As a budding psychologist, I thought I had a good grasp on the various domains of mental health. However, my experience at EnAble India opened my eyes to an unexplored realm - working with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). This journey has been both challenging and immensely rewarding, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and expanding my professional horizons.      One of the most exciting aspects was diving into scale development. Creating assessment tools tailored for PWDs required a complete paradigm shift in my approach. I had to consider factors I'd never thought about before - like how to make scales accessible for those with visual or auditory impairments. This experience taught me the importance of inclusive design in psychological assessments. Conducting sessions with PWDs was another eye-opening experience. I quickly learned that my usual communication strategies needed adaptation. Whether it was using more visual aids for those with hearing im...

     The joy I found in working alongside the ASVAS family was immeasurable. We were a diverse group - students from Christ University, members of the church community, and people from all walks of life - each contributing our time and energy selflessly. Laughter filled the room as we chopped vegetables, shared stories, and found fun in our shared mission. The bonds formed here were more than just friendships; they were built on a mutual understanding of service and empathy.        What struck me most was the sheer scale of ASVAS's impact. Every day, this kitchen serves around 60 people, offering a nutritious meal of rice, sambar, ragi ball, pickle, pappad, and vegetable mix. It's not just about filling empty stomachs; it's about providing comfort and hope to those battling cancer, mental health issues, or simply struggling with poverty. ASVAS embodies the true spirit of community service, where small acts of kindness multiply, diversity is celebrated,...

      My experience at EnAble India has shown me that the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) extend far beyond the walls of our organization. One of the most critical areas we focus on is helping PWDs find and adjust to jobs, a process that requires creativity, patience, and a deep understanding of both individual needs and workplace dynamics.      Accommodating PWDs in jobs often means thinking outside the box. For instance, we've worked with companies to redesign workstations for employees with physical disabilities, implemented flexible work hours for those managing chronic conditions, and introduced assistive technologies to support various needs. These adjustments not only benefit the PWDs but often improve the overall work environment for all employees.      Finding the right job match for PWDs is a delicate process. It involves carefully assessing an individual's skills, interests, and limitations, then creativel...

As I reflect on my time at ASVAS community kitchen, one memory stands out vividly - our Onam celebration. Despite limited resources, we managed to create a beautiful festival atmosphere that brought joy to everyone involved. It was a fun experience for many of my team, most of who are not exposed to what Onam feels like.      The day began with excitement as volunteers gathered to create a traditional pookalam (flower rangoli). With whatever flowers we could gather, we worked together, laying out intricate patterns on the floor. It wasn't the most elaborate pookalam, but it was made with love and teamwork, symbolizing the spirit of the festival.The highlight was undoubtedly the Onam sadhya (feast). Our kitchen team worked tirelessly to prepare a simplified version of the traditional multi-course meal. We may not have had all the traditional dishes, but the essence of Onam was present in every bite. The aroma of sambar and payasam filled the air, creating a festive atmosph...