Sarah Yahaya Danladi is a woman with physical disability from Kanam local government of Plateau State. She became a person with disability came as a result of fire outbreak in their home when she was two months old baby, one of her leg was badly burnt to the extent that she now walk with the aid of crutches. The fire incident also resulted in the death of her parents. She became an orphan in a tender age but now, she is married with four children.
In this interview with our correspondents Bulus Izang and Joshua Yenle, she spoke about how she managed to live beyond her disability.
TQM. What is your story as it relates to western education?
Growing up in a village and an orphan with disability, with no walking aid, I did not have any provision for educational training. I was at home doing little domestic work I can, with no specific training.
TQM. Now that you are an adult, have you find some work doing?
I later started making and selling kunu, (a grain soft drink) which is common here, because of the hot weather. And during raining season, I do some farming, cultivating crops like, rice, beans, groundnut, maize, etc. A little bit of each of them that will help in feeding the family.
TQM. Who do the farming for you?
I do it myself, my child do go with me to the farm.
TQM. Tell us a little about your husband?
He is now a blind person; he became a person with disability after we got married. Before, he lost his sight, he was a carpenter working to provide for his family, but now the table has turn to me.
TQM. What about your children’s education?
They are all schooling at various levels, two are doing their diploma program while the other two are in primary school.
TQM. Who is paying for their education?
We coordinate ourselves as a family, by managing whatever little resource we have to pay for their education, and God have been helping us faithfully.
TQM. what is life like for you as a child growing up disability and now as a woman with disability?
Life was not easy for me as a child with disability, with no parents to comfort and support me. Way back then I don’t like to come out because children used to call me names and laugh at me. This make me feel not worthy as a human being, indoor became my escape from shame and pains. To add to it, I did not had walking aid, not until much later, that my uncle had to used water iron pipe to devise a walking aid for me, I still used similar material for mobility.
But as an adult, I see and understand things differently, the name calling, is no more, even if it is still there, I have chosen not to hear it. This is possible because of the love God have for me in Christ Jesus. Today, I go out and socialize with people freely. I am a member of New Life for All in the Church. I am also a member and Treasurer Physical Handicap Association of Nigeria, Kanam local government Branch. I am no longer the lonely person I used to be, to the glory of God.
TQM. Before we go, what personal appeal for assistance would you like to put across to members of the society?
I need assistance to continue sponsoring my children’s education, some money to put into my business and I would also need assistance with mobility aid, either Tricycle or Crutches, the present crutches I am using need change.
TQM: Thank You for sharing your story with us
Thank you very for visiting.
