On this Rare Disease Day, let me take you on a journey—one of resilience, adaptation, and triumph. This is the story of Shraddha P. Kulkarni, a determined young woman who refuses to let Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) define her limits.
Born with brittle bone disease, Shraddha’s world was different from the start. OI, a rare genetic condition, made her bones fragile, but her spirit was anything but. In a close-knit family with her parents and younger brother, she grew up with an unshakable belief in her abilities.
Education was her first milestone. While many doubted whether she could attend school like other children, she not only completed her studies offline with 100% attendance but went on to earn a B.A. and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology. With each challenge, she found a way forward—modifying her home with ramps, an accessible-height washbasin, and even a swimming tank for regular exercise.
Instead of focusing on what she couldn’t do, Shraddha honed what she could. She embraced physiotherapy, swimming, and assistive tools to maintain her mobility, using a wheeled walker and an electric motor wheelchair to stay active. Her days became a blend of psychology, creative projects, and counselling—fields where she could make a difference while pursuing her passions.
Support came in many forms—her family, teachers, friends, and doctors all played a crucial role in her journey. Her home was thoughtfully adapted to meet her needs, from cooking on an induction stove to swimming in a customized pool. Technology became her ally, making daily tasks more accessible and efficient.
Life with OI wasn’t without setbacks, but Shraddha faced each one with patience and adaptability. Whether it meant taking breaks, modifying routines, or seeking guidance from her physiotherapist, she found a way to keep moving forward.
Her professional life flourished alongside her personal growth. As a therapist at Peaceful Mind Clinic, she provides counseling to those in need, balancing her career with self-care. Digital tools and accessible technologies make her work manageable, allowing her to excel in content writing, graphic design (creating flyers on Canva), and therapy-related projects.
Among her most cherished achievements was a one-month offline training internship in “Christian Counselling” at Vellore University—a testament to her determination to step beyond expectations and prove that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
Looking ahead, Shraddha envisions a future where accessibility and independence are not just afterthoughts but fundamental rights. She hopes to raise awareness about OI, fostering more discussions on practical solutions that empower individuals with disabilities.
Her message to others facing similar challenges is simple yet profound:
Find what makes daily life easier for you. Modify your spaces, use tools that improve accessibility, and most importantly—focus on your strengths. Never let external perceptions define your potential.”
Shraddha’s story is more than you can imagine—it’s a testament to the power of adaptation, perseverance, and the belief that limitations exist only if you accept them.