From loss of hearing to loss of a limb, EHA works with all kinds of people with disabilities. At 18 hospitals (5 of which run a disability center), EHA offers disability and learning services, where they assist people in gaining life skills and learning coping techniques.

For eighteen years Roshan had been unable to walk. He was born with extremely weak quadriceps that left him immobile and frustrated. As a child, Roshan was taken for treatment using the $600 his parents were able to scrape together, but there was no improvement.

Roshan lived with his widowed mother and six older brothers near Chhatarpur Christian Hospital. He went to school through eighth grade but was unable to participate in normal activities and was often left home alone, his depression deepening.

In May, the Chhatarpur community health team learned about Roshan. They counseled him about self-respect, resilience, and life goals, and they placed him in a Disabled People’s Group (DPG). A physiotherapist gave him mobility exercises to do daily. The staff followed up with him weekly, and he tentatively began to walk.

At the end of June, Roshan surprised his family by dancing at his brother’s wedding. He was thrilled to be a real part of this social gathering and has left his depression behind.

The DPG gives him good support, and the community staff have helped him apply for disability benefits. Roshan’s life opportunities have opened up before him due to the care and simple physical therapy that EHA staff were able to provide for him.