My name is Lata Salvi. I'm 22 years old. I have 3 sisters, two of whom are working, while the youngest is still in school. We live in a small house in one of the poorest areas of Mumbai. I have never been to school as I'm usually sick. (cerebral palsy, mental retardation and cancer). I stay at home the whole day and used to get bored.

Two years back in April, staff from ASHA (Cheshire programme on disability in Mumbai, India) visited my house. One of the didi's (sister) started teaching me exercises to improve my mobility. She used to often come and motivate me to help my mother around the house. She also taught me to eat on my own and to greet people when I meet them. This made me very happy as now I could do many things on my own instead of relying on my mother.

With motivation from ASHA, I started making bindis (a forehead decoration worn in South Asia, particularly India). My sisters help me in buying the raw material. With ASHA's help we were able to contact few buyers, to whom we regularly sell the bindis today. I earn around Rs150 (£2) per month. Although the amount is small, I feel happy that inspite of my health problems I'm able to earn.

ASHA also gave me Rs 2000 (£25) to buy medicines for the cancer treatment I was undergoing at Tata Memorial Hospital. I'm a member of a self help group for persons with disabilities promoted by ASHA. I have started saving in the group and love meeting and talking to the other members.

I now spend my time well. My family is proud of me. I love making bindis and am very happy. Thank you ASHA.

Contributed by
Yashvinder Kapil
Project Coordinator (CBR)
ASHA programme,
Cheshire Home, Mumbai, India