The disabled in India

There are no pictures today because I went to a home for disabled children and I didn't think it would be respectful to photograph them. Eighty children are cared for by three sisters and attend school on their campus. In general, the children have families and they will return to them after they complete 10th grade if they can make it that far. The families simply can not care for them at home and it would be impossible for the kids to go to school with their disabilities. There is no ADA act in India that provides transportation, special classes, ramps, etc. Most of them were severely lame, several were severely deformed at birth or had accidents that disfigured them, one boy lost and arm and a leg to electricution. A few were mentally challenged and there were one or two who were blind. If they can't excel in school, the sisters teach them skills like sewing so that they can make a living after leaving. Those beautiful beaded saris and scarves in shop windows are made by hand and I have seen many examples of the incredible beadwork that is done by village girls as a way to earn a living. The children were so happy to have visitors and I tried to talk to every one of them. The girls sang a welcome song for me and gave me bouqets of flowers and the boys danced sitting down. There are no wheelchairs or equipment of any kind so the kids learn to scoot on the floor to move around. I come home emotionally exhausted after every trip like this. Some days I am glad that all I have to do is sit in my office and work on the computer. It's certainly easier work than what the sisters do every day.