Story of Bufano Who Inspired Many Physically Disabled Persons

Lisa Bufano who died a few months (October 2013) back was a disabled American interdisciplinary performance artist whose work incorporated elements of doll-making, fabric work, animation, and dance.

Because of a life-threatening staphylococcus bacterial infection at the age of 21, Bufano became physically disabled (a bilateral below-the-knee and total finger-thumb amputee). Later, she started her theatrical performance and dancing career when a professor at the University of Linz doing research on the lives of amputees discovered her web page and offered her a stipend to perform in Vienna.

Bufano once said: "Despite my own terror and discomfort in being watched (or, maybe, because of it), I am finding that being in front of viewers as a performer with deformity can produce a magnetic tension that could be developed into strength. I attempt to channel this tension by exaggerating the mode of physical difference (for example, presenting myself on stilts)."

Many people with disabilities remember her life and her inspiring words when facing with harsh realities in life. The world of the people affected with disabilities is a very tensed one. They daily pass through so many worries and difficulties. Even the brave Bufano had finally committed suicide. So, think about the predicament of the less courageous who are confronting the pain of disability in each moment of their lives!

Bridging India Foundation Aspires to Create Smart Links from Schools to Work Mentorship

People with disabilities in India go through physical, social, and economic discrimination and face lack of equal access to basic resources, such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems.

Opportunity Collaborations bring together nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, and social investors to move together towards poverty alleviation in the people with disabilities.

Bridging India Foundation aims to foster a Bridges from School to work mentorship thereby helping young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment. 

One such school where Bridging India Foundation has links is Dr. Bansi Dhar School – Bansuri Charitable Trust; Kota, Rajasthan. This is an educational institution for 500+ students from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds where many with different abilities have been mainstreamed. Children with special needs, disabilities receive vocational training along with guidance and advice to ensure their long term rehabilitation and education.

Another educational establishment in this connection is Learning Matters India, which helps children with learning disabilities become better learners. Collaborations through Bridging India Foundation will help provide them assistance with advanced tools, techniques and technologies as well as teacher trainings.

Bridging India Foundation focuses on abilities, and not disabilities, of physically disabled persons. Come; join hands with our great effort! Your involvement matters!!