For the Disabled

When life turns against you, there are two options. Either you beat a retreat or you take on the beatings, stand stoic against all odds, remain optimistic and emerge triumphant. Advocate K. Kathiresan belongs to the second category.

When polio strikes a normal healthy boy at the age of four, it can be devastating for the parents. And so it was for Kathiresan’s. Though crestfallen, they blamed it on destiny and knocked every Government and Corporation-run school in Madurai requesting for their son’s admission.

The year was 1979 and every school apparently turned away the child. Finally, a neighbour and a teacher of Seventh Day Adventist School took up Kathiresan’s case and got him admitted there. 

“Though I was small, I think I understood that I was being rejected everywhere for my handicap and I vowed to outshine even normal students. God helped me and I was hard working. Right through my school and college, I was a rank holder, got scholarships to fund my studies and hence was never a burden on my poor mechanic father. And my asset all through has been my set of friends,” 

School life was protected and because he excelled in academics, he was the school hero too. 

“Everybody knew me and I enjoyed the luxury and comfort of my status. Only when I joined college, I felt lonely and lost in a big world.”

Initially Kathiresan dreamt of becoming a doctor, but subsequently enrolled himself at The American College for Computer Studies and also sat for the law entrance exam under the open quota. “I was not aware of any Government welfare scheme for the disabled. My scores earned me a scholarship for the five year B.A.B.L course,” he narrates. But restless about the lack of attention paid to the disabled population and also low awareness levels of the disabled about various programmes run for them, Kathiresan with the help of his like-minded school and college friends floated the ‘Akshaya Rehabilitation Trust’ when he was still in III Year.

“I was looking at social inclusion of PWDs (Persons with Disability), equal opportunities for them in every field and also getting their full participation,” says the founder chairman of Akshaya.

Executing dreams are always tough but Kathiresan is the types who get tough when the going gets tough. “My idea is to act as a resource centre for both PWDs and the non-disabled youths through a process of organisation, training, networking and education and facilitating for collective action for a holistic development,” he says. A decade on, Kathiresan is far from satisfied. Changes have been negligible here, he rues. His organisation with 1600 enrolments, provides free legal aid to PWDs and stakeholders (parents and family members), he feels the society as such remains largely insensitive. For instance, the Collector’s office, the new court building of Madurai Bench, few hotels and schools are the far and few disabled-friendly buildings in the city. “People should understand that the disabled are very much a part and parcel of the society and not beggars asking for charity alone. It is our right to be safeguarded by the system but then it is unfortunate that the Government machinery is failing to utilise the huge human resource and talent that is with the disabled. It is going a waste.”

What irks Kathiresan further is the attitude of people who are appointed to serve the disabled. “There may be lot of benefits announced by the Government now for the disabled. But the truth is there are even more hurdles to avail of those benefits,” he points out.

Providing psycho-social care to the disabled is uppermost in Kathiresan’s mind and his another major concern is the exploitation of the more vulnerable section among the disabled, the women. Also, he is keen on breaking the myth that disabled individuals should marry from within their community only.

Kathiresan prides in the fact that he married his childhood sweetheart from school amid 

opposition from her family. She is a normal girl and a qualified fashion designer from NIFT, Chennai. Two years ago, the duo married after convincingly working together for years for the welfare of the disabled people. And only last week, they were blessed with a healthy son and obviously Kathiresan can’t hide his joy. “I have been promoted as a father,” he smiles and adds he felt equal happiness when he was admitted as an Advocate on the Roll of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu five years ago.

“Today, my parents are very happy and proud. They feel they are getting all sweet blessings after going though lot of bitter pain and suffering,” says Kathiresan, who is now preparing for the Judges exam.

Incidentally, Kathiresan’s accomplishments have not only been in the field of academics. He has also returned with medals from the British Open Athletics Championship, 2005 in wheelchair race and discus throw. And he adds, he loves to watch films and enjoys music but time is a casualty.

But for those like Kathiresan, people may perhaps choose to remain ignorant and insensitive. And the young physically challenged advocate, who fights civil and criminal cases, is determined not to let that happen.

Physically Challenged- Ruling the Media World

Have we seen any one walking with legs and hands together as daring Lion to walk alone and tread a path to truth? Yes, he is a person who has changed everything around himself by sheer will and audacity. Visualizing innovative concepts and taking it to realization level is in his DNA. Flawless execution of the conceptualized strategy is his exemplary strength. He is a first media stalwart who carried his vision in this naughty world of powerbrokers. His dare ness to dream and to bare the truth allowed him to challenge the physical world despite being physically challenged.

Meet the man Natar Ravi Subbaiah, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Navi Mumbai Television (NMTV) Pvt. Ltd, who got inflicted from polio at the very early age with the soul remaining unaffected. He turned adversity into opportunity and entered into cable and news business which was primarily a domain of powerful well networked people He is a teacher, a guardian, an inspiration, a motivation.

His principle in life is

‘Be slaves to nothing but duty and friends to nothing but merit.’

Black Friday is observed as an inauspicious day but Ravi was born on black Friday on 13th January 1969. He was born to a poor South Indian family living in Dharavi slums in Mumbai. Initial happiness that brought fate to a family when his father got a permanent job turned into sorrow and pain when he got severe polio attack and resulted in the temporary loss of speech and hearing and permanent disability of both the lower limbs for the boy. But destiny decided against the fate and he was the only survivor of the 25 polio victims who were admitted to the Orthopedic Hospital at Haji Ali, Mumbai. For consistent income for the family he started giving tuitions in early student life and later started Kaizen Engineering Classes.. He lost his childhood in struggle for his existence.

Raviji’s education was itself a great challenge He passed Std. 12th brilliantly and opted for the stream of science. But again here he had to face the hard and harsh realities of his life and being told that his physical state would not suit the long hours of standing and working in the laboratories. With no choice, he then opted for the stream of commerce at Rayat Shikshan Sanstha’s Modern College situated at Vashi, Navi Mumbai and got first class degree in 1990.But the years of struggle and the passage of time had turned him into a young self-motivated man. He turned from a dependent kid to an independent young warrior.

The fight to survive and to carve out his own niche,  Ravi chooses to be an entrepreneur and create job for needy and deprived. . 

 “Early struggles in life due to my disability has helped me see the real meaning of life. I strongly believe that nothing is impossible and that I am as able as anyone else” 

When asked how he came in cable business in the world of many other business options, Ravi said, “I am an ardent cricket fan. In 1987 I went to get a cable connection to watch India Australia match. But all the cable owners asked for exorbitant price and refused me to get connection. Here I took the challenge of being a cable operator. Cable TV business is one the most unorganized sectors to work in. Even for the striving man, it meant underworld threats, political pressure and all sorts of coercions from many to discontinue. But the young man believed that being an Indian he had every right to work and earn on this land’s soil and that too in accord of his choice of business. With the same grit, determination, courage, God’s grace and this time support from not only family but also friends and well-wishers, he progressed and his business flourished. Today Ravi is the Founder and Director of SSV Cable Pvt. Ltd., the largest cable TV network of Navi Mumbai.

After leaving his footprint in cable business he thought to be voice of people. His penchant to serve the society witnessed the birth of NMTV.  

 “Being a person with disability, hailing from an economically weak background, since childhood I have seen the real issues of people up, close and personal. That is, I always wanted to do something for the people. So when I got an opportunity I joined the media industry.”  

Initially he started a half an hour a day video news magazine And today NMTV became the most popular and trusted 24 hrs local cable news station. He claims that his channel is different from other news channel. He quipped, “NMTV is a news channel for solution, not for sensation. We strive to be the most trusted and reliable platform for the masses. The channel believes in the ideology of awakening & enlightening people with human values besides being informative and educative.” He wishes to make NMTV a satellite channel with local content.  

Today NMTV’s ‘Navi Mumbai News’ in English, Hindi & Marathi bring all the problems that is the plague of the society. The apathy of authorities, the corrupt action of governing bodies and the ignorance that prevails in people which does not allow flourishing a healthy ambiance for people to live in, is content mantra of NMTV. ‘Navi Mumbai News’ detect such problems awakening the mass with knowledge and resulting corrective actions, that their stains can be washed from the existing social fabric.. Under Ravi’s dynamic leadership, Navi Mumbai Television is the 1st cable News channel in India to have been awarded the state’s accreditation. NMTV is accredited news channel by the Govt. of Maharashtra for viewership and quality programming.

 Ravi ji’s soul lies in people and working for deprived and downtrodden is his passion. He leaves no stone unturned to bring out a positive and visible change in life of a deprived person. To convert his passion into reality he started “Handicapped Welfare Association”, the purpose of which was to provide support to these special people that they did not get prior to this. Handicapped Welfare Association is a Non-Government Organization working for ‘Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation for Disabled’ in Navi Mumbai and to bring immediate and effective solutions for the cause of the handicapped.

  

Despite facing a hostile world Ravi turned his dreams into reality. Now he is getting his due from the society .The Indian Merchants Chambers has conferred the “Jewel of Navi Mumbai” award to Ravi Subbaiah for his contributions as a media person in making a beautiful Navi Mumbai. Apart from that Ravi Subbaiah was also awarded the International Galilean Award 2008 for community service from the platform of NMTV. For his work and research in the field of media, he has been honoured with an honorary Doctorate from the University of Jerusalem this year.

  

Married with his soul mate Deepika Rani-, he is blessed with two daughters Marilyn and Carolyn. When asked how lady luck smiled on him he said, “Deepika is again God sent who gave me love and care after my mother. Despite facing hostile in-laws we got married. After my mother, my wife stood by me at all times. And today she has given me what I call ‘the most precious gifts of life’-two lovely daughters Marilyn and Carolyn.”

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, Ravi thinks that India is in the infant stage to join as a world media giant. “There is more than what catches the eye. We are big copy cats copying the western media. Real issues are neglected, ignored and hidden.” He said. He finds present state of political affairs to be pathetic and a dynastic political system with the rich & mighty becoming more richer and more powerful while the poor, more poorer and weak.

Being the Editor-in-Chief of NMTV and editing the real burning issues of the common helpless man is his most challenging job everyday. His idea of happiness is being satisfied with what we has and making the best use of it for others. He loves his special car most with the clutch & brakes, everything in his two hands. The car gives him the mobility and he is able to conduct so many of his VIP meetings in that instead of crawling upstairs.

Ravi has achieved which he dared to dream. Now he wants to give back to society what he has achieved. He is definitely a jewel and ambassador of compassionate humanism. He is a model which taught to the world that adversity is a challenge and at the same time an opportunity. He is an ignited soul who ignites dreams in other deserving soul. Helping others is his idea of happiness and preserving the fabric and harmony of society is his mission.  

a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.

Wonder was born Steveland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, MI, on May 13, 1950 (he later altered his name to Steveland Morris when his mother married). A premature infant, he was put on oxygen treatment in an incubator; likely it was an excess of oxygen that exacerbated a visual condition known as retinopathy of prematurity, causing his blindness. In 1954, his family moved to Detroit, where the already musically inclined Stevie began singing in his church's choir; from there he blossomed into a genuine prodigy, learning piano, drums, and harmonica all by the age of nine. 

While performing for some of his friends in 1961, Stevie was discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles, who helped arrange an audition with Berry Gordy at Motown. Gordy signed the youngster immediately and teamed him with producer/songwriter Clarence Paul, under the new name Little Stevie Wonder. Stevie released his first two albums in 1962: A Tribute to Uncle Ray, which featured covers of Stevie's hero Ray Charles, and The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie, an orchestral jazz album spotlighting his instrumental skills on piano, harmonica, and assorted percussion. Neither sold very well, but that all changed in 1963 with the live album The 12 Year Old Genius, which featured a new extended version of the harmonica instrumental "Fingertips." Edited for release as a single, "Fingertips, Pt. 2" rocketed to the top of both the pop and R&B charts, thanks to Wonder's irresistible, youthful exuberance; meanwhile, The 12 Year Old Genius became Motown's first chart-topping LP.

The soulful quality of his high-pitched singing and the frantic harmonica playing that characterized his early recordings were evident in his first hit single, “Fingertips (Part 2),” recorded during a show at Chicago's Regal Theatre in 1963. But Wonder was much more than a freakish prepubescent imitation of Ray Charles, as audiences discovered when he demonstrated his prowess with piano, organ, harmonica, and drums. By 1964 he was no longer described as “Little,” and two years later his fervent delivery of the pounding soul of “Uptight (Everything's Alright),” which he also had written, suggested the emergence of both an unusually compelling performer and a composer to rival Motown's stable of skilled songwriters. (He had already cowritten, with Smokey Robinson, “The Tears of a Clown.”)

Over the next five years Wonder had hits with “I Was Made to Love Her,” “My Cherie Amour” (both cowritten with producer Henry Cosby), and “For Once in My Life,” songs that suited dancers as well as lovers. Where I'm Coming From, an album released in 1971, hinted not merely at an expanded musical range but, in its lyrics and its mood, at a new introspection. Music of My Mind (1972) made his concerns even more plain. In the interim he had been strongly influenced by Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, the album in which his Motown stablemate moved away from the label's “hit factory” approach to confront the divisive social issues of the day. Any anxieties Gordy may have felt about his protégé's declaration of independence were amply calmed by the run of recordings with which Wonder obliterated the competition in the mid-1970s. Those albums produced a steady stream of classic hit songs, among them “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Higher Ground,” “Living for the City,” “Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing,” “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” “I Wish,” and “Sir Duke.”

Wonder with US President 

Although still only in his mid-20s, Wonder appeared to have mastered virtually every idiom of African-American popular music and to have synthesized them all into a language of his own. His command of the new generation of electronic keyboard instruments made him a pioneer and an inspiration to rock musicians, the inventiveness of his vocal phrasing was reminiscent of the greatest jazz singers, and the depth and honesty of his emotional projection came straight from the black church music of his childhood.

 Such a fertile period was unlikely to last forever, and it came to an end in 1979 with a fey and overambitious extended work called Stevie Wonder's Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants. Thereafter his recordings became sporadic and often lacked focus, although his concerts were never less than rousing. The best of his work formed a vital link between the classic rhythm-and-blues and soul performers of the 1950s and '60s and their less commercially constrained successors. Yet, however sophisticated his music became, he was never too proud to write something as apparently slight as the romantic gem “I Just Called to Say I Love You” (1984). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 2005. 

In 2008 the Library of Congress announced that Wonder was the recipient of its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

SMA Jinnah- Association for the Blind

Born in a small village Eruvadi in the year 1944, his father deserted family at the age of one, his mother died at the age of 3, left with a big family of 15 members with very limited financial resources, he lost is vision due to optic nerve damage in an accident at the age of 13, lost 5 years, searching for treatment before final conclusion of total irreparable damage to both eyes and permanent loss of vision.

Completed 7th standard before the accident in 1957 Following the accident he was loosing vision gradually and become totally visionless in 1959. Trying to restore sight at various places extending over 5 agonizing years it became evident to the family that nothing more could be done. 

The family reconciled to fate and decided to place Jinnah in a dark corner and provide him a secured life. The concept of security in the family was to generate a regular rental income or so for meeting the basic food requirements for the rest of his life. 

The fire in Jinnah could not accept such a decision. When the tears ultimately dried, Jinnah stood up and with the help of friends kept himself constantly engaged with the ongoing developments, events etc., by listening to friends reading newspapers, news broadcasts in radio etc., At this time he came to know about the school for the blind at Palayamkottai. Since the family was not prepared to send him out for fear of ridicule and teasing by outsiders, Jinnah took the help of a friend, on his own without informing family members went to Palayamkottai and met the headmaster seeking admission in the school. 

Jinnah was not admitted in the school because of over age (18); school rules prescribed maximum age as 14. When personal pleas failed he approached the local M.L.A. (Rajathi Kunjuthabatham), who, considering seriousness and commitment shown, recommended his case to the headmaster to give him a chance. Jinnah was admitted in the school, the 18 year old 7th standard passed Jinnah was put up in the 1st standard along with small children who were not even to the height of Jinnah's hip. The reason for this decision was Jinnah did not know Braille. .

Jinnah beat this by learning Braille within one month and moved to the 7th standard. By virtue of his performance in the quarterly examinations promotion for the 8th standard was granted. Jinnah passed 8th standard examinations very successfully in 1963. This was the beginning of long and fruitful performances to follow. 

There was no provision for further education in the school at Palayamkottai beyond the 8th standard even though Jinnah wanted to continue the studies. Reluctantly Jinnah was forced to accept training in weaving for 3 years from 1964 - 1966 in Palayamkottai. 

It was a lucky breakthrough for Jinnah when he met Mr.G.Jayaraman in 1964. Jayaraman lost vision at the age of 3 and became an ortho handicapped too followed by a polio attack at the age of 5. A person of very strong will power completed his M.A. in Chennai and came to Palayamkottai for teachers training in the regional training center. Being a victim and having experienced the advantages of a proper education as well as exposure, Jayaraman was very supportive to Jinnah and an intimate friendship developed. 

In 1966, Jayaraman moved to Madurai and brought Jinnah with him to continue his education. Jayaraman coached Jinnah to appear as a private candidate for Matriculation examination conducted by Madurai Kamaraj University in March-1967. Dedicated efforts of Jayaraman and Jinnah yielded a very encouraging outcome. .

Jinnah topped with first rank (Gold Medal) in the 10th Matric examination -1967 conducted by Madurai Kamaraj University for private candidates including the sighted individuals. After clearing initial hurdles and pepped up with confidence, Jinnah metamorphosed into an energetic youth, geared for a long trek. 

Dr. M.A. Thangaraj, the Principal, American College, Madurai wholeheartedly supported Jinnah throughout the undergraduate programmes. He was also instrumental in Jinnah's admission to M.A. Students of various colleges especially Madurai Medical College were constant sources of support. 

Jinnah was selected on all India level for the Rotary International Award in 1981 in which he competed with teachers in disabled schools (including sighted).He was the one selected out of 75 Rotary District finalists and 21 National level finalists. The award granted him full scholarship for higher education in the U.S.A. 

When he went to Boston, U.S.A. in 1981 September on getting Rotary International Award he had to brave the following. - Extremely cold climate - Very different food - Communication problem on account of accent - Mobility .

There have been very trying moments when Jinnah was tempted to abandon the programme and return to India. Only the thought of the programmes he had already started in India and the determination to serve the lesser fortunate, made him to complete the programme. 

Charles D. Woodcock - Director Perkins School for Blind and Prof. Varghese and his daughter Suneeta went out of their ways to provide valuable support in Boston. 

Jinnah completed the 2 semesters DTB (Diploma in Teaching for the Blind) programme in Boston University 2 months ahead of schedule, securing first rank for his thesis and third rank in the written examinations for the entire course in a class of about 30 students including sighted individuals. There were 18 American students and the rest were from various other countries. .

In 1982 after completion of his programme he was offered a very lucrative assignment of Project Officer in Perkins School for the Blind. Jinnah turned down this offer as he was totally focused to dedicate himself for blind welfare in India. 

Services to the Blind Community:

Based on personal experience of loosing vision at a tender age, coupled with poverty, Jinnah could understand the position of several hundreds of people placed in similar situations. .

When Jinnah came out of the protected family/village background, to the outside world and was learning to live on his own, public awareness in handling the disabled people was very poor. People took pity on blind people and were more prone to give alms than understanding them and treating them as normal individuals. .

Though well meaning, this pity was hurting to Jinnah's self respect and he had to explain his position on several occasions. Initially Jinnah had to face several practical day today challenges of the different environments. .

Even when Jinnah was in college perusing his own education, the fire in him was strong enough to take other visually impaired to succeed as he was moving ahead. Over the years, his objectives in life became clear - Empower visually challenged - Realize self worth - Become self reliant & - Feel equal to normal being. .

Having realized the destination, Jinnah contemplated on the road to be taken and found the following. - Education to give confidence - Training to improve abilities, - Employment opportunities for economic independence. .

It was clear to Jinnah all the above steps when systematically implemented will lead to the Visually Challenged stand on their own legs. .

When the destination and the road to be taken became clear, it was the one way movement forward and over the last 4 decades there has been no turning back or slow down. .

Way back in early 1970s, Jinnah helped several fellow Visually Challenged boys and girls to pursue higher education including post graduate and teacher training programmes in addition to vocational training, to make them self reliant. . In the past 40 years Jinnah has been directly instrumental in rehabilitating more than 5000 Visually Handicapped. The figure will be many more thousands if consequential beneficiaries are considered. Infact, the momentum has been gathering over the years, with more people extending help and pace of travel as also been increasing. The concrete proof is seen in the actual growth of Indian Association for the Blind which was started in 1985 with 4 people into a solid organization supporting more than 350 Visually Challenged every year from the age group of 5 to 35 . .

What can not be described on paper are the emotions and the gratitude of several 1000s of families expressed over the last 2 decades. There have been several cases of broken down parents with tearful eyes. On seeing the development & growth of their own visually challenged Children at the instance of Jinnah. 

If a physical statement of the impact of the Jinnah work on the society is to be made it is this. .

On a conservative estimate there are at least 5000 families of Visually Challenged people hailing from extremely poor families from unheard of villages who have been able to hold their heads high make an honorable living on many cases and support their normal family members just as any other traditional Indian family. .

Super Woman -JESSICA FOX

Jessica Cox is a superwoman of sorts. She may not be saving victims from burning buildings, but she is a heroine in the hearts of many.

Born without arms, Cox used to watch with envy as other kids swung about on the monkey bars in elementary school while she was limited to the swings.

Frustrated, she would envision herself flying over the playground like Superwoman while everyone watched in disbelief. 

"I would imagine taking people up one at a time to experience my super powers. Years later, I realised that my imagination had become a reality," said Cox at a media interview.

Cox, 26, is the first woman pilot in aviation history to fly without arms. She was invited to Kuala Lumpur recently to speak at the Women of Independence Conference organised by Intelligence Business Networks. The two-day conference, to commemorate International Women's Day, gathered successful women from all over the world, who are leaders in their respective fields.

Wearing dark-rimmed glasses and a grey vest over white blouse, Cox was a petite picture of confidence as she took to the stage.

The motivational speaker articulately delivered her speech entitled 'Architecturing Your Destiny - Disarming Fears', sharing about her life growing up and how she overcame various obstacles.

Cox said one of the challenges she faced when she first learnt flying was how to tie the seatbelt in the aircraft.To demonstrate, she climbed onto a chair that was on stage and slipped down into an attached, pre-buckled seatbelt, immediately drawing warm applause from an awe-inspired audience."This is just to show that there's always more than one way to accomplish a task.

"I may not have arms but that does not determine who I am or who I can become," she said.

Her favourite quote is one by spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson:

 "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; it is that we are powerful beyond measure."

 Cox, the middle of three siblings, was born to an American father and a Filipino mother in Tuscon, Arizona.Doctors could not explain her rare congenital condition as sonogrames and other prenatal tests did not reveal any defect.

However, the spunky lady's indomitable spirit overrides what she may lack physically. Standing at a mere 5' 1" tall (155cm), Cox holds a sport pilot licence, has a double black belt in taekwando and is an active swimmer. (She is the first person without arms to get a black belt in the American Taekwando Association.)

When she first learnt to drive a car, she was encouraged to use special modifications. However, after she had her car modified, she decided to remove the modifications and now holds an unrestricted driver's licence.The University of Arizon psychology graduate still draws stares when she pumps petrol at the gas station. She can type 25 words a minute, blow dry her hair, and put on her makeup and contact lenses with as much ease as anyone else.

On Mother's Day in May last year, Cox flew solo over San Manuel, Arizona, wearing a T-shirt that aptly read: "Look Ma, No Hands!" She earned a US Federal Aviation Administration sport pilot licence last October. (This type of licence does not require a medical examination, only a valid US driver's licence, an oral and written exam, and a certificate to fly solo.) Due to airplane logistics, it took Cox three years, instead of the average six months, before she got her licence. It also required four Ercoupe planes (a type of light aircraft originally built without rudder pedals), three certified flight instructors and 89 hours of flight training in three different states.

"When I fly, I have the greatest feeling of freedom, independence and power," said Cox, who controls the throttle with her left foot and the yoke with her right. So far, she has clocked in about 130 hours of solo flights, impressive since flying in commercial planes was her greatest fear since childhood. Needless to say, piloting an aircraft was never on her to-do list.However, that changed when a member of Wright Flight, a Tucson-based non-profit group, approached her after a Rotary Club talk she gave in 2005. The group uses aviation as motivation.A fighter pilot named Robin Stoddard who represented the group asked if she would like to fly an airplane.Being the achiever and optimist that she is, Cox decided to give it a try and was instantly hooked.

"Sometimes fear is rooted in a lack of knowledge and the unknown. When I first started flying, I realised my fear was because I did not know much about it. "A universal fear people have is a fear of inadequacy and lack of faith in ourselves," said Cox, who also appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show in December last year.

Confident, poised and ambitious, Cox has come a long way to become who she is today.

Besides being a motivational speaker (details at rightfooted.com), she has also been mentoring children with the International Child Amputee Network for the past five years.However, getting to this stage in her life was not an overnight process, nor a walk in the park.When she was young, she often got angry, kicking and screaming in her tantrums."As a child, there was no way to understand why I did not have arms like everyone else. It was difficult being different," said Cox, her voice softening.Nevertheless, she still took part in various activities such as gymnastics and tap dancing, often performing on stage. She wore prosthetic arms from the ages of three to 14, but hated them and was more comfortable using her feet."In fact, I often wished the prosthetic arms would break so I wouldn't have to use them!" said Cox with a chuckle.

On her first day of eighth grade, she finally decided to take off her prosthetics before boarding the school bus. "As the bus door closed behind me, I felt freer and independent. Since that day, I never wore the prosthetics again."

For Cox, the greater challenge of being born without arms is the constant stares rather than the physical adversity."I used to get very irritated when people stared, especially when I'm walking down the street or eating with my feet. But I've learnt to turn that into something positive and use that opportunity to channel positive vibes and be an example of optimism."Accepting myself is an ongoing journey. It's difficult to keep your spirits up all the time but I rely on my faith to carry me through the rough times."It's only human to have low moments in life because if you don't, then you won't feel the high, exciting times."Cox credits her parents for being her role models and pillar of support. Her mother is a nurse and her father, a retired music teacher.

"My mum left the Philippines and came to the States without knowing anyone here when she was 22. She is my role model and always tells me I can do anything I've set my mind to.

"My dad never once shed a tear when I was born because he did not see me as a victim. It is hard being a parent to a disabled child. He was my rock during the difficult times and that has shaped me into the person I am today," she said.At the moment, there are two things that Cox is still trying to achieve - how to tie her hair into a ponytail and do rock climbing, although she can water ski and snow ski.She also hopes to get certified as a pilot instructor and teach people with disabilities."Once you have a taste of something so great, you want to share it with everyone."At present, Cox is not seeing anyone but she has no intention of jumping into just any relationship."One good thing about not having arms is I can filter out a guy who is superficial and someone who is genuine. If a guy can really see me for who I am despite how I might look, then he is really worth pursuing," she said.

Eventually, Cox hopes to get married and have kids. "I know it will be difficult to have a family but I know I am going to be a good mum. I don't think I will be limited in being that and things like carrying the baby will come naturally." Her mother, who was also at the conference, said the word "disability" is alien to her daughter, just as alien as having upper limbs would be.

Helpers of the Handicapped- Naseema

DISABILITY is a state of mind and one can rise above physical impairment and lead a successful life with a sense of commitment and dedication is proved by

Naseema Mohammed Amin Hurzuk was born in September 1950 at Solapur, Maharashtra, India. She was a happy active teenager taking part in sports and cultural activities when she was struck with paraplegia at the tender age of 16 years. Her father who was her strongest support died soon after she became paraplegic. Naseema silently suffered the trauma and physical discomfort for several years. During this difficult period her family stood solidly behind her. Her father’s motivation in the form of a couplet always ringed in her ears. 

“Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna Ki Har Taqdeer Se Pahle – Khuda Bande Se Khud Pooche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai – Raise yourself to such a status that God himself would ask you your wish.

With inspiration and motivation from Shri Babu Kaka Diwan a paraplegic who ran his own industry, drove his own car and traveled by airplane Naseema overcame her personal grief and completed her graduation and got employment in Central Excise Department on her own merit where she rose to the position of Deputy Office Superintendent before resigning to take up ‘Helpers’ work full time. She participated in the “Stock Mandville Games” for the handicapped held in London in 1973.

While in London she met handicapped persons from all over the world. Seeing the facilities for the handicapped in London and confidence of handicapped from developed countries Naseema decided to work for the physically handicapped. She formed an organization with a few but soon realized that her idea of social work and rehabilitation of disabled was very different from her colleagues. She started anew and formed ‘Helpers of the Handicapped, Kolhapur’ in 1983 with her close friend Rajani Karkare Deshpande and others.

Naseema has received several awards and recognitions.   A few recognitions are as under:

• A portrait of her life and work was included in the book “Daughters of Maharashtra” a record of exceptional Maharashtrian women.
• She was appointed by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India on the Committee under the “National Commission for Women” as a “Member of Expert Committee on Disabled Women” as well as on the Committee under ‘National Trust’ for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation & Multiple Disabilities. This three member committee comprised of the District Collector, Indian Red Cross Authority and Naseema.
• She was invited as a Special Guest for the International Year of Women’s Empowerment 2001 celebration by Maharashtra Foundation in New Jersey, USA.
• She was appointed as a Member of the Advisory Committee of Stri Abhyas Kendra (Women’s Study Centre) of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
• Naseema was honoured with the CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence for her contribution to the disabled community through her NGO `Helpers of The Handicapped'. 

Naseema has humbly received all awards as representative of ‘Helpers’. She acknowledges that she could not have done anything without whole hearted support of her colleagues, donors, and well wishers.

RUMA ROKA- Noida Deaf Society

It’s world where silence speaks and world flow through actions. But, it inhabitants draw their strength from a dream of being self-reliant and independent. With an aim to fulfill this vision, the Noida Deaf Society (NDS) was started two years ago by Ruma Roka. Today, the organisaton gives vocational training to those with hearing impairment in computers, conducts comprehensive Indian Sign Language classes, along with written English classes to facilitate communication.

Explains Roka, who set up NDS with the help hearing impaired volunteers, “The motive behind starting this was to let the hearing impaired specialize in training programme through computer lesions and basic English-speaking course to sustain them after their basic schooling as there are no proper higher educational avenues for the hearing impaired in India.

She got thinking on this when some hearing impaired friends volunteered to help her to do interpretation work in schools and hospitals. Today, the organization has 58 students pursuing different courses. The NDS presently has two certified hearing impaired teachers for the basic office application sign language course. Other than this, there is a specialized DTP course, which has been created by NIIT media staff and is being conducted twice a week on a voluntary basis by the NIIT media staff.

But the road to success was not easy. Roka faced opposition from the parents of the hearing impaired children. 

“Parents do not know whom to turn to when they realise that their child is born impaired of hearing. Their struggle begins right from the time the child is born and efforts taken to make him live like ‘normal” children are fraught with barriers. Since they feel that success is only possible if their child can talk, they are usually against sign language training and prefer speech therapy which is definitely not the way to provide education, since the child is born hearing impaired. We have to extensively counsel parents before they understand our strategy.” she says.

Other than providing education to the hearing impaired in Noida and NCR, NDS is also paving the way towards self-employment for the instructors. Says Himanshu Sharma, who works as an instructor for the MS office course,

 “I feel that I am able to make a difference to this small community of hearing impaired.”

Nisha Thomas, who was born hearing impaired and is presently pursuing her DTP course at NDS, says, 

“I am looking forward to working as a graphic designer. But, there was a time when I was practically losing communication with everyone around. I felt so isolated, but not any more. With my training, I now that I can stand on my feet and help others like me.”

Ruma Roka says "I always wanted to do something for the less privileged in our society. In 2004 I learnt the Indian Sign Language. This got me in touch with the deaf community and I started researching about the deaf, their issues and the needs. The more time I spent with the deaf, the more I realized the need to do something. There was no looking back from that point. I realized that there were complex issues facing the deaf in the country including lack of education facilities, lack of resources especially designed keeping the needs of the deaf in mind, no avenues for holistic development and so on. Most importantly there is no access to quality training leading to sustainable livelihood.

I found that in India deaf education was in a bad condition. Deaf students are often forced to speak and use of sign language is discouraged. I also found that since schools are not really preparing the deaf for a responsible and independent life, the deaf end up in menial jobs and get deeply frustrated.

To address some of these issues and to bring about a positive change in this marginalized community, I started an organization called Noida Deaf Society (NDS) in 2005. I started from a small two bed room flat belonging to my husband. I just had five students and I was the only trainer. Through word of mouth the organization started growing. We started teaching English using sign language – since we believe that if the deaf picked up English, they could communicate in the workplace with the written word and hence be employable in multiple professions. Thereafter we started training in basics of IT and subsequently expanded trainings to include Life Skills, Grooming, Desktop publishing and graphics and work ethics. When I started, I was the only trainer but today we are a strong team of 15 which includes 12 deaf trainers and support staff.

Our goal is to enable the complete integration of the deaf into the mainstream through education and specialized vocational programs leading to gainful employment. At Noida Deaf Society we understand the constraints of the Deaf and focus on their abilities to bring out the best in them. We have used the visual medium of IT to enable learning. Training programs are conducted by Deaf trainers as we feel that they best understand the needs of the Deaf and also act as role models for the community. Training is conducted in Indian Sign Language using visual aids and multimedia based material. Our trainings have been developed based on market research and are job oriented in nature.

Training in Life Skills and Work Ethics is a key focus area towards preparing the youth for employment. Regular exposure to the industry is provided through guest lectures by professionals, industry visits and workshops. We are also actively engaging with the industry to build sensitivity and raise awareness about the Deaf through workshops, mentoring programs, collaborative industrial training, employee volunteering and sign language orientation. We have so far been able to employ over 170 youth in leading organizations in profiles such as Graphic Designing, Backend IT and Data Entry, Retail, Hospitality, Teaching, Export Houses, Production Units and so on.