliated. The experience was so traumatic that it prevented them from taking me to another doctor after that.

So for years, I didn’t have the confidence to lead an active life, crippled by my visual impairment.

The turning point came when Special Olympics Pakistan conducted a free health screening for people with intellectual disabilities as part of their Healthy Athletes program in Karachi. My parents realized at the screening that they were not alone. Almost 98 percent of parents with children like me, who often have issues articulating what we are going through, had not sent their children for health screenings. They had no idea about the health condition of their children.

I was referred the LRBT hospital, a free eye hospital in Karachi, for further care. After going through several tests, I finally received my prescription glasses on 13 April 2017.

The moment I wore my glasses, I experienced a miracle. I moved my head in all directions and couldn’t stop blinking. I was not used to seeing the bright and beautiful colors of life. My parents said that I was pointing at the window in excitement, and then pointing at every single thing in the room. I was amazed, surprised, overwhelmed all at once. My mother shed tears of joy. I finally understood what it meant to truly see. 

It was a life-changing moment. Since that day, I have been participating in all the activities at school and at home. These days, I love playing bocce and cricket with my friends. I’m also discovering my talent in art through painting and block printing. I love video games too.

I feel so thankful that I’m finally living my life, after years of living in isolation and darkness. The world is my canvas, and I’m ready to fill it with colors!

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I remember someone once told me that we need to create a society where being legless would be irrelevant. This is the world I aspire to create, where people with intellectual disabilities would not be judged on their disabilities but on their potential to achieve what everyone can and sometimes, even more!  

I was in university when I came across Special Olympics Pakistan. I was the Vice President of a society called education and community service during that time. A friend came up to me one day and told me about a unified sports event by the Special Olympics, where people with and without intellectual disabilities could play together on the same team. At first, I was sceptical, I did not understand how it would be possible. After our final meeting, we decided to give it a shot.

When the match started, I experienced for the first time in my life, the true joy of football. While we were playing to win, the greater goal was in playing together for the love of sports, making sure that no team-mate was sidelined, and simply enjoying the camaraderie of the team. It was a life-changing moment. I decided then to participate in more such events and even interned with Special Olympics for a while. 

After my graduation, I worked for a company for a year but was looking for something more meaningful. That’s when Special Olympics came into my life full time. I had applied for a job and got through. It’s been more than 4 years working with the team and it has been an amazing journey. 

It has been difficult at times because not everyone understands the importance of inclusion but having Haseeb by my side has been a plus because his journey has been such an inspiring one. 

Haseeb Abbasi  is a Special Olympics athlete leader with autism from Pakistan and I have been working with him for over 3 years now. We have worked on so many memorable projects together and have since forged a valuable friendship in the process.  

One of our most memorable projects was a unified hike in Islamabad that we organised together. We invited people with and without ID to hike alongside one another. It was a magical experience witnessing everyone come together as strangers but leave the event as friends. There were no barriers between people with or without disabilities; only kindness and mutual understanding. 

Haseeb has taught me so much about life and inspired me with his passion, grace, and never-say-die attitude. As a person with autism, he has faced rejection and discrimination all his life. But he’s never given up chasing his dreams. Today, he is an entrepreneur and an active advocate, travelling the world to spread awareness of issues faced by people with ID. 

Haseeb’s success is proof that in an inclusive society, we can all fulfil our potential and have the opportunity to live our dreams. The young people of today, who are the leaders of tomorrow, have a key role in creating such a utopia. Hence, it is important that we inculcate the feeling of love, compassion and tolerance among our youth right from the start. 

People with ID are seen as different, people feel that they perceive things differently. But don’t we all? 

The next time you see someone with ID, don’t shun them. Go up to them, talk to them, get to know them. They might take time to open up but trust me, they are more receptive to love and affection than any one of us. All they need is an equal opportunity to live, work, play, and achieve their dreams.  

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The festival of Eid brings me painful memories. It was during Eid, two years ago, that I faced the most excruciating hurdle of my life. I lost three of my closest and dearest – my husband, father-in-law and younger son – to a house fire. I went from having a big, happy family to being all alone; but I had no time to mourn because my elder son needed me more than ever.

My story began more than 10 years ago when I moved from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan to join the Karachi School of Arts to pursue Design. After that, I worked as a designer and researcher. I was passionate about my job and wanted to marry someone who shared my passion. That’s when I met Danish, a fellow designer. He was my soulmate. In 2010, we got married.

When our first child Abdul Mannan was born, we realized that he was hyperactive compared to his peers. We got complaints from his teachers about his behaviour. We consulted a doctor who told us that Mannan had developmental difficulties accompanied by a mild case of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I decided to take a course in early education as a Montessori Director, hoping that the training would enable me to help my son. The course helped me to understand the personality of children with ADHD and ways to handle and take care of them.

But just when things started to feel normal, my life turned topsy turvy. I will never forget the nightmare from 2 years ago, on the special occasion of Eid. We decided to eat out as our house was being fumigated. When we came home, my husband went downstairs to switch the generator on. While he was filling it with petrol, I heard a loud blast. As I ran down the stairs, my heart sank. The entire scene felt surreal. The fire spread so quickly that it engulfed our home within minutes. My father-in-law and children couldn’t escape in time.

Tears seared my cheeks and I was shaking as I rushed all of them to the nearest hospital. In the air was the nauseating smell of burnt flesh and clothes. At the hospital, the staff were not equipped to handle their severe injuries and refused to take them in. I had to then rush them to a larger hospital, the Liaquat National Hospital, where they admitted my sons but couldn’t find beds for my father-in-law and husband. I had to take them to a third hospital.

I kept a vigil by my sons’ beds while my sister-in-law took care of my husband and father-in-law. She gave me daily updates about their condition. We prayed day and night, but we just couldn’t catch a break. The hospital was not properly equipped with the right facilities and my husband had to be moved to yet another hospital.

By this time, both my sons had to be put on ventilators to help them breathe. The next day, I got the news that my husband had started vomiting and had trouble breathing. I prayed constantly for the recovery of my family, hoping against all hope.

Then, the inevitable happened. My father-in-law passed away. Before he died, he had asked me several times if I thought he would survive and I nodded, hoping that he would. A day later, I lost my younger son, followed by the death of my husband.

It felt like my heart was being ripped apart. These were the people closest to me. I couldn’t even begin to describe my sense of loss. But I had no time to weep, I had to pick myself up, not just for myself, but for Mannan. I had lost everyone, I wasn’t ready to lose him too. I tried everything in my power to help him recover. It was a long journey that stretched up to a year.

He underwent a major operation and went through countless follow-up treatments. His physical recovery was slow, but that was just the first of our battles. I had to fight to get him into a good school, but none of the schools accepted him. They always complained about how difficult he was to handle. I was so desperate to get him a place that I even requested that the schools take me in as his caregiver as I was already a Montessori Director. But all I heard was no, no, no. By this point, I was drained and exhausted from going door to door to schools that gave us nothing but rejection.

Then a friend recommended Special Olympics Pakistan to me. I thought it might be a good idea to get Mannan into sports so he could positively channel his energy. I enrolled him in the Dewa Academy for children with disabilities. There, he joined the Special Olympics Young Athletes program, catered to children aged 2 to 7 to improve their motor and cognitive skills. Within weeks, he was a changed boy. I could not believe the transformation in Mannan. From meek and withdrawn, he became cheerful and outgoing.

I am so grateful to each and everyone who has been part of this journey for Mannan. Not only did sports help him overcome his hyper-activeness, the faculty members and coaches also helped him develop his personality, gave him attention and focused on developing his skills which helped Mannan build his confidence.

All my son needed was love and attention and he got that unconditionally through the Special Olympics movement. For the first time, no one asked me to take him back. He was celebrated for who he was.

As a single mother, things get tough because I have to run this show myself. It takes a village to raise a child, and I’m grateful that my mother, mother-in-law & my sister-in-law offer their support as much as they can. And I am truly thankful for our Special Olympics family, who has embraced us without question.

It’s been a challenge, but life often sets us down paths we never meant to wander down and we have to make the best of the journey. Existing on this planet, fighting this fight, pushing through these painful but sometimes beautiful days is often about being brave, not perfect. And for Mannan and I, courage was our only option.

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In 2019, I travelled to Singapore and saw some really cool pop-up stores, housed in simple containers. I was so inspired that I decided to take the idea home, and start my own business in a similar set-up that was simple and cost-effective.

After discussing the idea with my family, we decided to start a sugar cane juice business. It made perfect sense as Pakistan is the 6^th largest grower of sugar cane in the world. Sugar cane juice also provides a refreshing and healthy alternative to carbonated drinks in the hot summers. With the support of my friends and family, we put together a business plan and started looking for a suitable location for the business.

My entrepreneurial journey has not been easy. It’s been an uphill task trying to convince land owners that people with intellectual disabilities like myself are capable of running a successful business. Over the past year, we met with a lot of resistance. Many people we approached turned us away. They didn’t believe in the cause, and couldn’t see the value in such an inclusive business. They refused to rent us a space.

My mother Lubna, has been a force to be reckoned with throughout this process. It has taken her months – fighting multiple battles and persuading many people – to finally make this dream come true. The Covid-19 pandemic didn’t help as well. Businesses were not allowed to operate for months, and we were forced to postpone the opening of the juice bar.

On 3 October, 2020, all our hard work and dreams finally came to fruition. Squeezy Juice Bar was opened outside a megastore, J-Mart, and the opening party was attended by almost 70 people. Since then, we have been getting emails and calls from the community wanting to find out more, or offering to volunteer with us. 

It’s been less than a month since the opening, but we are already trying to diversify by offering more flavours. Apart from sugar cane juice, we now sell apple, pomegranate, and grape juice as well.

I work with two professionals who help provide training at the juice bar so that I will learn how to run the business efficiently. Soon, two other people with intellectual disabilities will be employed and trained as well. 

My hope is to be able to work independently and earn my own living. My vision is that people with ID will all be given employment opportunities, and be empowered with skills to eventually run their own businesses. Over time, I hope to see Squeezy Juice Bar expand not just across Pakistan, but around the world. 

All the love and support I have been blessed with from friends, family, and the Special Olympics community has enabled me to fulfil my dream. I now want to do the same for others.

My name is Haseeb Abbasi. I have autism. I am a business owner.  

*Special thanks to the Defence Housing Authority, land owners of J-mart.

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