Mama Asha: From Isolation to Leadership

Asha was a mother surviving in silence. Her two sons were both born with developmental disabilities, and local beliefs had labeled her cursed. Her husband abandoned the family when the second child was diagnosed, and Asha found herself completely alone — shunned even by neighbors. “People crossed the road to avoid us,” she said.

Then a community health worker referred her to a Healing Hands Foundation support group. There, for the first time, Asha met other parents walking similar paths. Through weekly sessions, she gained knowledge about disability rights, health care access, and advocacy. Slowly, her confidence grew.

Today, Mama Asha leads local parent meetings and has been a featured speaker at disability awareness events. She now runs a small kiosk that supports her family and helps identify other isolated parents. “They gave me more than help,” she says. “They gave me my identity back — and I won’t be silent anymore.”