Twenty-nine-year-old Mohini Sharma, a resident of Kamothe, is one among those who strives to remove the prefix dis from her ability. Here's another person who wishes to be known for her abilities and not her disability. Mohini Sharma, a 29-year-old resident of Kamothe, although suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II, she has a determined mind that has helped her to successfully wade through obstacles. Diagnosed when she was nine-years-old, the disease rendered her disabled from neck down and she has been taking the help of a wheelchair ever since. This, however, did not diminish her spirit or her parents' will to motivate her to rise. "I did my primary education from the Society for the Education of the Crippled and completed SSC and HSC in private. It was difficult for my parents to face the ordeals life had in store for them, especially because my brother was also diagnosed with the same condition. But, they did not lose hope and always motivated us to face the odds head-on." Sharma fondly recollects how her parents taught her to cope with the difficulties. "They told me only one thing, that I have to accept what I am and have. That I can either do it with tears or a smile. I chose the latter as it always strengthens you and those around," she says. Sharma holds a degree in BCom and works from home as marketing coordinator for a Canada-based firm. Since childhood she had an inclination toward writing. Currently, she freelances for a few websites as a content writer and is also a tarot card reader. The hurdles she faced in her initial years always drove her to work for the rights of the disabled and contribute in any way possible. She has associated herself with many NGOs over the years and still continues to contribute. In 2009, she volunteered for Global Aid, Vizaag by compiling a directory meant for disabled people and was interviewed by a well-known FM channel on World Disability Day. She has volunteered for NGOs like Cross The Hurdle, Kanchan Foundation, IAMD and is currently with Saathi-Manch that works for the paraplegic. "Sometime back, my society thought it better to remove the ramp I used for moving in and out, thereby restricting my mobility. I had to approach various institutions to reclaim my rights and have the ramp reinstituted," says Sharma, who is also elated that she has purchased a wheelchair car. "It used to be very difficult before as my father had to lift me up and seat me in the car. However, now I can use my wheelchair to get in the car and the independence is hugely satisfying," she says with content. She aims high in life and wishes to pen scripts and direct films in Bollywood. "Becoming independent financially to support my family is my primary goal. My parents have given 29 years of their lives for me and I will do my best to give them a peaceful life hereafter," she signs off with optimism. http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-navi-mumbai-aiming-high-1955132 Ravi
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