Mary Chai is a lady with physical disability from Riyom local government of Plateau state. She became a person with disability as a result of polio at the age of three months.
Although her parents seek medical attention for her, I could not walk. Her parents gave birth to them at an old age, because after their marriage, they spent years before they started having children.
In this brief chat with our correspondents, Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, she spoke her life struggles as a woman with disabilities.
TQM. Was Mary privileged to be send to school even though a person with disability?
Ans. My parents though well advanced in aged, sent me to school. I was taken to Central Primary School Riyom for my primary education, after completion, I proceeded to Government Secondary School Riyon and Government Secondary School Jos for my Junior and senior secondary education respectively. I acquired a certificate on Home Economic from Training School Riyom.
TQM. What work are doing for a living?
Ans. I am selling Mui-Mui (beans meal) and I also do some knitting, mostly using knitting machine to knit sweater for school children. Even I don’t have my own knitting machine, I hire it from a lady, whenever I have work to do and pay her for the use of the knitting machine.
TQM. Are you married?
Ans. No, I am not yet married.
TQM. Have you been discriminated at home or in the community because of your disability?
Ans. No, they have been nice to me. I thank members of my family and the people in my community for their love and care.
TQM. How do you get food to eat?
Ans. My elder brothers whom I am staying with, they are giving me food as well as providing cloths and medical bills, in support what I can do for myself from my earnings.
TQM. Apart from assistance from your family members have you received assistance from outside?
Ans. No.
TQM. Government have put in place loan scheme for small scale business. Are you aware of it? If yes, have applied or considering to apply?
Ans. I am aware of it. I have even applied for it, but I have not yet gotten anything.
TQM. Lastly, what appeal for assistance would you make to those who are reading your story?
Ans. My appeal is, I should be help with a knitting machine, this would enable me to earn more money to be able to pay for my everyday bills. I may even go back to school.
TQM. Thank so much for granting us this interview.
Ans. you are welcome.
