Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams
Born and raised in Kolkata, Suparna grew up in a modest but supportive family. Her father worked in a factory while her mother managed the household, and life was stable until a tragic accident during her school years changed everything.
A severe fall from a staircase caused major spinal injuries, and later a spinal tumor further damaged her spinal cord at the D8, D9, and D10 levels. In 2017, she was assessed with 77% disability. The sudden medical crisis brought immense emotional and financial strain on the family, whose monthly income was only around ₹10,000. Most of their savings were spent on treatment and daily survival, leaving little room for education, mobility support, or planning for the future.
The challenges extended far beyond physical limitations. Social stigma and lack of awareness surrounding disability often left Suparna feeling isolated. At one point, she temporarily moved to a relative’s home in Sonarpur to escape constant social taunts and emotional distress. Yet despite these hardships, she refused to give up on her education and aspirations.
With remarkable determination, Suparna completed her secondary education and later returned home to pursue her Higher Secondary studies at a government school in Kolkata. She went on to complete her graduation through an Open University, proving her commitment to building an independent future despite the many barriers she faced.
A major turning point came when Suparna was introduced to the livelihood training initiative conducted by Cheshire Disability Trust through another wheelchair user. Recognizing her
potential, the program supported her with livelihood-oriented training focused on confidence building, independent mobility, and income generation opportunities.
During the two-month training, Suparna gained exposure to delivery-based work through CDT’s livelihood on wheels, and learned how accessible mobility solutions could create pathways to employment and social participation. Understanding her urgent mobility needs and financial constraints, the project also facilitated access to a Neomotion vehicle wheelchair with a scooter attachment, a life-changing mobility solution she had long dreamed of owning but could never afford independently. The wheelchair dramatically improved her mobility, confidence, and ability to travel safely and work with dignity.
Today, Suparna is steadily building a more independent and financially secure future. She currently works with Zomato while also providing home tuition for students from Classes 1 to 10, something she began during her first year of college to support herself financially. Earlier, she also worked as a telecaller at Tata Play and later as an HR professional, overcoming multiple barriers in accessing employment opportunities as a wheelchair user.
What Suparna values most today is the freedom and dignity that independent mobility has brought into her life. Passionate about dance and teaching, she dreams of becoming a successful teacher, a skilled wheelchair dancer, and a strong support system for her family.
Her story is a powerful reminder that when persons with disabilities are provided with the right opportunities, accessible mobility solutions, and livelihood support, they can overcome barriers and lead independent, meaningful, and inspiring lives.