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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 19 February 2020

Avelino de Sa, from Goa, who was born with cerebral palsy, was predicted to live only for five years. But determination shows us that everything is possible, despite setbacks. Today, at 47, he is inspiring others with disability to push themselves to the limit.

Please could you tell us a bit about your condition?

I was born with cerebral palsy which is a disability caused due to brain damage to that part of the brain which affects the muscles and movements of the body.

How was your childhood? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your primary and secondary school?

I had a very pleasant childhood. When I was born I could not say the word “Mummy” or “Daddy” till the age of three. The doctors had predicted that I would not live till the age of five. But God and my parent’s determination and faith ensured that the doctors were proved wrong. I am 47-years-old today living a perfectly healthy life. I studied in a regular school and college and completed my graduation in commerce in 1994. The biggest challenge I faced I would say was accessibility of my school and college but I managed to overcome that also.

How does your disability affect your everyday life now?

I live a normal life. I walk with the help of a crutch. I have difficulty only in climbing stairs.

Have you been able to find adequate support in your community?

Yes

You have completed over a decade as a certified investment consultant. What were the tough moments and how did you deal with them?

I have completed two decades as a certified investment consultant. I have faced tough moments when the stock markets in India have crashed and the returns from the investments have not been as per expectations but I am happy to say that I convinced my clients to stay invested during the bad times if you want to reap a harvest of profits during the good times.

In 2003 you started the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG). What are its activities and mission?

Disability Rights Association of Goa is a disabled people’s organisation started in 2003 with the main objective of bringing persons with disability into the mainstream society. We advocate and lobby on various disability rights related issues, create awareness on disability issues and network with NGOs for the welfare of persons with disability. We have launched accessibility campaigns in Goa. 

What concrete changes have taken place in Goa to bring persons with disability into the mainstream society?

Lots of public buildings have become accessible, many more people have become sensitized to people with disability and many people with disability are coming forward to demand their rights.

Have you been able to create any job opportunities in Goa for people with cerebral palsy (CP)?

No, we have not been able to create job opportunities. There are job opportunities for people with CP. We don’t create them, but other corporates have them. The job opportunities are not specifically for CP hence no data is available.

Are there some jobs more appropriate for people with CP?

It depends on the percentage of disability. But people with CP can apply for jobs done by people with orthopaedic or locomotor disability if they are able to do that job.

How do you keep your hopes high and yourself motivated?

I have strong faith in God and I believe nothing is impossible if you believe in God and in yourself. I have hopes of making Goa a better place for persons with disability and that is what keeps me motivated.

Your journey can inspire individuals with cerebral palsy to dream big. What message do you have for them to fulfil their goals?

Never underestimate yourself. God has sent you in this world for a purpose. Live life to the fullest and fulfil God’s plan for you.

 

Avelino de Sa is a financial advisor by profession having his own firm Star Investments for the last 20 years. He is founder and President of Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), working for the last 16 years to bring people with disability into the mainstream society. He is a member of the North Goa Local Level Committee of the National Trust for welfare of persons with intellectual disability and NCPEDP’s National Committee for the Protection of Rights of Persons with Disability. He has been awarded the ADAPT National Award for Excellence in Activism in October 2015 and has received many more awards and accolades. 

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