Students participating in Quizabled
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For children with disabilities, opportunities to showcase their knowledge are few and far between. That is where Quizabled steps in. Launched in 2016 by Seva-in-Action (SiA) with support from the LTIMindtree Foundation, this unique quizzing event attempts to change the prevailing perceptions about children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Especially when it comes to children with intellectual disabilities, they don’t have platforms like this,” says Ruma Banerjee, Vice Chairperson of SiA. “There’s a myth in society that they lack the aptitude to participate in such events. Quizabled is about breaking that myth and creating opportunities.”

From its humble beginnings with just 100 participants in Bengaluru, Quizabled has grown into a nationwide initiative. This year, its 10th edition spans 12 States featuring over 4,000 students, culminating in the national finals on January 11 at BMCE College of Engineering in Bengaluru.

Students participating in Quizabled
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Shattering stereotypes

The program is not just about answering questions; it is about reshaping how society views children with disabilities. “The idea was to develop knowledge and showcase their abilities,” Ruma explains, “People often think these children should only be in special schools or workshops. But until we give them opportunities, how will we truly know what they’re capable of?”

Quizabled’s quizzes are thoughtfully designed, incorporating multi-sensory formats such as video, audio, and pictorial questions. “We worked with special educators and quizzing professionals to curate questions that align with the children’s intellectual abilities,” she says, adding, “It’s not about their disabilities but their abilities.”

The quizzes also embrace regional diversity, with questions conducted in local languages such as Telugu, Bengali, and Oriya. This inclusive approach ensures more children feel comfortable and engaged.

This year, Quizabled introduced a hybrid model to include more rural and tribal communities. “We’ve reached nearly 4,000 children this year, compared to just 100 in our first edition,” says Ruma. Prelims were held online and offline, with zonal finals conducted in Gujarat, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. The top finalists from these zones will compete in Bengaluru for the national title.

The program’s impact extends beyond the children. “When we started, convincing teachers and parents was a challenge. Many doubted if these children could participate,” recalls Ruma. “But once they saw the kids answering questions on stage, attitudes changed. Today, schools are incorporating quizzes into their activities.”

Student participating in Quizabled
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

A decade of impact

Marking its 10th year, Quizabled is also evolving. It recently became a registered entity, the Quizabled Foundation, to sustain its mission and expand its reach. Plans are underway to extend the program to underserved states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and even to South Asia in the coming years.

This year, a pilot science exhibition was added to the program. “We’ve selected 12 projects from schools in southern States that showcase innovative ways to teach science and technology,” says Ruma. “It’s not just about quizzing anymore. We’re also focusing on building teachers’ capacities to create better learning opportunities.”

The event’s true success lies in the confidence and sense of achievement it instills in participants. “These children look forward to it every year,” she adds, “For many, just stepping on stage is a big accomplishment. It’s not just a quiz; it’s a celebration of their potential.”