About this Short Film
Wheels Don't Define Me, by Shriya Rangaraju, explores themes around cerebral palsy and congenital disability, inviting reflection on empathy, inclusion and individuality for young adults and wheelchair users. The film resists simple labels and encourages viewers to think about the difference between sympathy and genuine understanding. With a warm, human approach, it belongs in Focus on Ability, the festival showcasing the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability. This short prompts thoughtful conversation about accessibility, respect and seeing people beyond a diagnosis. Presented with sensitivity and clarity, it offers a respectful look at everyday experiences and sparks dialogue across communities.
Film Details
Film Transcript
No transcript is available for this film.
Filmmaker
Shriya Rangaraju is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Shriya Rangaraju.
What a great video great message and so well done.
Great video Shriya I loved watching it Thank you
Amazing work. All the best. Keep it up
Excellent point and narration
Great work Shriya Keep it up
You are a superstar Shriya
Excellent
Wow
This is great Shreya wonderful message.
Great work Shreya this will definitely enlighten many of us on the right ways of offering support.
Beautiful message and great work. All the best Shriya
Amazing work Shriya All the best.
You are a true star Shreya.. Keep up the amazing work and we are so proud of you
Good job Shriya. All the best
Excellent Shriya. Nice way of educating and inspiring. All the best
Good work Shriya. Societal changes are required for better understanding and differentiating between sympathy and empathy.. your short films brings out that awareness.. wonderful beginning
Good one Shriya All the best
Beautiful film 1010
Great work Shriya all the best
Great work Shriya effectively conveyed the thoughtful message by blending narratives with storytelling. Excellent documentary to inform educate and inspire audiences through authentic storytelling. God Bless you
This is amazing initiative @Shriya very well done keep going .
Well done Shriya
Dear Shriya A very good message to this society. Keep doing the great job and all the very best.
Yes theres a lot of difference between Empathy and Sympathy. Any Handicapped person needs to be treated with dignity and their self esteem should be protected. Sometimes unasked assistance diminishes the self confidence of that person as one does not feel fulfilled or contented unless one does a thing or a task solely by oneself . So what is reqd is motivation and making a handicapped person feel self reliant as others rather than making them realise their short coming . A very nice video to show inadvertent assistance given and sympathy shown by people needlessly and also the correct way how the same action could have been conveyed in a better manner to motivate and keep the self esteem as well confidence of the person unhurt or elevated to feel complete by oneself rather feeling dependent on others . A very lovely cliping to render a lesson in the society Well done
empathy is what we all should look for. great initiative Shriya. best wishes. you rock. God Bless
Very beautifully picturised explaining the difficulties faced by people on wheels who require a little bit of understanding and lot of empathy
Very informative super clean clear video.
Very thoughtful. We all need to pause and think through
It was informative.
Wonderful and a very thoughtful message Shriya Wish you the best
Shriya Wonderful message. You did a great job and keep inspiring. God bless you dear.
Simple yet impactful message. All the best shriya
Thank you everybody for your lovely comments I am happy that very one got the message of the video
Great job Shriya. Empathy over Sympathy. Clear crisp and sharp message. Your film brings awareness in the society that wheels don't define a person and hisher abilities. All the best
That was a really powerful message Shriya. You did an amazing job on the documentary Sending you my best wishes and blessings.
Amazing vedio keep Rocking
Great video shriya and a wonderful message....
Great work
Empathy goes a long way to everyone a learnt self-developing trait that combines one's emotion cognitive compassion in one. We all could support one another with empathy. I hear your message loud clear Shriya. Good work to all the support actresses actors too.
Awesome video Shreya Wonderful messageAll the best and keep shining
Message in the video is simple yet powerful. Great job on everyday examples the are clearly communicating to the viewer the difference between sympathy and judgement vs empathy and respect.
Thats a beautiful film Shreya - all the best
You're amazing Shriya it's a pleasure to support you you're an inspiration
You are born strong and grown independent and you never asked for any help or sympathy from anyone since your childhood. Keep strong and be role model to others. GOD bless you. Keep smiling as always you do.
You are an inspiration to many dear Shriya
Great Work Shriya Congratulations
Hi Shreya... Wonderful message Good Job
This video delivers a compelling and meaningful message. Your content demonstrates professionalism and clear communication. Congratulations on the excellent work Shriya.
Really nice Well done
Very well done on showing the importance Shriya I hope this reaches a much more bigger audience Wishing you heaps of success