Meet Kiran who battled depression to start a successful career in Amazon as a transport analyst

Amazon prides itself for building a workplace that embraces people with diverse abilities and skill sets. Everyone has their own special place at Amazon, and this includes people with disabilities. Many of them have battled severe physical ailments and other barriers to emerge with a smile on their faces. Meet one of them, Vangala Naga Kiran.
Based in Amazon’s Hyderabad office, Vangala Naga Kiran plays a critical role as transport analyst. Kiran has come a long way.
Born in Adilabad in rural Telangana, Kiran was nine years old when he experienced a series of fits (epilepsy) in his right hand. He was prescribed medicines to prevent further fits.
However, Kiran reacted strongly to the medicines. He experienced severe swelling in the gums and teeth discolouration. After a punishing process of trial and error, Kiran finally found a doctor who prescribed the right medicines. He continues to take them even today almost 20 years later. The long treatment has taken its course, leading to side effects that include dizziness and obesity.
The job at Amazon came at a time when Kiran was especially low.
A second chance
I entered a dark phase when I was bedridden. Because I cannot work as fast as many others, I always felt not good enough to hold down any job. Amazon noticed my potential and took me on their team. This gave me my confidence back and I felt I got a second chance in life – Vangala Naga Kiran, Transport Analyst, Amazon
Amazon firmly believes that everyone has a valuable contribution to make. All they need is encouragement and training.
Loves to read on the Kindle
Today, Kiran is a productive member of the Amazon community and is regarded as an integral part of the team. He loves watching movies on Prime Video during his free time, and his favourite Amazon product is the Kindle!
“My experience at Amazon has been amazing”, adds Kiran. “The managers are considerate with my requests for shift changes”.
Kiran’s experiences show how with the right platform and support people with disabilities can participate in the job market as equals with non-disabled people.
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