Eleven members of Latika Adda, India’s only leisure club for disabled adults, visited The Doon School recently. Accompanied by three members of staff, they received a warm welcome from Ms Seetha and student leader Lakshya.

The objective of the visit was to enable Adda members and Doscoes to meet, share stories about themselves, their lives and their hopes for the future. The conversations were marked by ease, curiosity and respect. Rather than teach or be taught, it was about showing up, listening and finding unexpected common ground over snacks and banter.

What made this visit different was that it placed disabled adults in a context where they’re rarely seen – as guests and equals, with stories worth hearing. Ms Seetha expressed interest in a long-term relationship between the school and Adda members. The benefits go both ways.

As a social and leisure space, Adda’s where its members meet peers, build friendships, explore interests, and engage with the world outside home and work. It currently has 51 members. The idea is simple, but its significance is profound. Disabled adults need the same things abled adults do: time to unwind, places to belong, and people to call friends.

Research from the University of Toronto has found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in structured recreation and social programs report higher levels of life satisfaction, lower levels of isolation, and improved emotional well-being. Another study from the UK’s National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) shows that meaningful social interaction and leisure are directly linked to better health outcomes and stronger community ties. Disabled people lack access, not interest, and Adda exists to close that gap. This visit to The Doon School reminded us that connection doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be intentional.