“Hi, my name is Sushma, and I have been working at Ummeed since 2007. Earlier, I worked in the field of transport, and the nature of the work there was very different to the work here. My journey started at the front desk here. I began to notice many changes in myself and enjoyed coming into work. Alongside witnessing my own growth, I have also seen Ummeed grow.
In 2010 I had a child, who was diagnosed with IUGR. Intrauterine growth restriction, or IUGR, is typically when the baby in the womb does not grow as expected. It was almost as though my whole world came crumbling down at my feet. It was a big shock for me. This is about my own journey as a parent, connected with Ummeed, which I would like to share.
At the beginning of the journey, I was very hyper, but the therapists at Ummeed showed me helpful videos and advised, "Sushma, the calmer you stay, the more your daughter will progress." Slowly but surely...with each video, I noticed changes in myself, and this positive cycle continued. Now, my daughter is in the 9th (std.), and I am very proud of her.
I felt that I should have counseling sessions with Shamin, senior counsellor and School Outreach director at Ummeed. At a session, Shamin asked me just one question: "What else can you do that won't cause you tension?" So, I started painting and making imitation jewellery. The best part is that she helped me avoid stress.
I can recall other such special moments. One Christmas, we were playing Secret Santa. I received a letter, which I later discovered was written by Leera, a developmental pediatrician here. I still have it. It described her feelings about me and was incredibly thoughtful, sweet, and expressive. I couldn’t believe my eyes!
I am very proud to be both a parent and a professional at Ummeed, where everyone—parents, children, staff, and others—is treated equally. I believe that every child deserves good care. I have even asked the front desk at the clinic to inform me if there are any children who cannot afford therapy, as I would like to contribute. My hope is that Ummeed continues to grow and that awareness about developmental disabilities spreads everywhere.”
Introducing #UmmeedDiaries where Ummeedians share their journeys in their own words :)
