Prakriti Bhattarai

Prakriti was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of four. After being asked to leave a mainstream school in Kathmandu, Nepal, due to her disability, she was left feeling hopeless and irritated with life because she thought she was the only one who was born different. With her mother’s persistence, she was admitted to the Self-help Group for Cerebral Palsy programme (SGCP). Prakriti flourished at this school, taking part in many extracurricular activities such as sewing, art, and crafts. She had the opportunity to develop her computer skills, including completing a computer graphics design course.

It proved challenging for Prakriti to find a suitable vocation due to her disability. She worked as a receptionist and a special needs school teacher. Determined to complete her education, she obtained her school leaving certificate through a combination of home- and school-based learning.

While working as a teacher in a special needs school, she was nominated for the International Employment Achievement Award through SGCP in 2018, organised by ADAPT in Mumbai. On World Cerebral Palsy Day in 2018, she was honoured to receive the “Individual Employment/Entrepreneurship Award” from ADAPT. This was a prestigious accolade for her and a very proud moment for her family.

In 2020, through SAMA Nepal, she was invited to participate in the Community Initiatives in Inclusion (CII) course, supported by TWC in partnership with ADAPT. This course equipped her with skills in disability and inclusion, providing her with ideas for implementation in Nepal. Her English language skills improved, along with her physical and mental well-being.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Prakriti was unable to return to Nepal and remained in lockdown at ADAPT’s centre. Being away from home during such uncertain times was yet another test of her endurance and patience. Under the care and guidance of the team at ADAPT, she and other participants kept busy with meditation and other innovative activities.

When Prakriti was finally able to return to Nepal, she was even more driven to make a difference. She is now happily working as a computer operator in the Women’s Development Branch. Prakriti and her team work to improve awareness of disability and inclusion, inclusive education, and the empowerment of women.

Prakriti has overcome many challenges. However, with her determination and passion, supportive family, and guidance from ADAPT and SAMA Nepal, she is now working as an ambassador for change.