Case Study

Both legs affected by polio at the age of two. Brought up by a widowed mother working as a coolie to feed a family of four.  Food and basic education till SSLC.

This was Prameela’s story, who grew up with a sibling brother and sister in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. She underwent surgery at the nearest Government hospital on both her legs in childhood. She began using calipers and walker for her mobility.

A dissatisfying course in tailoring made Prameela leave it half way through. She then idled time for four years. Given the abject poverty at home, finances could not be dedicated for her development. Communication was also a barrier as Telugu was the only language she was proficient in. Yet, Prameela nurtured the hope of pursuing a technical course that would sustain her and provide for her family as well.

This was when APD came into her life as a turning point.  The static learning curve in her was about to soar.

It would not be an understatement to say that from the day she walked through APD’s gates to pursue the Advanced Diploma in Computer Applications, she was going to walk towards the life of her dreams.

Introduced to APD by one its staff member, Mr. Samuel, Prameela studied with enthusiasm. She got the confidence of being able to live life on her own terms. She stayed with other women with disability in the APD provided accommodation during which her room-mates enjoyed many a meal cooked by her. Sharing the events of the day with them and learning at the IT classroom made her learn new languages as well - English and Kannada.

Seeing the ability and potential in her,MphasiS, an acknowledged IT company engaged her services for Rs. 5000/- per month. Prameela stays in a working women’s hostel and sends money home regularly to her mother.

This is the story of transformation of Prameela and many others like her at APD.