Background
Manali, now 48 years old, has mild intellectual disabilities resulting from an illness in her early years that impacted her cognitive development. Despite these challenges, her story is one of transformation, resilience, and leadership.
Early Challenges
Manali joined Navkshitij in 2014. During her initial trial period, it was evident that she adapted well to the environment but struggled with confidence. Her upbringing had kept her in a “safe zone,” limiting her ability to express herself, build connections, or participate actively in activities. She faced difficulty communicating her thoughts, avoided extracurricular activities, and hesitated to engage in social interactions.
Despite these barriers, Manali’s caring and loving nature stood out, along with her interest in learning new skills.
The Individualised Rehabilitation Plan (IRP)
In 2014, Navkshitij created a tailored Individualised Rehabilitation Plan (IRP) for Manali, prioritizing her holistic development.
- Focus on Food Preparation: Recognizing her interest in food preparation, Manali began training in basic kitchen hygiene and cleanliness. These foundational skills were critical for her safety and growth in the culinary field.
- Training Progression: Over six months, she mastered essential kitchen safety protocols and was appointed as a kitchen assistant, gaining practical skills and growing in confidence.
The daily interaction with kitchen staff further helped Manali develop socially and emotionally.
Transition to Chocolate Making
After excelling in the kitchen, Manali was introduced to the chocolate-making unit after one year of training. At first, the transition was overwhelming, as she lacked any prior experience in chocolate-making. However, with consistent support and encouragement from the Navkshitij team, Manali began to learn:
- Melting chocolate
- Filling molds
- Packaging finished products
Through months of dedicated effort, she became proficient in the entire chocolate-making process. Her growing confidence enabled her to train other girls in the unit. Her ability to lead and inspire her peers led to her appointment as the manager of the chocolate unit. In this role, she not only oversaw the production process but also motivated her team to perform efficiently.
Continued Growth
In 2024, Manali expanded her skill set by completing a six-day course in soft toy making. This milestone opens new opportunities for her to play a vital role in establishing a soft toy-making unit at Navkshitij.
Impact and Inspiration
Manali’s journey exemplifies how targeted interventions, personalized support, and encouragement can empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to overcome their limitations. From a shy and reserved individual, she has transformed into a confident leader who inspires others.
Her story illustrates that with the right opportunities, persons with intellectual disabilities can:
- Build confidence
- Learn and master new skills
- Take on responsibilities
- Lead and motivate others
Manali’s achievements continue to inspire her peers, caregivers, and the broader community at Navkshitij. She stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential within every individual.
Conclusion
Manali’s journey highlights the transformative power of support and opportunity. From a reserved individual to a confident chocolate unit manager and mentor, she has shown remarkable growth and resilience. Her story proves that with the right environment, individuals with intellectual disabilities can overcome challenges, lead meaningful lives, and inspire others to do the same.