Mayaa SH Attends IDA and WHO Disability-inclusive Health Financing On International Day of Persons with Disabilities....

Mayaa SH, a prominent literary figure and advocate for women's empowerment, participated in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event,which focused on the theme "Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress", which aims to reaffirm the commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for all.."  Her involvement aligns with her broader advocacy for addressing inequalities and promoting social justice, which are central to the global effort to end discrimination against those who are termed "Disabled"..

A person can be disabled by their thought process or mindset, but not always physically .This statement according to Mayaa SH  highlights a crucial distinction in understanding disability: that limitations can stem from mental or cognitive processes rather than solely from physical impairments. While physical disabilities are often visible and affect a person's mobility, physical capacity, stamina, or dexterity, mental disabilities impact a person's thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior The Americans with Disabilities Act  broadly defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities . This legal definition emphasizes the impact on daily life rather than a strict medical diagnosis, acknowledging that both physical and mental conditions can create significant barriers.Mental impairments, such as intellectual disability, emotional or mental illness, and organic brain syndrome, are recognized as disabilities . The Social Security Administration further categorizes mental disorders into several groups, including neurocognitive disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and autism spectrum disorder, among others.These conditions can significantly affect an individual's ability to understand, remember, or apply information; interact with others; concentrate, persist, or maintain pace; and adapt or manage oneself in a work setting.

Around 1.3 billion persons with disabilities continue to face significant health inequities. Many are linked to how health systems are financed. High out-of-pockets costs, narrow benefit packages and the lack of funding for accessibility and reasonable accommodations keep essential services out of reach. To commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the International Disability Alliance hosted a webinar together with the World Health Organization on disability-inclusive health financing. The session  examined current financing models, highlighted barriers that lead to exclusion, and presented strategies to enhance equity through Universal Health Coverage packages. The event was hosted on 3 December 2025.The session was conducted in English, with captioning and interpretation in all UN languages and International Sign Language.

The way ahead is how inclusive financing can significantly improve the lives, health, and well-being of persons with disabilities, their families, and society at large .Health financing is crucial because approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, and current health financing systems often fail to address their needs, leading to catastrophic out-of-pocket costs and exclusion.In a candid tête-à-tête Women Empowerment Culturist,Essayist ,Thinker , Social and Legal Activist on advisories on family law in India, Gender Based Violence Specialist,Evolutionary Developmental Feminist, Social Activist and Campaigner for Women's Rights, Multiple States, National Awards Winner and Internationally acclaimed Multiple World Records Holder, Renowned name in Contemporary Literature Authoress ,Gender Based Violence Specialist,Suicide Prevention Expert,Counter Depression Expert Social and Economic Inclusion Mentor Mayaa SH speaks on numerous aspects related to emphasizing the critical need for disability inclusion as a foundation for social development, encompassing economics, employment, and social service systems .

How do you define recent inspiration in terms of personal motivation and perspective?

Teenage archer Sheetal Devi became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games by taking top honors in the women's individual compound event. The clearer your vision, the more successful you will be. If you know where you are now and where you want to go in life, it's essential to have a clear vision, as success comes only to those with a clear vision. Without a clear vision, you block your own success, both today and in the future. Sheetal Devi's inspiring story is a testament to the indomitable power of the human spirit. Climbing trees was also her favorite pastime as a child. Little did she know then that the muscles she developed by climbing trees would one day help her win gold medals on the international stage. Sheetal Devi was born in 2007 with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes underdeveloped limbs. As a result of this condition, her arms were unable to fully develop. Sheetal Devi's achievements in archery are making headlines after just one season. Sheetal Devi's story serves as a reminder that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary things. Her courage, determination, and resilience in pursuing her passion for archery despite all odds are a source of inspiration for anyone facing challenges in life.

What is your definition of Vision In Life?

A vision is a way of thinking that provides a sense of direction, inspires others, and helps you focus on what's most important. So, take the time to develop a clear and compelling vision for your business or life, and watch it propel you to greater heights of success and fulfillment. Vision gives us direction and a perspective on our lives to make our goals and objectives a reality. To understand where we want ourselves in life, we must have a clear perspective on our lives. Therefore, once you understand that vision clarifies purpose, life will become simpler and more meaningful. A vision describes what you want to achieve in the future. Vision answers the question "Where do I want to be?" It defines the optimal desired future state—the mental picture—that you want to achieve over time, say in five, ten, or more years.

How do relate to the word "Handicapped" when it strikes your cognitive mindset ?

According to social norms and structures, this term refers to a person who is unable to perform normal activities or difficult tasks with ease. However, "A person is handicapped only by their thoughts and mindset, not by their willpower and determination in life. If a person is high on their belief system, their values and objectives are firmly imprinted in their minds. This enables them to progress toward long-term goals. It stands as a concrete expression of the desired outcomes of their ideology towards life. It reduces any hesitation or fear in pursuing it on their own. It is the desire to succeed in life that, when applied rationally and correctly with willpower, driven by passion, emotion, and inner conviction, a person embarks on a path as difficult as it is difficult. The universe is bound to conspire to make this happen, ensuring that the ensuing applause is as loud as the people watching. Self-confidence, the power of resilience, and the importance of embracing our uniqueness define purpose in life as a growth plan. There is no such thing as "handicapped" in life. It is limited personal morality that forces some people to limit the value of many people around the world. These limitations are only stepping stones on the path to success later on."

What two invaluable lessons do you think apply to everyone, regardless of their circumstances?

Embracing Uniqueness: Sheetal Devi's story shows that she didn't conform to society's expectations or limitations. Instead, she embraced her uniqueness and found new ways to pursue her passion. Her story reminds us to celebrate our differences and use them as strengths rather than weaknesses.

Mindset is Everything: Sheetal's mindset has been instrumental in her success. She chose to focus on possibilities rather than limitations. Her positive attitude and unwavering belief in herself were the driving forces behind her remarkable achievements. When you realize your own identity and have a vision of where you want to go in life, you have the foundation to reach out to the world and pursue your dreams for a better life. Your mind can only give its full attention to one thing at a time. If you focus on the problem, negative thoughts can more easily overwhelm you. Fear, self-doubt, and anxiety can prevent you from moving forward and tackling the problem at hand. The more you think, the bigger your problem becomes in your mind. But if you focus on the solution, you actively engage your mind in solving the matter. As a result, you have much less time for negative thinking. The only thing that matters is solving the problem.

What does a "Strong Mindset" according to you mean to achieve anything in life?

A "strong mindset" is a collection of beliefs, attitudes, and habits that enable individuals to approach challenges, overcome setbacks, and pursue their goals with resilience and determination . It is often characterized by a "growth mindset," where one believes their abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning, rather than being fixed traits . This contrasts with a "fixed mindset," which assumes abilities are unchangeable, leading to a focus on proving oneself rather than growing .

Key Components of a Strong Mindset Are :

(1) Growth Mindset over Fixed Mindset:

A strong mindset is fundamentally rooted in the belief that abilities and intelligence are not static but can be developed through dedication and hard work . This perspective encourages individuals to embrace learning, adapt to feedback, and implement strategies for personal development . Carol Dweck's research highlights that those with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for improvement, rather than threats .

(2) Embracing Challenges and Failure:

Instead of fearing failure, a strong mindset views it as an essential part of the learning process and a stepping stone to success . Successful individuals "High-five their Failures," recognizing them as valuable lessons that bring them closer to their goals . This involves diving into challenges headfirst, seeing each difficulty as an opportunity to learn and grow.

(3) Resilience and Adaptability:

A strong mindset fosters the ability to "bounce back like a Super Ball" from setbacks . Resilient individuals learn from past experiences, use them to build mental stamina, and adapt to changing circumstances . This involves allowing oneself to feel negative emotions but not letting them take control, shifting into problem-solving mode instead .

(4) Positive Self-Talk and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Mentally strong people practice self-compassion and treat themselves with kindness, reframing negative thoughts into supportive internal dialogue . They challenge limiting beliefs and thoughts that hold them back and replace them with empowering affirmations that boost confidence and self-esteem.

The World Health Organization (WHO)  defines disability with three dimensions: impairment, activity limitation, and participation restrictions . Impairment refers to a problem in body structure, function, or mental functioning. Activity limitation is difficulty executing tasks, and participation restriction involves problems engaging in life roles such as employment or social activities . This framework underscores that a person's thought process or mental state can lead to impairments and subsequent limitations in activities and participation, even without a visible physical limitation. For instance, a severe mental disorder might require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or a highly structured setting to diminish symptoms, and even then, an individual might achieve only "marginal adjustment," meaning a minimal capacity to adapt to changes or demands beyond their daily routine.

Therefore, while a person may not always be physically disabled, their thought processes or mental state can indeed be the primary source of their disability, affecting their ability to function in various aspects of life.

About The Author

Mayaa SH, a prominent literary figure and advocate, views women's empowerment through several key lenses, emphasizing both individual growth and societal transformation.Mayaa SH champions the transformative power of dreams for women, seeing them as crucial for empowerment and self-belief . She believes that dreams act as catalysts for change, enabling women to break free from traditional roles and societal limitations . By envisioning a future where their aspirations are realized, women are motivated to take actionable steps, which not only enhances their self-worth but also contributes to broader societal progress. Dreams foster self-belief, which is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success . This self-belief, in turn, inspires other women to recognize their own worth and capabilities.Mayaa SH is a prominent Indian poetess, memoirist and a known name in Contemporary Literature whose work is known for her open discussion on women’s rights and voices and experience of being an Indian woman. Most of her writings deal with women living in a patriarchal society (male-dominated society). Female sensibilities are deeply spread through her writings along with her extensive work for gender neutrality.Mayaa SH is best known for getting logical congruence for understanding the role of tradition and societal dogma in shaping women’s lives and identities speaks on how she underwent character assassination and the resistance she culminated as the urge to not react. In her words, “It’s natural to want to defend yourself, but this can often make the situation worse. Reacting can give the person who is attacking you the attention they want, and it can also make you look guilty or defensive.”.She is a Multi-National Award Winner , a thirteen times a World Record Holder, An Artist, a Podcaster, a Record Chart Topping International Fastest Anthology Co-Authoress and has been chosen as number 1 The Modern Literary Stars Of India, 2022 by Cherry Book Awards for making valuable contribution to Contemporary Indian Literature. She has Won In Memorable Performance in the category termed as ‘Other than English write ups “ for her appreciation of hard work , creativity and dedication in Grand Christmas Competition 2.0 which has been a world record event of the largest creative event hosted online with more than 1000+participants . Mayaa SH is a Women Empowerment Culturist and a gender equality exponent to position and contextualize her work within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.She has depicted gender inclusivity and equality through her certifications from the United Nations and powerful writings on Feminism, Gender Equality, Transforming Vision Into Action: Transmogrification on Transgender Community and Mental Health Awareness Topics. Her work depicts the identity, economic and social freedom of many .She has co-authored more than hundred and fifty plus anthologies with over fourteen solo books and has been aligned with more than 85 publication houses.She has been featured in several magazines and women oriented like Tejaswi -The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour including few international magazines. Her first poem “The Candle In The Wind” made her win an Award at the National Level. Her powerful Writings on "I Only Speak Titanium" and "Laal Rang Aashiqana" has won her many accolades .She navigates many women through stress by deploying talking as a medium to combat stress and fear.In the words of Mayaa “Someone has said that courage is not the absence of fear, it is a decision made by you that there is something else, which is more important than your fear. Don’t let your doubts, fears and failures overwhelm you. Don’t be afraid to act. make plans. Change is not possible without taking steps. Understand your interests, values, thoughts and dreams. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Learn to be calm if you don’t understand something, take someone’s advice. Listen to others too. Instead of sadness and anger, choose the path that leads to empathy and compassion. Don’t compare with others. Winston S. Churchill says, “No victory is final and defeat is not the end.” Courage is the continuation of this sequence.”A strong voice for women's rights, she is widely recognized as a “Firebrand Feminist,” “Women Empowerment Culturist,” and “Gender-Based Violence Specialist.” Her unwavering efforts toward suicide prevention, countering depression, and raising awareness about mental well-being.