In Balinese Hindu culture, a disability is seen as a curse from the Gods but our staff see things very differently. 75 per cent of the organisation’s staff have a disability and are leading the way in showing that people from all backgrounds can lead fulfilling lives when they have access to quality rehabilitation, educational, employment and training opportunities.

Here Suarcana (our Wheelchair Logistics and Distribution Coordinator) describes why he loves his job:

“There is a day in 2005 that I will never forget. Pak Gunung came to my house for a viewing and asked me to join the team at Yakkum Bali (Puspadi Bali’s previous name) and I considered it but at that time needed to continue doing my previous job of maintaining/repairing people’s shoes or sandals. Then Pak came to my house again with a big team to persuade me to join Puspadi Bali and finally I said yes and became a member of the team.

Eleven years later and I am still working at Puspadi Bali. There are a lot of stories I have gained, like the organisation has given me the chance to upgrade my skills, knowledge, as well as provided me with many opportunities. At Puspadi Bali, I not only get a salary but there I have developed a lot of friendships, leadership and togetherness. Also, one beautiful thing happen in my life as I got married to a beautiful lady who I work with and who had been working for Puspadi Bali for the past 10 years. She also has polio in both legs and gives me confidence as well as motivation to assist other people with disabilities in Bali.

In 2015, she made a big decision in her life to resign from Puspadi Bali and join with the local Ministry of Finance. However, she made a commitment to volunteer at Puspadi Bali. In April 2014, we made a decision to get married and after we waited a long time we received the happy news that she was pregnant and our baby boy was born on February 12th this year. He is now 8 months old and we are so happy for that and my new family.

My dream has come true, as I just want to help people like me. With PUSPADI Bali, I believe I can realise my dream. One thing is possible, ‘’Nothing about us, without us.”