Caring for Carers
Gyanamma, 34 years, is from Hatti. She is, herself, disabled. Her husband, Hanumappa, is an agriculture laborer and earns around Rs 200 in daily wages. They have three children, two girls and one boy.
Naveen, the oldest child, is 10 years old and has cerebral palsy. naveen now has his medical certificates and disability pension. He was also provided a special chair, splint. Gyanamma has also learnt basic physiotherapy to help Naveen practice at home.
Gyanamma, herself, was assisted to apply for and receive her disability pension, and she has undergone tailoring and design training with Samarthya.
Presently, she earns around Rs 100/day from stitching blouses and children’s dresses. She was also supported to purchase two sheep worth Rs 5800.
She has joined the Carers group at Koppal and has started savings Rs 100 per month. After joining the Carers group, she has been able to meet and share her issues with her peers. The meetings have also helped her to to gain knowledge about carers issues, self employment opportunities, Govt schemes,amongst others. She now shares her experiences with others, and attends seminars, workshops and other events and celebrations.
Gyanamma applied for a motorized bike in 2018. In the beginning the Disabled Welfare Dept did not accept application. Gyanamma then met the Deputy Commissioner to submit her application, which was then forwarded to the Disability Officer. Regular follow-up was done with the Dept. until this was sanctioned. Gyanamma received this on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava on 1st of November 2018 at Koppal.