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Julia

Young girl with ambulatory disabilities

This is Julia. She has had trouble with her legs since birth. She is a bright little girl, and used to be full of energy despite her lack of mobility. However, in the past few years she has become withdrawn and sad.

This is mostly because of her exclusion from society. As a child with a disability, she is shunned and shamed. Other children will not play with her, and her parents did not know what to do with her. Her father left the family when Julia was born, fearing evil spirits and bad luck (a common misconception in Uganda about the causes of disability). Her mother was left to support Julia and her brother and sisters alone. But despite her mother’s efforts, Julia’s condition and disposition worsened. It was hard to keep her spirits up, when everyone around her told her she could not and would not have a happy and full life.

But fortunately for Julia, her mother found some help.
The programs offered by People With Disabilities Uganda, and supported by Pearls of Africa, presented Julia and her mother with a variety of supports. Julia and her mother were given information - the right information- about disability and its causes. They were shown how disability does not keep a person from having a happy and full life. And most importantly, they were introduced to others who were in the same situation. Julia now has several friends, some with disabilities, and some who are the siblings of children with disabilities. Her mother receives information and support about caring from Julia and her brother and sisters.

Julia recently received a wheelchair and is currently learning how to use it.Nowadays, Julia and her mother look forward to her future, and no longer dread each day. They still have struggles and will continue to have some difficulties, but they are glad to know that they are not alone.

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