Pune: From A Wheelchair To Making Cities More Accessible; 14-Year-Old’s Journey With StairlessJourney

StairlessJourney is a youth-led initiative based in Pune, Goa, and Kolkata that aims to help people with disabilities navigate cities more confidently. The organization identifies, verifies, and promotes accessible cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, reducing the guesswork often faced by those with disabilities. Founded by Pratik in February 2025, the initiative currently covers over 50 locations in the three cities studied.

Pratik's journey began in 2022 when he suffered fractures in both hands and legs after a school accident, leading to a year-long recovery. During this time, he wrote a book, "Where Hope Begins," which highlighted the lack of accessible spaces for disabled individuals. This personal experience inspired the creation of StairlessJourney, which focuses on providing accessible places for people with disabilities to visit with greater assurance.

The team behind StairlessJourney comprises around 20 to 30 volunteers and researchers in each city. They do not rely solely on information provided by establishments but instead send wheelchair users to experience the locations themselves. This hands-on verification process ensures that the spaces truly meet the needs of those with disabilities, taking into account factors like ease of movement, staff response, and overall usability.

Beyond mapping accessible spaces, StairlessJourney has also conducted awareness campaigns, including India's first online disability film screening. The organization's website now brings together verified locations from Pune, Goa, and Kolkata, making it easy for users to find accessible places in one convenient location. Currently, StairlessJourney is not a registered organization, but it continues to grow and expand, with Pratik, at just 14 years old, using his own experiences to make a positive impact on the lives of others with disabilities.