By Gift Norman | Deputy Director, Head, Community Health Division
Dear donors,
We are excited to bring you stories of persons with disability whose lives have been transformed because of you ! Thank you so much!
For Marakka – it’s now just a click of a switch!
33-year old Marakka captures a special place in our hearts. Her disability had confined her to the four walls of her home. Every day, she watched people walk by and never got to see the outside world. In 2016, we, through the Govt. District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), facilitated getting her a hand-operated three-wheeler cycle. This brought about a significant change in Marakka's life. She stepped out of her home for the first time; she visited friends, temples, attended family functions and village festivals. Simple as it might sound, these had been her dreams all through her childhood. She was thrilled about her new found freedom! We also assisted her get a monthly pension. With this initial support, Marakka found a job in the neighborhood and began selling vegetables, moving around on her three-wheeler. She has never stopped smiling since!
Now, there’s a wider grin on Marakka’s face! We helped her submit an application to the Govt. for a motorized three-wheeler, she so badly wanted. She was lucky that her application was successful. Now, Marakka doesn’t have to struggle with her hand-operated cycle. She just clicks a switch of her new three-wheeler and off she goes, zooming around the village and to the town close by. She smiles and waves to her friends as she rides down to town to meet the staff at the DDRC – something she never imagined would become a reality! Besides, she can now attend to her medical needs, participate social functions and work independently; distance is not a challenge anymore! Thank you for helping us put a wider smile on Marakka's face! Your help has significantly transformed her life!
Our ongoing project – assisting people with disability has helped them regain their confidence, independence and dignity. Just like Marakka, your donations have transformed the lives of the following persons:
1. 56-year old Ashwathamma from Kaggalahalli village received a wheelchair, pension and disability ID card.
2. 10-year old Yathindra Kumar from Binnamangala village received disability card, pension and a bus pass.
3. 83-year old Munishamappa from Dasarahalli village received disability card and a hearing aid.
4. 23-yeard old Hemavathi from Vijayapura village received disability card, pension and a bus pass.
Learning Hubs for children with developmental delay and intellectual disability:
The Learning Hubs established in two taluks (sub-districts) we work in is gathering momentum, with around 110 children registered and receiving specialized care and therapy. It’s truly inspiring to see that trained mothers are providing simple therapy not only for their own children, but also to other children as well. They share their experience with the newcomers (mothers). As always, practical experience counts!
We have seen measurable progress among the children; children who were unable to stand; those not responding to commands, nor able to identify objects. When one child learned how to sit up, his mother was so proud and said, "I never thought he'd be able to do this; I’m confident he can do much more now.” These children have made slow but steady progress. We are excited about the milestones these children have achieved. We are happy that they can have a positive outlook about the future, when they can be independent. And we acknowledge your support in helping us reach out to them. We have included a few pictures of the centre with happy children enjoying their sessions.
A smile – that’s all a mother wants!
Four-year-old Sunil would pretend to be asleep. When he knew that he had fooled us he would start to laugh loudly. For Sujatha, mother of Sunil, this was incredible and miraculous. Tears rolled down her cheeks, every time Sunil let out a squeal of laughter. She has never seen Sunil so joyful and excited. “I am so thankful for this moment. I just want Sunil to be happy.”
“In the learning hub for the past four months, Sunil has been learning the basics. Earlier, he wasn’t responsive nor could he identify objects and had minimal physical activity. To recover from the shock and dismay after learning of his disabilities, was tough and took time to accept it. Different hospitals and therapy centers gave us no hope, till we found the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) implemented by the Bangalore Baptist Hospital. The teaching methods, the personal interest and interaction of the teacher and most of all – their love and care is most reassuring. I have learnt how to cope with the challenges and I will continue to bring my Sunil to the learning hub until he is fully independent. I am filled with hope, positivity and joy.”
Just as Sunil, Lavanya, Roshan, Harik, Iishitha and Gowtham have received various types of support.
Five-year-old Lavanya received a CP Chair and an Education kit. This helps Lavanya’s mother continue with her sessions, even at home.
Six-year-old Roshan received CP chair, a disability card, pension, special education, speech and physiotherapy and counseling for his parents. Roshan can continue to get government support with his disability card. He now receives a monthly sustenance allowance from the government.
One-and-half-year old Harik, two-and-half-year-old Iishita and three-and-half-year old Gowtham received special education, speech and physiotherapy and counseling sessions for their parents. All three of them are showing steady progress and their parents have gained greater confidence after learning to cope with the challenges of caring for their children.
Your willingness to help persons with disability to overcome life’s challenges makes a world of difference for women such as Marakka and children just like Sunil.
Truthfully, we could not have done this without you. We, and those we serve, sincerely appreciate your generosity.
With best wishes and our sincere gratitude,
Gift Norman
*All names changed to protect the identity
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