Transforming People With Disabilities in India

Abdul feels the wind brush against his face as he pedals steadily, the rhythmic creak of his push cart loaded with goods—fruits, snacks, small household items—ready to be sold to passersby.

Abdul’s life hadn’t always felt this hopeful. When he was just 10 years old, the onset of sight impairment changed everything. Growing up in poverty, his vision loss only compounded the challenges he faced as a young boy with disabilities. In his community, people with disabilities are often labeled as burdensome or less valuable—a perception that can be as limiting as the impairments themselves. Without an education or resources, Abdul spent much of his adulthood grappling with feelings of inadequacy and frustration as he struggled to provide for his family.

Even through life’s challenges, Abdul found blessings. He speaks often of his gratitude for his wife—a woman as resilient as she is kind—and the joy their young child brings to their modest household. Abdul feared he would fail them, unable to bring home enough income to keep food on the table.

You gave Abdul a push cart—something he could use to run his own street vending business. Alongside the push cart came a pair of specialty glasses, designed to enhance his remaining vision and allow him to safely maneuver the crowded streets.

Each morning, he carefully loads the cart with items he knows his customers want—fresh produce for the mothers hurriedly preparing their family meals, snacks for the schoolchildren passing by, and small essentials for the neighborhood.

 “You gave me more than just a cart and glasses,” Abdul said with a smile. “You gave me the ability to provide for my family—not just for today, but for tomorrow and the many days after.”

Thank you for your generous support of people with disabilities!