“My mom was pregnant with twins. She delivered my sister, but in the few seconds before I was delivered, I was asphyxiated. My brain did not receive sufficient oxygen- as a result, my limbs got stiff as I grew. It was just ‘delayed milestones’ at first, but eventually we discovered spasticity of all 4 limbs. I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. My childhood became all about doctor visits and physiotherapy sessions. Thankfully, just my limbs were affected. I was 8 years old when I was finally admitted into a school. My parents insisted I be sent to a regular school and study with other children my age. Every single person I encountered in my student years, was understanding, compassionate and helping. My school made sure I participated and felt involved in all events and ensured my board exams were comfortable. I thought it’d always be that easy, until I walked into one of the biggest colleges of the city for admission. I couldn’t join the college because their lift was reserved for teachers only and there was no other way I could access my classes on the third floor. That’s when I realised that it’s not all roses. I realised that I would face many hurdles, but I knew I had it in me to fight them all.
Today, I am working at a huge MNC that has been extremely supportive of my needs. From the infrastructure to the workshifts, they actually revamped a lot to accommodate me! Despite being known for their stringent security, they let my mother in on campus every day, so she can help me with my personal needs.
She travels to the office with me, helps me to my seat, waits at the reception until I need to go to the washroom or eat lunch and travels back with me.
There are many things I can’t do- go for a party with friends, make myself a cup of tea, drop by at a colleague’s desk to say hi or even help myself to the washroom. Many people, till date, happen to overlook me at social gatherings and tend to assume I’m mute or deaf! They exchanged greetings with everyone except me, or speak to my parents about my health. I feel like telling them “Hey, I’m here! I can hear and speak! Talk to me!”
There are many things I can’t change, but I am blessed to have a caring family that brings out the best in me, looks after every need of mine and gives me the strength to fight it all!”
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