In times of political correctness, it's not uncommon to see people choose their words with caution. The coinages meant to be used in place of their less sensitive synonyms are thoughtful. But they often run the risk of sounding insincere. However, when Shiamak Davar, or the ace choreographer's colleagues at his dance academy, use the word "differently abled", they mean it.

"We do not see their disability, we look at their ability to overcome everything and perform as stars. They may not be able to move their hands and feet, but they dance from their soul," says Davar. "You just have to come and watch these kids do wonders on stage," concurs Lynn Mascarenhas, an instructor. "Special needs aren't given the kind of respect they ought to be given. All kids need is one chance to show the way they can rise up to a challenge," adds Parveen Mistry, head of operations, Victory Arts Foundation (VAF), which Davar founded in 2004 to make dance available to underprivileged and differently abled children.