Name: Manjunath

Nature of disability: Spinal Cord Injury

Educational qualification: 10th Std (SSLC)

On many days, you might see a man on a wheelchair boarding a KSRTC bus at 4:30am to reach Bangalore. His disability doesn’t deter him in any way, because he operates a BPO in the outskirts of the city, near Nelamangala, and moves around on his own, getting work done.

His name is Manjunath, and he suffers from a spinal cord injury. Born into a family of poor farmers, Manjunath finished his SSLC and also completed the civil draughtsman’s course. However, he lost the use of his legs after an accident. But APD showed him that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and put him through six months of rehabilitation, computer training, gave him mobility aids and also computer training.

This go-getter currently runs a BPO Centre, Amrutha Info Technology, that employs youngsters from nearby villages. Most of his employees are girls who depend entirely on this job for their livelihood. His work was recently covered by an English daily here in Bangalore. Manjunath does not think of himself as being incapacitated in any way, because APD has encouraged him to believe he is not

Name: Praveen Kumar S

Age: 9

Nature of disability: Mild Mental retardation, Vision Impaired

Background: Praveen suffers from mental retardation. He lives with his family in Bangalore. His parents were not too keen on sending him to school due to lack of accessibility, friendly environment and professional help.

APD intervention: Praveen was brought to APD by our SSP team. He was assessed and an individual education plan (IEP) was developed for him. He was taken to school where the teachers and students were made aware of his condition. A disabled friendly environment was created where the child was given equal opportunity in sports and cultural activities. Our SSP team follows up twice every week with Praveen.

Name: Parashivappa

Nature of disability: Post Polio Residual Paralysis

Educational qualification: AITT Pass

Parashivappa is affected by Post Polio Residual Paralysis - a condition that affects approximately 25–50% of people who have previously contracted poliomyelitis - a viral infection of the nervous system.

Parashivappa tells us about the time he first wheeled in to APD. It was a time when he lacked the courage and confidence to move forward in life. He felt like a lost soul without any goals or aspirations, believing there wasn’t much he could do with his life due to his disability.

Through careful guidance and nurturing at APD, Parashivappa started to develop a strong confidence backed by a new found thirst for success. He soon underwent training in Electronic Mechanic Trade at APD and passed his AITT in July 2000.

His hopes to become a businessman have now been replenished.

Parashivappa used to love reading books, he thought of them as family as they brought him happiness. He soon channeled all his energy in to his passion for books and decided to open a book store.

On August 11th 2002, Parashivappa opened his very own book publication and distribution store. His store now holds books of various genres and languages. He even hosts his very own book exhibitions and fairs where he introduces new potential into the industry.

Parashivappa is ever grateful to APD for giving him the chance to succeed at life.

Name: Rakesh

Age: 8

Nature of disability: Dwarfism (short statured)

Educational qualification: Class 2

Background: Rakesh lives with his family in Bangalore. During one of APD’s assessments, it was found that he had dropped out of school abruptly. On further enquiry, our team discovered that Rakesh was teased in school because of his disability and that the teachers and school administration were not aware of his condition.

APD intervention: Rakesh was motivated with ego strengthening sessions in our program. Also, his school was changed so he could continue his education. APD’s staff spread awareness in the educational institution about his disability.

His eagerness towards learning helped Rakesh better adjust to the new school.

APD also works with the peers of such children wherein they’re sensitized about the disability. They are taught to not make fun and tease these children about their condition. Children with disabilities are extremely sensitive and it is imperative that the people in their surroundings have an inclusive attitude.

Name: Shivana Gowda

Age: 24

Nature of disability: Polio (locomotor disability)

Educational qualification: Foundation Training

Background: Shivana Gowda is 24 years old and was affected by Polio at the age of 3. He is one of 7 siblings and has received education up to Class 10.

APD intervention: He was recognized by an APD partner. He attended a 1-day workshop conducted by APD and expressed his interest in further education making a career in computers. He was chosen for the 3-month foundation course and 1-month pre-employment training at APD. He was given life skills inputs that gave him a new perspective on life.

He is placed in a reputed organization as a customer service associate. He has become independent and is happy to support his family economically.

Future plan: He wants to work hard and get promoted to a better job so that he and his family members can lead a happy life.

Name: Zareena Begum

Age: 17

Nature of disability: Cerebral palsy

Educational qualification: Class 10

Background: Zareena has cerebral palsy which makes day to day mobility very difficult. She lives with her family in Bangalore and studies at one of APD’s model schools. Our SSP team played a key role in enabling her to appear for her Class 10 competitive examinations. From visiting the child’s home to making her parents aware of her rights to complete her basic education, the SSP has guided Zareena through.

APD intervention: The SSP team personally met with the school personnel to ensure Zareena got her hall ticket and a scribe to help her write her examinations. She not only appeared for the examinations, she also completed Class 10 with flying colors. APD will continue to support and encourage her to pursue her higher education and help her secure a good job through our career guidance and placement unit.

Name: Ashinabanu Nadhaf

Age: 19

Nature of disability: Delayed development

Educational qualification: PUC

Background: Ashinabanu Nadhaf is 19 years old and is affected by dwarfism. She has completed her education till Class 12. She is one of five siblings in the family. Her sister is also affected by the same disorder. In her leisure time, Ashinabanu likes to play indoor games and read books.

APD intervention: She came to know about APD when they conducted a camp at Bijapur. Hence, she enrolled for the BPO course at APD.

Future plan: Ashinabanu underwent a 3-month BPO training at APD. She was referred to the Government Disabled Women Hostel for accommodation. She was then provided with employability skills through pre-employment training and referred to strategic outsourcing where she works in the non-voice process sector.

She is interested in the BPO sector. She wants to be financially independent and wishes to support her family. She also aspires to become Team Lead some day.

Name: Mabubi

Age: 23

Nature of disability: Polio

Educational qualification: Class 10

Background: Mabubi was affected by polio in her right leg at the age of 3. She has completed her education up to Class 10.

APD intervention: She attended an APD meeting in her district where she learned about the life skills training program at APD. With encouragement from her mother, she joined APD. She was provided by calipers after assessment and now she’s happy as her mobility is not limited.

Name: Lakshmi

Age: 19

Nature of disability: Congenital deformity (hunch back by birth)

Educational qualification: SSLC

Background: Lakshmi is 19 years old and was born with a spinal curve deformity. She belongs to the Raichur district in Karnataka. She is one of three siblings, has completed her schooling and is married and settled.

APD intervention: Lakshmi showed interest and aspiration to pursue vocational skills training. She then joined the Diploma in Office Management training at APD. She was supported financially to complete her course.

She received on-the-job training and was given pre-employment inputs. She is now placed in an organization, through APD, in strategic outsourcing.

Future plan: Lakshmi is very happy in her current job and would like to grow in the same company and make a better career.

Name: Ramalakshmi

Age: 23

Nature of disability: Polio

Educational qualification: Class 9

Background: Ramalakshmi was affected by polio in her left leg at the age of 5. She was identified by the APD staff when she attended a meeting at Mandal Panchayat and is currently undergoing life skills training at APD.

Name: Chaitra K

Age: 18

Nature of disability: Speech and hearing impairment

Educational Qualification: ITI Pass

Background: Chaitra is hearing impaired since birth. Unable to comprehend her surroundings due to her disability, she was quiet and shy most of her childhood.

In Class 7, she was taught sign language and over time she learnt how to lip read. She faced difficulties in understanding what was taught in class in spite of her hearing aid. But with her determination and strong will, she completed her basic education and appeared for the Class 10 competitive examinations which she passed with flying colours.

Born to supportive parents, Chaitra also has a keen interest in performing arts – she has been training in Bharatanatyam for the last 7 years. She was the star performer in all cultural events in which APD participated.

APD intervention: Chaitra was led to APD by an old friend of hers who has studied in this facility. With encouragement from her mother, she enrolled herself in the Electronics & Mechanical class and scored 538 out of 700 marks in ITI Trade.

Currently, she is pursuing her apprenticeship at BEL. During this period, she was given AutoCAD inputs that allowed her to apply for government job openings with the Railways and BMTC. On being coached by the APD team, she cleared her BMTC CET exam for a technical post and is now employed with them.

Future plan: Chaitra would like to take up a government job to support parents who have been her pillars of support throughout. In addition to this, she wants to start Bharatanatyam classes for deaf students.

Name: Durgavva

Age: 18

Nature of disability: Loss of limb in accident

Background: Durgavva fell in a gutter and was mildly injured in the left leg. At first she ignored the wound, but after three years she experienced severe pain in her leg. Due to poor medical intervention she lost her left leg completely.

APD intervention: She came to APD through a Gram Panchayat member in her district who referred her to the APD staff. Here, she joined life skills training and after an assessment was given a caliper that she uses to walk independently. 

Name: Poornima J

Age: 23

Nature of disability: Speech and hearing impairment

Educational Qualification: ITI Pass

Background: Poornima was born with a speech and hearing impairment. She was born in Mysore and is one of three siblings. She felt insecure during her formative years and feared going to school. At the age of 8, she overcame this and went to a school for children with speech and hearing impairment and completed her basic education till Class X.

Her family is highly supportive of her education and is determined to help her get a diploma.

APD intervention: Poornima’s school was very effective in preparing her for both career and life skills. They attended to all her doubts in class and even helped her join the APD course. She has successfully completed her ITI-E/M course in APD. She scored 538 out of 700 marks in ITI. She was also provided with additional inputs on AutoCAD.

Currently, she is with Oricon Stabilizers. She was prepared for placement through pre-employment training and got selected through it.

Future plan: She is very happy working in Mysore as she likes to be with family. She would like to grow in the field of electronics and get a government job.

Name: Beemavva Neelappa Hubli

Age: 24

Nature of disability: Speech and hearing impairment

Educational qualification: Class 8

Background: Beemavva is speech and hearing impaired since birth. She was identified through our NGO partners. She is one of four siblings in her family. She has studied up to Class 8 and was unable to study further due to her disability.

APD intervention: After her need assessment at the camp, she was brought to the life skills and domestic cooking training at APD’s Horticulture unit where she attended a three-month training course. After that, she moved to Hospitality Training at APD and underwent two months of training in partnership with Vasudev Adiga’s Fast Food Pvt Ltd & Presidency College of Hotel Management. She gained specific skills in vegetable cutting, fruit juices, basic sign language, soft skills and personality development. Apart from the training, she has learned to be independent, and self-confident. She also gained some leadership skills and learnt more about the work culture and ethics.

Presently she is employed in Vasudev Adiga’s Fast Food Pvt. Ltd as an Assistant Cook.

Name: Bhagirathi M

Age: 24

Nature of disability: Polio

Educational qualification: SSLC with Diploma in Commercial Practice

Background: Bhagirathi was affected by polio in her both legs when she was a year old. She uses a caliper and elbow crutch for mobility. She comes from a rural community in Belguam District, Karnataka. She was identified through print media. She is one of three siblings in the family. She has completed her basic education till Class 10 and a 3-year Diploma in Commercial Practice. But when she started searching for jobs, she could not find a suitable employment due to a gap in communication skills.

APD intervention: She joined the 1-year Diploma in Office Management at APD. She was financially supported to complete her training, receive therapy and undergo a surgery for mobility. She is now able to walk comfortably with the support of crutches. During her training, she was given inputs on life skills and pre-employment skills through on-the-job training.

She is currently employed with a private sector company as a customer service associate with the support of APD and is pursuing her B.Com through correspondence.

Future plan: She would like to complete her B.Com and work as part of international voice process and financially support her parents.

Name: Yallappa Shivappa Basapur

Age: 21

Nature of disability: Locomotor disability

Educational qualification: Class 10

Background: Yellappa has a locomotor disability. When he was a year old, he came down with a fever that led to Post Polio Residual Paralysis in his left leg. He is the only son in the family. He has completed his education till Class 10 and due to poor financial conditions was unable to continue studying further. He was looking for a job thereafter but was unable to secure one due to a gap in employment skills.

APD intervention: After his need assessment at the camp, he was encouraged to attend the foundation course at the APD rural unit where he went through a 3-month training course. After that, he has moved to the Hospitality Training section at APD & went through two months of training in partnership with Vasudev Adiga’s Fast Food Pvt Ltd & Presidency College of Hotel Management. During the course, he learnt a few skills such as vegetable cutting, fruit juices, basic sign language, soft skills and personality development. He also learnt about work culture and ethics and gained self-confidence and leadership skills.

Presently he is employed in Vasudev Adiga’s Fast Food Pvt. Ltd at a Mangalore outlet as Assistant Cook. He is happy with his job and has the support of all the employees at Vasudev Adiga’s.

Name: Maruthi Hanumappa Gorebal

Age: 22

Nature of disability: Polio

Educational qualification: Std 10

Background: Maruthi, from a small district in North Karnataka, and is affected by polio. His parents are daily wage labourers. He has completed basic education till Class 10 as he faced difficulty in studying. He used to walk with a hand-to-knee gait and was extremely shy to interact with people. He speaks less and is very well-mannered.

APD intervention: He came to know of APD when a camp was held at Ron taluk and he finally decided to join the horticulture training program. He has completed the 10-month non-formal job orientation at APD. He has undergone surgery for his polio-affected leg recently after which he does not have a hand-to-knee gait and is able to walk without support.

Name: Shobha Siddaram Gondali

Age: 24

Nature of disability: Speech and hearing impairment

Educational qualification: Class 9

Background: Shobha is speech and hearing impaired from birth. She was identified through APD’s District Disability and Development Program. She is one of four siblings in the family. Due to her disability, she was unable to continue her education.

APD intervention: After her need assessment at the camp, she was brought to APD’s life skills and domestic cooking training in the Horticulture unit where she underwent a six-month training course. After this, she moved to Hospitality Training at APD and went through a two-month training course in partnership with Vasudev Adiga’s Fast Food Pvt. Ltd and Presidency College of Hotel Management. She gained specific skills on vegetable cutting, fruit juices, basic sign language, soft skills and personality development. Apart from the training, she learned to travel independently in Bangalore, gained self-confidence and leadership skills. She also learnt more about work culture and ethics.

Presently she is employed in Vasudev Adiga’s Fast Food Pvt. Ltd. She is happy with the job and the staff at Vasudeva Adiga’s stands by her.

Name: Satish T

Age: 18

Nature of disability: Speech & hearing impairment

Educational qualification: Std 10

Background: Satish and his mother were abandoned by his father when he was 2 years old because of Satish’s impairment. His mother brought him up and educated him till Class 10.

APD intervention: Satish got to know about APD through the APD staff in his district and was referred to the horticulture training program. He has completed the 10-month non-formal job orientation at APD. He is active at work and was very obedient and honest during his training period.Through the horticulture training program, he has been trained in skill-based horticulture and works at a well-reputed organization.

Name: Mansoor 

​​​Age: 30

Nature of disability: Locomotor Disability

Educational qualification: Commerce Graduate

A RIVER FISH TO THE OCEAN

APD Shares in the success of an SIS-to-Mainstream Student

A glowing face greets you warmly from under a mop of curly, dark hair. A firm, professional handshake grips you. Mansoor Ahmed, a patient with impaired limb movement (leg) makes such a good first impression that you almost don’t notice his slightly staggered walk. He is a Communication and Fundraising Expert at the Association of People with Disability (APD). Despite his walking difficulty, he is always glad to go the extra mile for this NGO. He visits various campuses and premises, making presentations about the work APD does and also what it could do. Mansoor has indeed come a long way, especially considering he didn’t have an easy start.

Mansoor was born into a family in the lower middle-class area of Bangalore’s locality of Shivajinagar. At the age of 3, a local doctor gave him two wrong injections, with devastating results: Mansoor was paralyzed from his waist downwards. His family believed this infirmity would see him crippled for the rest of his life. He was put on a wheelchair and sent to a regular school, but they weren’t happy to have him there. How would he go without an education, and what job would he take up? Was there work available for people with disabilities? He couldn’t remain dependent on his parents all his life, but at that point, it didn’t seem like there was another option.

His family was distraught, but with the help of an APD teacher, Ms. Zarina, Mansoor was admitted into SIS, a school run by Association for People with Disability (APD). Here, Mansoor went from being powerless and dependent on his teachers, trainers and attendants, to literally standing up for himself! Ms. Amla, a physiotherapist, got him out of his wheelchair, and gave him two calipers from hip to toe to support his legs as well as two crutches to support his upper body. Despite many falls, he persisted, till in Class 7, he was walking with just one caliper.

After this, he joined St. Xavier’s Boys High School with some apprehension. He was afraid about the new environment, and about whether he would be able to make friends. But things weren’t as bad as he expected, and he turned out to be an average student. Few years later, he completed his high school education and started his own Lassi shop. He later joined a call center and moved on to become an IT recruiter, and simultaneously completed his B.Com in Bangalore University. After working for 7 years, he joined APD as a Manager in the Marketing department, realizing that APD was responsible for changing his life for the better. In his own words, he became a part of APD “aiming to change at least one life and make someone independent and contributing member of the society like me.”

Today, Mansoor is both the bread-winning spouse in his marriage and a father! His young professional career already boasts of stints in various jobs. He has been an employee at a couple of high-profile recruiting agencies. But his travel and high salary did not fill a growing void in him - immense gratitude to the various parties that helped him find a groove and the desire to pay it forward. So, to fill his emptiness, Mansoor is back at APD, as an officer in the Communications and Fundraising department.

Name: Dayanada Chinappagowda Marigowda

Age: 26

Nature of disability: Low vision

Educational qualification: Std 10

Background: Dayanada belongs to Gadag districtand has low vision since birth. He has completed basic education till Class 10 but was unable to pursue further studies because of the economic condition of the family.

APD intervention: Dayanada got to know about the APD through VRW from Gadag and was referred to the horticulture training program.He has completed the 10-month non-formal job orientation at APD. Through the horticulture training program, he has picked up on skill-based horticulture and works at a well-reputed organization. Now, he is overjoyed and extremely eager to join work.

Name: Srinivas

Age: 7

Nature of disability: Cerebral Palsy

Srinivas has cerebral palsy which has affected his right limb causing severe muscle weakness. He was almost immobile and could either crawl or stand with support. He had poor balance and found it difficult to walk.

After receiving rehabilitation care, Srinivas started walking independently and manages to do his functional day-to-day activities. He communicates well, has gained self-confidence and continues his education.

Presently he is in Class 1 at Shradhanjali Integrated School (SIS). APD is providing Srinivas with intensive physiotherapy, trampoline therapy, neuro reorganization therapy, fine & gross motor and training for activities of daily living (ADLs). He is being encouraged to reach his highest potential so he can be independent.

Name: Umar Sab Alla Sab Nadaf

Age: 25

Nature of disability: Low vision

Educational qualification:  Std 12

Background: Umar Sab met with an accident when he was 8 years old and was injured in the left eye. He was not given appropriate medical attention and hence completely lost his eyesight. More than a decade later when he visited a private hospital in Hubli. He was told his nerves have become too weak to retrieve sight. He has completed basic education till Class 12 but couldn’t pursue further studies because of his poor economic condition and dependent family members.

APD intervention: He came to know of APD when a camp was held at Ron taluk and decided to join the horticulture training program. He has completed the 10-month non-formal job orientation at APD. Through the horticulture training program, he is well versed with skill-based horticulture and works at a well-reputed organization. Now, he is not only confident about work but also takes on more responsibilities.

Name: Krupa

Age: 5

Nature of disability: Delayed Development

Krupa is affected by fine motor delayed development that leads to lack of coordination in her activities.

After receiving intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Krupa is not having physical disability anymore. She needs to complete her education for a bright future.

Presently she is in Class 1 at Shradhanjali Integrated School (SIS). APD is providing Krupa with intensive physiotherapy, neuro reorganization therapy, development of gross motor & fine motor activities. She is also undergoing trampoline, treadmill, and balance & coordination activities to encourage her to reach her highest potential and become independent.

Name: Smitha

Age: 17

Nature of disability: Speech & hearing impairment

Educational qualification: SSLC

Background: Smitha is a 17-year old with a speech and hearing impairment. She is one of three siblings and has completed her basic education till Class 10.

APD intervention: She was referred by our CBR staff during a survey. When she the first time came to APD, she was surprised to see so many youth with disabilities attending different training sessions. She joined the foundation course at APD to learn English, Mathematics and sign language.

She is very good at drawing and dancing. She participated in the World Disability Day sports event at the Kanteerava stadium and came 3rd in the running event.

After the completing of Foundation course she joined a Diploma course in Mysore.

Name: Mohammed Saleem

Age: 8

Nature of disability: Cerebral Palsy

Mohammed Saleem is affected in both his lower limbs with severe muscle tone stiffness and tightness in both hip and knee. He was almost immobile and could either crawl or stand with support. He had poor balance and found it difficult to walk.

After receiving rehabilitation care, Saleem started walking independently and manages to do his functional day-to-day activities. He communicates well, has gained self confidence and continues his education.

He is in Class 2 at Shradhanjali Integrated School. APD is providing Saleem with intensive physiotherapy, trampoline therapy, and training for activities of daily living (ADLs). He is being encouraged to reach his highest potential so he can be independent.

Name: Harish Kurubar

Age: 24

Nature of disability: Speech & hearing impairment

Educational qualification: Class 10

Background: Harish is 24 years old with a speech and hearing impairment. He has completed basic education till Class 10. He comes from a rural district in North Karnataka and is one of three siblings.

APD intervention: Although Harish had passed Class 10, his language and other skills were not enough to be admitted to ITI. So, he was taken in for a foundation course. This helped him improve his English and Mathematics and he was also given training in basic sign language. Thereafter, he was admitted to Fitter ITI trade at APD. He gained confidence and showed more interest in becoming a Technician. He then joined Fitter and successfully completed the course. After the course he joined Advanced CNC training at a reputed company through APD.

Presently, he works at a reputable organization and is very happy that he can support his family.

Name: Gavin Richard Paul

Age: 11

Nature of disability: Cerebral Palsy with diplegia

Richard is affected in both his lower limbs with severe muscle tone stiffness and tightness in both hip and knee. He was almost immobile and could either crawl or stand with support. He had poor balance and found it difficult to walk.

After receiving rehabilitation care and surgery, Richard started walking independently with the help of a simple orthosis and rollator. He manages to do his functional day-to-day activities. He communicates well, has gained self-confidence and continues his education.

Presently, he is in Class 2 at Shradhanjali Integrated School (SIS). APD is providing Richard with intensive physiotherapy, trampoline therapy, and training for activities of daily living (ADLs). He is being encouraged to reach his highest potential so he can be independent.

Name: Veerabadre Gowda

Age: 22

Nature of disability: Arthritis

Educational qualification: SSLC

Veerabadre Gowda is a 22-year old with arthritis. He was normal at birth but at the age of 14, he began to suffer from joint pain and hurt his spinal cord. He was referred for surgery by the physio unit. After the surgery, he was unable to walk and hence started using a wheelchair.

APD intervention: Due to his sudden illness he had to drop his education for three years and was idle at home. During that time one of the APD staff referred him to a school to complete Class 10. Later on, to pursue his higher education, he was referred to the APD main campus and was enrolled in the Electronic Mechanic course. During the training period, he improved his mobility and got back on his feet with the regular therapy. He practised walking with the support of a walker. He was good at studies and actively participated in extra-curricular activities.

After completion of the Electronics Mechanic course, he joined a mobile servicing training and works at a servicing shop. Now he earns and supports his family.

Name: Narendra Kumar

Age: 18

Nature of disability: Speech & hearing impairment

Educational qualification: Class 10

Background: Narendra Kumar is 18 years old and is hearing impaired. His disability made him an introvert which also affected his self-confidence. He stayed away from his peers as he was not able to communicate with them properly. He was not able to perform well in his studies mainly because of the absence of any special attention to special children in the village school in which he was enrolled.

APD Intervention: His father approached APD through his cousin for further guidance. Narendra’s parents were concerned about his future education. Narendra didn’t have any future plans due to lack of self-confidence, his parents brought him to APD for the exposure. This exposure made him join the Fitter trade at APD. He was happy to communicate with other speech and hearing impaired children and was impressed to see students with multiple disabilities involved in various types of trainings. He learned sign language to communicate better.

After completion of the course he has joined the Orthotic and Prosthetic NGO and now supports his family.