Aksa is 8 years old and has been attending Chingari since January 2021. She receives speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and attends special education classes. Her grandmother Nafeesa Bee is a survivor of the Bhopal gas disaster. Her father Sabir lives outside Bhopal where he works and her mother Afsana stays with her in the city so she receive treatment.
Prior to receiving physiotherapy, Aksa had an abnormal walking pattern and would frequently fall. Her walking, balance and muscle strength have all steadily improved since starting treatment, and she is able to stand, walk unsupported and kneel better than before. Since last year Aksa has started running, jumping, and is able to participate in games involving throwing, catching and cycling. Since starting speech and occupational therapy, Aksa’s hand function, posture and coordination have all seen significant improvement. When she first arrived at Chingari Aksa was able to speak only a few words, but gradually her confidence and ability have grown. She can now hold conversations and tell and write stories. Perhaps most importantly, occupational therapy has allowed her to master the basic daily life skills she will need for independent living. Since Last year Aksa has continued to progress with her education and can write short words in both Hindi and English. She can write numbers from 1 to 100, knows her two and three times tables, and can solve simple addition problems.
Aksa loves dancing, listening to music and dressing up. She likes spending time in front of the mirror to do her makeup, especially if she attending a wedding. Her favourite meal is Biryani because she loves rice. In the future Aksa would like to join the police.
