Defeating disability, with a little help
Stories of ‘warriors’ who overcame their infirmities with courage
LUCKNOW: December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s theme is promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership. Here, we bring you stories of persons who went on to prove that disabilities are just a state of mind.
SHIVAM,21
Shivam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at an age of 3. “He would often get anxious and used to grab my hand whenever we used to be in a crowded place. He would easily get disturbed when exposed to loud music and would lower the sound knob while traveling in a car,” recalls his elder sister and director of I support Foundation, Bobby Ramani. “Fortunately, I was aware of his condition and had the means to enroll him for intervention strategies that could help to reduce autistic and sensory overload symptoms, as well as increase functioning, abilities, and skills,” she said.”
Another intervention strategy that worked well with Shivam was allowing distractions. Recently, Shivam visited Banke Bihari Temple . The temple was heavily crowded. However, what came as a big surprise for the family was that Shivam stayed calm despite the heavy background noise and kept eating the peda (his favorite food item). Shivam is a perfect example to prove that improvement is possible for people suffering from the autism spectrum. Early detection, structured support and strategies to minimize symptoms can help one successfully manage the condition.
RISHIAGARWAL,15
Rishi was a seven-year-old boy with Down syndrome when he came to DOSTI in 2011. He came from mainstream class 1. After a few years, with the guidance and support of parents and teachers, Rishi made significant progress in practical and social independence, literacy and in spoken language. Now he is totally independent, responsible and a helpful child. “He is doing good in his academics as well as shows equal interest in music, dance, drama, art, photography and sport activities. He keeps taking part in different sports activities of Special Olympic Bharat. He loves to do cycle stunt. He is fond of computer, who wants to become a computer teacher,” said his teacher Ranjana Ghosh.
Now a day he is learning photography and also getting training of office admin under his father’s supervision. After school he goes to his father’s office and handle office admin jobs, assist in computer jobs as he can also work on MS-Excel, MS-Word and make Power Point presentation, said his mother Manisha Agarwal, who is also a teacher at DOSTI.
DIVYAPUNETHA,16
Divya Punetha, a student of secondary group in Dosti, , was a slow learner who was very low on self-confidence.
An introvert child, she seldom use to speak or interact with her peers and teachers.Slowly and gradually, with her teacher’s support, guidance and motivation, Divya gained confidence and transformed herself. “From a caterpillar she changed into to a beautiful butterfly, who now flies with her open and strong wings,”, said Kapoor. “She with her increased level of confidence and hardwork has started performing well in her academics also and is being prepared for a NIOS. It should ‘not matter how slowly some children learn as long as we are encouraging them not to stop,” said Kapoor. Yet another teacher, Manisha Agarwal helped her to excel in dance.
› Children with special needs may range from mild to severe cases. Every individual must be managed in a different way because there is no fixed rule that can be applied to manage every child with special needs. However, every child needs a caregiver who should be a role model, always remaining cool, calm and encouraging. A good caregiver will effectively and quickly bring about an improvement and make him or her, a responsible, contributing member of society. SURABHI KAPOOR, principal Dosti
› Want to spread this message clear and loud to all the parents and their children who are struggling with caring for autism that they are not alone. Help and improvement are always possible. Having spent about 15 years now as a social activist, there has not been a single day when I felt like I am doing a 9 to 5 job. I still believe that it’s just a beginning for me, a longcherished dream and an infinite march for welfare and rehabilitation BOBBY RAMANI, director of I Support Foundation