December 19, 2025
My name is Helen, and I am 30-years-old. I have had a disability since I was one.
I live with my parents, and I have a college graduate degree in accounting. I work jobs in data collection.
I have faced discrimination in the past. The job market is scarce, and I know when I’ve been for interviews and people have seen me, they have not accepted me because of my appearance. They don’t care about your capability, what your mind can offer, there is still discrimination. This also extends into education. I know that most of our schools are not accessible for people with disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs.
Then, I became connected with ERDI. This has been life-changing, as it opened doors for advocacy and inclusion within my community. Community-based organisations like ours are vital because they raise awareness, challenge discrimination, and educate families about equality, especially for women and children. They help create spaces where everyone can thrive.
Because of ERDI’s work and the awareness they have created, access to services has improved for me and others with disabilities. Before, it was hard to get recognition or support, but now people know us. In schools and offices, people understand and give me the freedom I need. ERDI has helped us get job badges and participate in exhibitions, which means those of us with education can be chosen for work. Even in election offices or other places, we are recognised because of the awareness ERDI has built. Things are changing bit by bit, and that gives me hope.
My ambition is big. That even if I start with just a little, I pray that God provides for me and that people around me support me because I want to be able to help others tomorrow – my disabled sisters, brothers. If I see someone struggling, I want to be the one who lifts them up. I dream of owning a big business one day, starting with a dry goods market selling items like grains, dry milk, and foodstuffs that don’t perish easily. With this, I can create opportunities for others to be independent and live with dignity.
May God bless me so that I can bless others.
