Translated from Punjabi by Dr Navneet Bhullar)

Meeting PIDD (Persons with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities) self advocates 

I, Navneet ma'am and Luv went to Delhi for 3 days. In the IMA (East Delhi) building the conference named NSMH -06 was held .( National Seminar on Mental Health).We met self-advocates from Manovikas, a Delhi based organization. On Day 3 of the conference, the self advocates were on stage answering audience questions. All of them were answering questions intelligently and with courage. They said they go on outings on their own and do their own errands. They use phone and computer technology in their daily lives. They reported that they get paid for work and deposit their paychecks in their own bank accounts. Our family members support us and encourage us to learn to be self-dependent. Many had parents in the audience as well. They too narrated their experiences. A self advocate said that they want to ensure their parents have shining reputations. Five self advocated were on stage. One of them works on computer software. He is hubham. Tanya is a special educator working for Manovikas. Khushboo has learnt hotel work.Aradhya has completed her 12th and is looking for a job.Anchal studied in Manovikas till 12th grade and learnt badminton there which she enjoys playing.

One physically disabled audience member reported that she has to use the lift to get to this conference hall and Tanya has been very kind to her, showing empathy and courtesy and making room for this person on the lift, which no one else did in all the three days.