Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Get-hooked
  • Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Shibina battles for an accessible, disabled friendly world

Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Shibina battles for an accessible, disabled friendly world

shibina on a wheelchair
Get-hooked August 27, 2020
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

In the final feature of our month-long campaign #RaiseAwarenessAboutSMA, today we have 38-year-old Shibina PA from Ernakulam district in Kerala. Shibina, who makes a living by creating beautiful craftworks, hopes to see a world which is accessible and disabled friendly. Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) very early, Shibina also wants to help create more awareness about her disability in the society.

As members from the Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) community works on creating awareness about the disability, especially throughout the month of August, there calls for a need to sensitize the society about SMA. This disability that causes weakening of muscles, can affect the life of the affected person in many ways. Kerala-based youngster Shibina PA, 38 years old, hope to see a sea of change and a positive outlook towards SMA in the future.

Shibina’s diagnosis

A wheelchair user, Shibina recollects that her family was aware about SMA because she had an elder brother diagnosed with same disability. But he passed away at the age of two. So when Shibina started showing symptoms of SMA as a baby, her parents immediately consulted her to a doctor. That is how she was diagnosed at the age of one.

“Unlike my brother who passed away, I could sit properly. But I showed all other symptoms and my parents did not want to take a chance. When I was diagnosed, it was disheartening for them. But they left no stone unturned to help me out during my growing up years. They were hopeful for the best and provided me with treatment without fail”, she says.

Shibina currently lives with her parents, brother and his family, all of whom are supportive of Shibina’s ventures.

Disability no barrier to being empowered

Though Shibina completed class 10, she has not set foot into a school premises and does not miss it either. “With my condition, I’am glad that I could be home-schooled. I would rather count my blessings than cry over what I could not do. I was unable to attend school, but I could complete till class 10 at least”, she says.

So with whatever knowledge she has about academics, Shibina used to teach students near her home. But she had to quit that last year due to health issues. Shibina currently reads books and make audio recordings for visually impaired people.

During her free time, Shibina also makes beautiful handmade bangles, paper flower vase and other ornaments that are eco-friendly. She sells them to interested people, mostly her own relatives and friends. “I can say that one of my biggest assets are a group of great friends whom I know will always be there for me”, she says.

NGO MIND and Prajaahita together are holding a ‘Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month Campaign’ in which Shibina is also a part of. Through the campaign, Shibina hopes to help create awareness about SMA and most importantly, help create accessible public spaces.

In India, thousands of people like Shibina hope to see an accessible and disabled-friendly world around them. Their constant demands to government and officials often goes unheard. SMA community members believe that creating awareness about their disability is the first step towards creating an inclusive society.

Watch in Sign Language

Also Read:

  • Celebrities, youth come together for spinal muscular atrophy awareness campaign in Kerala
0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Multiple Sclerosis does not affect Anjali's love for Cooking

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Employment
    InReturn Strategies is redefining the way American companies talk about diversity & inclusion
  • Employment,Independent Living
    My journey from a hearing impaired individual to a Social Changemaker
  • Accessibility
    Top 10 Accessible Brands & Brand Campaigns Globally
  • Accessibility,Independent Living
    Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities still a distant hope in India (series 1 of 3)

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Woman getting her eyes tested

Get-hooked

#GlaucomaAwarenessMonth – Early detection & treatment is critical to prevent permanent vision loss

Logos of the 10 brands featured in the article

Accessibility

Top 10 Accessible Brands & Brand Campaigns Globally

Employment

My journey from a hearing impaired individual to a Social Changemaker

Accessibility

Affordable and Independent Mobility for Persons with Disabilities still a distant hope in India (series 1 of 3)

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Parasports

Bethany Society Shillong are champs at the 4th national blind football tournament

Get-hooked

Understanding Stress of Moving House for Child with Autism

Get-hooked

#AllYouNeedIsLove- Shivprasad & Sharmila’s marriage is a bond of love & friendship

Accessibility

CBRF’s new short film ‘Let me in’ highlights need for accessible spaces for people with disabilities

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.