Chandermani is a DPO leader in Chhattisgarh. Chandermani got polio when she was 8 months old, and she has always been challenged physically because of her disability. Her parents didn’t think she was able to do much at all, even though she had studied to Grade 10. The project staff at Surguja approached her parents about her joining the newly formed DPO, they were hesitant. But the project staff persisted – “don’t just have dreams” they said, “dreams have to be fulfilled”. Finally her parents agreed to allow Chandermani go along to some training sessions, and she joined the DPO.

“Since then my life has totally changed”, says Chandermani. “I have now set up a small shop, and am doing some tailoring to earn money. I’m now contributing to the family income alongside my brothers. I’ve earned their respect”. Recently she was selected to attend a 3 day planning meeting at Ranchi and other project partners in Ranchi. This impressed and excited everyone at home.

She is active in the DPO, which focusses on supporting other people with disability apply for Disability Certificates, which gives them access to government allowances. She sees that one of the biggest challenges for young people with disability is changing the attitude of their parents, who often don’t see the possibilities and their potential. The success of her little enterprise and her leadership in the DPO inspires parents to let their daughters with disability also get involved.

The project has to date set up 900 DPO Federations in 20 blocks in 6 districts. DPOs at this local level have a role in liaising with local government officials, and making sure that people with disability become more active in their community, and aware of their rights and the government schemes they can access. The project is moving to create 3 district level DPOs who can then push to government support at a district level. Chandermani is keen to be involved.