At Focus Design, we believe in talent, pure and simple. We’ve built our team on the foundation of inclusivity and that commitment has led us to some truly remarkable discoveries. Today, we want to share the story of Ruchir, a 3D designer who has been an invaluable part of our team for 13 years.
When Ruchir first came to us, accompanied by his mother and sister, we faced a challenge. His mother asked us to look beyond his speech impairment and focus on his talent for 3D design. To be honest, we were hesitant. How would we communicate? How would the team adapt? How would he understand client briefs? It felt very difficult.
Our director, Mr. Kamlesh Motwani, saw the potential, but the team had to be convinced. We were concerned about making Ruchir feel different, about ensuring he felt included. We knew he possessed the same knowledge as everyone else, but we had to bridge the communication gap.
The initial phase was challenging. We had to prove to ourselves and to Ruchir, that he could thrive. Mr. Motwani took a leap of faith, and that decision paid off handsomely.
The environment we created, the adjustments we made and the adjustments Ruchir made, fostered a space where he could excel. He quickly became one of our best assets, demonstrating exceptional speed, understanding of briefs, and discipline. He surpassed our expectations.
This experience fundamentally changed our perspective. Before, we were hesitant to hire individuals with disabilities. Now, we actively seek them out. We’ve added more 3D designers and data entry operators to our team, all with similar stories of hidden potential and remarkable productivity.
It’s not that we did something extraordinary; it’s that we shifted our mindset. We learned that people with disabilities are often more productive, more efficient and possess a deeper understanding. The challenges we faced initially—communication, explanation, interaction—became opportunities for growth. We learned sign language, and our team became more empathetic and adaptable.
We realized that we often limit ourselves by what we see on the surface. We need to look beyond the “normal” and recognize the talent that exists in everyone. Can they perform? Can they be an asset? Absolutely.
Today, we confidently say that individuals with disabilities can contribute significantly to any organization. They have been integral to our growth, proving their worth through their performance, output and efficiency.
This experience has also had a profound impact on Ruchir’s personal life. When he joined us, he was a young man. Now, he’s a married father, living a fulfilling life. His professional achievements have opened doors that might have remained closed otherwise.
Imagine a world where sign language is normalized, where communication barriers are eliminated. That’s the future we’re working towards.
Hiring individuals with disabilities isn’t an act of charity; it’s a smart business decision. They bring unique perspectives, exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. They challenge us to grow, to learn and to see beyond the expected.
We encourage other organizations to do the same. Look beyond the surface, embrace inclusivity and discover the hidden potential that lies within every individual. You might be surprised at what you find.