Aug 8 2024
Dhanya Ravi talks to Dhanya Varma about living with Brittle Bone disease and the challenges that she has faced inorder to live an empowered life.
Dhanya Ravi, India's Locomotor Disability Ambassador at Purple Fest 2023, was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) also known as brittle bone disease. This rare genetic disease makes her known as the country's "glass woman". Despite her condition, she has achieved remarkable feats, including receiving State and National awards and speaker at two TEDx and Josh Talk events.
She works as an executive at Enable India, Dhanya has participated in numerous webinars for college students and corporations, where she has discussed topics such as inclusivity, mental health, and social responsibility. She has spoken to over 10000 people worldwide and has
been an active contributor to the disability sector for over a decade, inspiring many differently abled individuals to pursue their goals.
Dhanya is actively mobilizing and sensitizing people about OI, rare diseases, and the disability community in India and the USA, working in collaboration with various non-profit organizations (NGOs). She advocates for a more inclusive society and strives to raise awareness.
about rare genetic conditions. Dhanya manages Aasmaan Foundation
Trust, an in-house NGO that assist people with disability to live a dignified life. She loves to volunteer her time in audio reading for individuals with visual impairments and fulfills the Vital role of a mentor for special parents.
Over the past 3 years, her trust has distributed over 8 lakh powered wheelchairs, connected prospects for education and hosted two social awareness events. Her life stories and experience meeting people worldwide through the Disability Awareness and Advocacy Program
have earned her many testimonials. Dhanya's life message and mentorship have empowered women and youth in the community to live a life of independence.
29th Feb is rare diseases day. Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a rare disease. We are happy to bring forth this conversation to you.