Innovation

The innovation was started at Om Metals Infographics as Mr. Kothari said that he and his brother were born deaf. That’s how his family came to understand how difficult it is for deaf people to communicate. Talking about the challenges that he faces every day, he added, “Another tough challenge that I face is that we need to have an interpreter included in our business meetings, hence we have included that in our policy so that everyone knows what is happening in their environment.” Having a worldwide business, it becomes difficult for him, “For example, if we are having a meeting with someone from Japan and can only speak Japanese, we want to make it accessible to them so they understand and don’t miss any concept and, in that way, they can grow as well and make sure they have skills development in the future.” The innovation started in Jaipur, Rajasthan where along with the family business Mr. Kothari “has started Omvai focusing on selling clothes and design rings, jewelry, etc. and designer jewelry. I started it in an inclusive environment to provided jobs to deaf to include them in a friendly environment.” The innovation promotes inclusivity and equality.

You don't need to speak to get heard

Inspiration

Mr. Vaibhav Kothari was born into a family that has 2 deaf brothers, which inspired the family to hire deaf people into their family business of infrastructure and real estate. They want to create awareness in society as to how to provide communication access to deaf people. Mr. Kothari cited an example of how in the blue city of India, there once lived a king who required wheelchair assistance. Hence, he decided to make the entire palace accessible for wheelchair due to his own problem. The family wants to do exactly this by making sure everyone is accepted, and hence they bring people together where communication is easily accessible to everyone.

Overall impact

Mr. Kothari explains that he has been impacted by the people around him who do not have jobs due to their struggle with communication due to its low awareness in our country. In India, it is very difficult for a differently-abled individual to survive. The impact of it varies from person to person. Mr. Kothari says that there are people in his organization who are highly gifted and get along very well with everyone in the team. There are also others who are dependent on others for some assistance. To help everyone gain access to communication, there are various policies in place to have an interpreter present for all meetings and other activities so that everyone in the organization is aware of what is happening in their environment. It was felt that many times deaf people feel limited due to a communication barrier; hence such policy development helps them overcome the language barrier and also motivates people to develop and grow by providing them with the most suited environment for them.

Business benefit

Mr. Kothari spoke about an employee in financial accounting who has more than 15 years of experience. “He works really well with people, and people love working with him,” Mr. Kothari quoted when asked about the benefit to the organization. He went on to speak about how deaf people have different approaches and experiences. Really gifted people, like the employee mentioned above, are an asset to his business. This innovation has thus opened up many potential options rather than the typical requirements of communication skills.

Moreover, when the employees watch the owners working together despite their differences, it strengthens the organization's inclusivity.

Social and environmental benefit

Coming from a family with a business and another brother who is deaf, Mr. Kothari considers himself fortunate. Other than the obvious communication problem, he was lucky. Yet, he knows first hand about the struggle. In a country like India, where it is still difficult for a differently-abled person to live a normal life, their organization provides an environment for deaf people to grow in a wholesome manner. They have policy changes that include the need for an interpreter in every meeting to eliminate any barriers and, in return, make them feel included.

Interview

Vaibhav Kothari, Senior Manager