15-Year-Old Pune Teen Leads ‘StairlessJourney’ — A Movement Making Public Spaces Accessible for All
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Pune, 1st November 2025: At just 15 years old, Pratik Shingare is leading a quiet yet powerful movement for accessibility through his grassroots initiative StairlessJourney — a volunteer-driven campaign that maps and promotes wheelchair-friendly restaurants, cafés, and public spaces across India.
Founded with the vision of transforming accessibility from a “checklist” into a “lived experience,” StairlessJourney is changing how people and businesses approach inclusion. The initiative conducts on-site accessibility audits, spreads awareness through storytelling and social media, and collaborates with cafés, colleges, and NGOs to promote meaningful access for people with mobility challenges.
“Access is dignity in motion. We’re building a resource that helps people step out confidently and helps businesses welcome every guest,” says founder Pratik Shingare, who is also the author of Where Hope Begins.
What StairlessJourney Does
The team visits public places to evaluate their accessibility — from ramp gradients and entryways to restroom usability — and documents findings through short feature reels and posts. Each verified establishment receives a digital certificate along with promotional support.
The initiative also organizes seminars, awareness campaigns, and student internships in collaboration with educational institutions to sensitize young people about accessibility and inclusion.
Currently active in Pune, Kolkata, and Goa, StairlessJourney plans to expand to more cities in the coming months. The team is also developing a user-friendly app that will allow users to easily locate verified wheelchair-accessible places nearby.
Shingare, who leads a small but passionate team of volunteers, believes that accessibility is not just about infrastructure — it is about dignity, independence, and social participation.
“Through every review, story, and conversation, we’re helping society understand that inclusion benefits everyone,” he adds.
For more information or to get involved, individuals can contact the team at [email protected].
