Neha Manjhi, a vibrant and determined young woman, has navigated her life with resilience and a strong sense of self. At 23, she carries with her a unique blend of creativity, ambition, and an unwavering love for hands-on activities. From childhood to adulthood, her journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of growing up with an Intellectual Disability (ID) in an Indian context.

Early Years and Childhood

Neha recalls her childhood with fondness, often engaging in activities that brought her comfort and joy. She loved working with “sui-dhaga” (needle and thread), preparing food, and spending time at the bank, withdrawing money and observing the environment. Even as a child, she expressed a desire for independence, aspiring to own a bag and a laptop, signaling her early inclination towards work and self-sufficiency.

Growing up, Neha faced some challenges, but with the support of her family and teachers, she learned to navigate them. Her mother and father, with their boundless love, provided her with a nurturing environment. In school, she found a mentor in Yamuna Ma’am and Shobhini Ma’am, who understood her learning style and guided her with patience and care.

Schooling and Learning Journey

Neha’s school experience was shaped by her love for Hindi and practical skills. She also attended another NGO where she engaged in production work, gaining hands-on experience that further strengthened her abilities. Learning through visuals and videos was particularly helpful for her, as she found it easier to grasp concepts through observation.

Social interactions at school were sometimes challenging, but Neha managed to form meaningful connections. Her best friend, Krishnapriya, holds a special place in her heart, providing companionship and emotional support. Over the years, she has learned how to navigate friendships, valuing care and kindness in her relationships.

Present Life and Daily Routine

Neha’s day is structured and productive, comprising gym sessions, nursery work, lunch preparation, production work, and academic learning, including mathematics. She finds comfort in routine and takes pride in being independent. Her leisure time is often spent watching TV, particularly enjoying shows like CID and Doraemon. However, horror movies tend to frighten her.

Engaging in stitching has become a passion for Neha, and she has developed a keen interest in learning new stitching techniques on her own. Her self-driven nature has led her to explore different creative pursuits, further adding to her repertoire of skills.

Social and Emotional Aspects

Neha values friendships and enjoys being surrounded by loved ones. She has a strong bond with her sister, whom she affectionately calls “Laado.” She takes on a caretaking role for younger children and enjoys administrative work. While she feels comfortable in both group settings and one-on-one interactions, she prefers calm and soft-spoken environments.

When overwhelmed, Neha copes by allowing herself to express her emotions, often crying before regaining her composure. Despite these moments of heightened sensitivity, she stands her ground firmly and is determined to make her voice heard.

Career Aspirations and Employment Readiness

Neha dreams big when it comes to her future. She has a deep interest in hospitality and envisions herself working as a hotel chef. Her love for cooking and food preparation makes this career path an ideal fit. Additionally, she aspires to open her own parlour, where she can showcase her handcrafted items and creativity.

Her educators describe her as confident, hardworking, and highly adaptable. She eagerly takes on new challenges and is persistent in learning new skills. However, guidance and supervision remain essential in ensuring she stays focused and motivated.

Family and Home Environment

Neha lives in a joint family setup, residing on the top floor of their home with her parents and siblings. Her father works as a driver, while her mother is a homemaker. As the eldest sibling, Neha has a strong sense of responsibility towards her younger brother and sister. Her home is filled with love and inclusivity, reinforcing the values that have shaped her journey so far.

A Call to Action: Creating Inclusive Opportunities

Neha’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and hope. She stands as a testament to the potential within every individual, proving that with the right support, those with Intellectual Disabilities can lead fulfilling, independent lives.

But Neha’s journey is not just her own—it is a reflection of what many individuals with disabilities face. Her dreams of employment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion are aspirations that should be within reach for all.

You can be part of this change.

• Support inclusive education and vocational training programs.

• Encourage businesses to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

• Advocate for a more accepting and accommodating society.

• Celebrate the abilities, creativity, and potential of individuals like Neha.

By fostering inclusive environments and embracing neurodiversity, we can help individuals like Neha turn their dreams into reality. Together, let’s build a world where every person, regardless of their challenges, has the opportunity to shine.