Jahan (name changed), 23, lives with her mother in Healapakhri, Goalpara. For years, whenever Jahan needed to move from one place to another, her elderly mother had to carry her. Living with cerebral palsy, Jahanara had faced significant difficulties with mobility since childhood. Without a wheelchair, she depended on her mother for much of her movement and daily care. For her mother, who was growing older herself, carrying her adult daughter had become physically demanding and tiring.
The two had been managing these challenges for a long time without access to a wheelchair or a UDID (Unique Disability ID) card. The family was unaware of the process for obtaining a UDID card and had not received the support needed to navigate the application process. As a result, Jahan was unable to access disability-related support that could have helped improve her mobility and quality of life.
The situation came to the attention of CBR Worker L when she met Jahan's mother at the Healapakhri Anganwadi Centre. During their conversation, CBR Worker L learned about Jahan's condition, her difficulties with mobility, and the challenges her elderly mother faced in supporting her.
Recognising the need for both documentation and mobility support, CBR Worker L helped the family begin the process of obtaining Jahan's UDID card. She guided the family on the documents required, including Jahan's Aadhaar card, disability-related medical documents and photographs. She also assisted them with the online application and coordinated with the concerned authorities through the process, including the medical assessment. She recognised that obtaining the UDID card could help Jahan access disability-related support that could improve not only her mobility but also her quality of life.
After the application and medical assessment were completed, Jahan's UDID card was issued in about a month. With the UDID card in place, CBR Worker L then helped Jahan's family apply for a wheelchair through the available government support system. After having gone without a wheelchair since childhood, Jahan finally received one.
The change has been meaningful for both Jahan and her mother. With the wheelchair, she can now move independently and leave the house more easily. This has given her greater opportunities to interact with others and participate in social activities outside the home. For her mother, the wheelchair has also eased the physical burden of carrying her daughter from place to place.
Reflecting on the difference it has made, Jahan's mother shared, “Jahan is a grown-up girl now, and as an elderly mother I already do a lot of household work, the bending for work and to carry her was adding a lot of physical pain to me. My body was not able to carry all the load like before. The wheelchair has made it much easier to take her from one place to another. I am very thankful for the support and help we received from CBR Worker L.”
Jahan's experience shows how a lack of information or support can prevent families from accessing services that are available to them. What began with a conversation at an Anganwadi Centre ultimately led to a practical change in Jahan's everyday life. For Jahan, the wheelchair represents greater ease, dignity, and independence.
