#ThisAbility, Not Disability

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.