In
spite of the official statistics stating otherwise, many cases of disability often
go underreported and unidentified. For poor communities like Shivaji Nagar this
means that the differently abled often do not get the medical help, community
support or therapy they need to live alife of dignity. Apnalaya is working to
bring disability out from the shadows by undertaking an exhaustive survey in Shivaji Nagar to identify early
cases of disability and ensure they get the help they need.
Brother Aman and Arfat were born with hearing and
speech impairment. They had difficulty studying or even playing with others
their age. With the family’s meagre resources, they simply could not afford
treatment or therapy. They had almost lost hope.
During a community drive, the parents learnt about
Apnalaya’s disability support and prevention work and immediately enrolled the
brothers for the programme. “We struggled with getting them the help they
need,” the boys’ father, a casual labourer, said.
The family’s dream of treating both sons came true
when Apnalaya provided the financial assistance for treatment at the SRCC
Children’s Hospital and linked them to Ali Yavar Jung Institute for Hearing and
Disabilities for speech and hearing therapy. They began noticing improvements
in their condition.
After counselling the parents about early childhood
development, the boys were also enrolled for Apnalaya’s day-care facility for
special children to prepare them for school. It was here that Aman became
interested in dance. Egged on by his dance instructor, Aman overcame his
initial fear and began dancing. Aman’s father quipped, “Can you imagine dancing
when you can’t hear the music? It’s a miracle! He has performed all over Mumbai
now – I’m proud of my son.”
Though educating them seemed like a luxury at one
point of time, with Apnalaya’s help the boys were enrolled in the special
school in Mazgaon. “They are bright, talented young boys interested in almost
all activities”, their special school teacher added.
Apnalaya’s disability identification, support and
prevention programme is creating lasting impact for children like Aman and
Arfat. In a society often turns
physical inability into disability, Apnalaya builds an ecosystem of support for Persons with
Disabilities providing them medical support, counselling, therapy, livelihood
opportunities and links them to government schemes.
