Many people with physical disability are standing on their own feet in Bengaluru, thanks to employers who recognise their worth.
Leena Joseph, working with Terrier (associate of Quess Corp) as a receptionist for 25 years, suffers from cerebral palsy. She can't walk more than 10 minutes without severe pain. But this has not deterred her in any way.
From making phone calls to fixing appointments and interacting with a large number of people, Leena does it all.
"In 1992, I had just completed my studies and was staying at Saint Teresa's convent. Capt Ravi, founder of Terrier Security, asked if I would like to work. As a 20-year-old, I eagerly grabbed the opportunity," she recalls.
She gained the confidence to leave the convent and live on her own.
For her, Terrier is a family that has taken care of her.
Many organisations motivate people with disability by giving them equal job opportunities.
Renuka Patil joined Bosch three-and-a-half-years ago.
When she was just 10, she had lost her right arm in an accident. However, her family's support helped her heal from the trauma.
An MBA graduate from Gulbarga University, she is an HR business partner with a focus on business engagement.
"After the accident, when I resumed school, my friends started treating me differently. Those were the darkest days of my life, but I am grateful to my teachers and friends who supported me," she says.
When she started applying for jobs, she was in for disappointment.
"There were times when I cleared all rounds but was rejected at the interview because that's when recruiters found out about my disability," she says.
But some were more considerate and offered her jobs because of her potential.
"I started my career in a software company called Triad Infotech. Happiest Miles was the second company I joined," she says.
Fousiya Abdul Rawoof was just a year old when she was diagnosed with typhoid. Wrong treatment left her disabled.
With a never-say-die attitude, she got rid of her wheelchair, making it a point to walk at every opportunity.
She has been working with Bosch for five years. "I work with the CSR department and this is my first corporate job. In the beginning, I was not ready to face a huge crowd, but my team helped me gain confidence," she says.
Fousiya had begun her career with an NGO called The Association of People with Disability.
Olympic dreams
Chumbitha A P, been working with Hatti Kaapi as a receptionist and administrative assistant for five months. Being the only breadwinner of her family, she says the job has helped her.
"I dream of becoming an international athlete and I plan to participate in the national-level paralympics later this year. Hatti Kaapi is supporting me with my dreams too," she says.
The determination to work, learn and live gave wings to these strong women.
Job exchanges
Here are organisations that help people with disability find jobs:
Bangalore The Association of People with
Disability (APD)
2547 5165
Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled
094808 12120
EnAble India
