Ashwini’s Story

The poster child of CDT’s Livelihood Training Program, Ashwini’s story serves as the benchmark for all individuals with disabilities to not give up on their dreams and improve their lives by overcoming any obstacle. A graduate without any employable skills, Ashwini’s life and that of her brother who is also disabled, had up until that point, been one of hardship and ridicule. What worked in her favor though was her unyielding determination to be financially independent and be able to support her family and brother. On a personal note, she also had a goal of eliminating her immobility through the acquisition of a wheelchair; something she had not been able to do till that point due to financial constraints.

Ashwini’s interaction with CDT began in 2012, when she approached the team to help her find a job. After making her join the Livelihood Training Program, she was quickly trained in aptitude, English and other soft skills. The first true test for her came in the form of an interview with Concentrix, which much to her own surprise, she cleared. After working with Concentrix for a year or so, she approached CDT’s recruitment team again to help her up-skill and move up the corporate ladder. By working with her to further improve her employability, the team at CDT was able to place her in IBM and then Accenture. Each of these shifts came with increased responsibilities as well as a higher package – something that allowed her to achieve her dream of finally repaying and supporting her parents for the years of care they provided to her and her brother when they were young. Today, Ashwini works in Dell with a very competitive salary package and position. In so far as being the face of Cheshire Disability Trust and the good work the organization does, in the past, she has represented both CDT and the potential of PWDs at an event organized by one of CDT’s Donors in the U.S. Her speech in front of 400 people was met with a standing ovation upon completion. More recently, she headlined a fashion show where most of the models were Differently Abled individuals.