For most people, a first paycheck marks a personal milestone—an achievement to be proud of.
For Isha Kohli, it represents something far deeper: a lifeline and a testament to resilience in a world that was not ready for her.

Early Struggles

Isha’s story begins with exclusion. At just five years old, she was expelled from school only two days after being admitted. Not due to a lack of curiosity or willingness to learn, but because society wasn’t prepared to include a child with differences.

Born with mild intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, Isha’s early years were marked by underconfidence, low self-esteem, and limited social interaction. She rarely spoke, lacked personality and presentation skills, and had little sense of age-appropriate dressing. The world she was growing up in constantly reminded her of what she couldn’t do—instead of recognizing her potential.

A Turning Point

Everything changed when Isha joined the Customized Employment Program (CEP) at the Ashish Foundation two years ago.

Supported by the vocational training team, she began to work on grooming, communication, and personal development. She learned how to dress appropriately for her age, take care of her hygiene, and present herself with confidence. The CEP team, meanwhile, helped her identify her strengths and build job-specific skills.

Over time, a quiet, withdrawn girl began to shine.

The Transformation

Today, Isha is unrecognizable in the best way. She has evolved into a confident, expressive, and independent young woman with a bright spark and a strong sense of self.

Some of her key achievements include:

• 🚇 Travelling independently on the Delhi Metro
• 💎 Creating exquisite handmade jewelry—bracelets, earrings, keychains
• 💻 Learning digital tools, including MS Word
• 🕘 Working a structured schedule from 9 AM to 3:30 PM
• 👗 Taking pride in grooming, hygiene, and fashion
• 🗣️ Actively participating in conversations and group settings

She is now an avid jewelry maker, pouring creativity and care into each piece she designs. Isha takes pride in her work and in who she is becoming.

Skills That Speak for Themselves

Isha is not asking for sympathy—she’s asking for opportunity. And she brings real value to the table:

• 🎨 Creativity – Her jewelry reflects detail, thought, and originality
• 📋 Discipline – Focused and consistent in her work routine
• 🔧 Problem-solving – Able to troubleshoot and perfect her creations
• 📚 Adaptability – Continuously learning new skills, both practical and digital

The Life She Deserves

Isha dreams of earning her own income, living independently, and crafting a life that’s happy and on her own terms. She doesn’t want to be seen as someone who was cast aside—she wants to be remembered as someone who rose, thrived, and inspired.

But her journey forward doesn’t depend on her alone.

It depends on us—as employers, citizens, and changemakers—who can choose to see potential where others saw limitation.

How You Can Help

🔹 Hire inclusively – Skills > Labels
🔹 Support programs that empower neurodiverse individuals
🔹 Challenge bias – Talent comes in many forms

Know someone who can make a difference? Let’s connect.
Let’s not be the reason Isha never gets a chance.
Let’s be the reason she gets her first paycheck—and many more after that.