JOIN USDisability is not a deterrent for people who have emerged successful individuals in spite of all odds.
The expo of various decorative items and household item at a one-day conference on the disabled, exposure of the skills and talent of the differently abled here at Bhandarkars Arts and Science College ended up with the ideas that upheld the creativity of the differently abled people. The things on display included papers bags, pillow covers, paper flowers, flower vases, flower pots, arecanut plates, polythene-base flowers and enthralled the visitors.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Madhavi Kulal, who prepares artificial jewellery from clay, said she earns enough to be self-reliant. She said that she discontinued her education after Class 10 in the village Aroor, due to her physical condition. Her father, however, is into pottery and she decided to join him in his endeavour. She has undergone six months of training in Namma Bhoomi and works from home the past five years. She has full-fledged marketing facilities at Pilikula in Mangaluru. She said she feels great for herself, in spite of being differently abled, she is able to earn her livelihood, instead of being dependent on parents.
The special school at Tallur is another avenue that supports differently abled kids with vocational training. The training helps them work on decorative items and the income generated is saved for their future. Headmistress Prema Louis said that the children in school design saris and also prepare useful items from paper. They are already independent and are very enthusiastic to learn new things, she added.
Special educator of Asare, Manipal Ramesh Nayak, adds that the training for children to manufacture tiny little things makes them confident about life. The initiative also aids social interaction and, in the process of socialisation, the children indulge in more and more interactions with each other and with the outside world. He added that this sort of programme should also be held at village level.
Akshatha, victim of cerebral palsy, creates wonders with needle and cloth. The girl who shies away from talking to the people, indulges in creativity which she exhibits on a cloth piece or any other material.
Jayavijaya, craft teacher at Asha Nilaya in Udupi, said that Akshatha is ‘an expert’ and quick, like a normal human being. She is highly interested in embroideries and crafts, said Akshatha’s teacher.
The dolls made by the inmates of Vagjyothi, Amparu, were mesmerising. The items displayed were priced at affordable rates. Medha, craft teacher, says that craft training is a compulsory part of the education for the physically challenged, at Vagjyothi.