How Aveena Devi is breaking barriers for people with disabilities

Born with spina bifida, a condition caused by a folic acid deficiency during pregnancy, Aveena faces challenges such as limited mobility, loss of bladder control, gastrointestinal issues and a learning disability.

WALA ABDUL MUIZ
WALA ABDUL MUIZ
17 Jan 2025 04:38pm
For Aveena, raising awareness is not just about speaking at events or addressing one person—it’s the small actions she takes every day. - Photo courtesy of Aveena
For Aveena, raising awareness is not just about speaking at events or addressing one person—it’s the small actions she takes every day. - Photo courtesy of Aveena

SHAH ALAM: Aveena Devi Krishna Kumar is not just a name; she is a beacon of resilience and determination.

Born with spina bifida, a condition caused by a folic acid deficiency during pregnancy, Aveena faces challenges such as limited mobility, loss of bladder control, gastrointestinal issues and a learning disability. Yet, she has consistently defied expectations.

Despite her physical challenges, Aveena has established herself as an artist, showcasing her paintings at various events, including bazaars and private galleries, with one notable exhibition at Universiti Malaya.

Her ability to create beautiful art is a testament to the power of the human spirit, despite being wheelchair-bound.

Addressing her learning disability, Aveena shared that she struggles with calculations and memory, making complex subjects a challenge.

However, she has never let this stop her from pursuing her passions.

She is determined to raise awareness about disability and inspire others to overcome their own limitations.

As a person with a disability, Aveena ensures that every action she takes has an impact, particularly when it comes to raising awareness about the disabled community (PwDs).

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She prefers to use the term “differently abled,” embracing her limitations and strengths, while leaving no room for weakness.

One of her simple but impactful actions is correcting people who park in designated disabled parking spaces, reminding them of the importance of respect and understanding.

Aveena also faces the common misconception that people with disabilities are incapable. When people express disbelief that she can paint, she educates them by sharing her story.

"I can still use my hands to paint, even though I can't use my legs," she told Sinar Daily when contacted.

Her paintings, which she sells, challenge the assumptions of what someone with a disability can achieve.

For Aveena, raising awareness is not just about speaking at events or addressing one person—it’s the small actions she takes every day.

Whether answering questions about her disability or encouraging others with disabilities to realise their own potential, she strives to break the mold of how society perceives those with disabilities.

Aveena painting one of her paintings. - Photo courtesy of Aveena
Aveena painting one of her paintings. - Photo courtesy of Aveena

She credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her parents, who have always treated her as an equal to her able-bodied siblings.

This has allowed Aveena to embrace her abilities and pursue multiple careers, including art and motivational speaking.

"I’ve been able to wear multiple hats by the age of 30 and having a mindset that I can get things done in my own way has helped me tremendously," she said.

One of her proudest achievements is her book, What's Your Problem?, which she wrote at the age of 16.

The book chronicles her life experiences, sharing her journey with spina bifida from birth to adolescence, including the seven surgeries she underwent to manage her condition.

With a humorous twist, she recounts her challenges, from school crushes to doctors who were amazed at how she overcame the odds.

"The book is about how I learned to live with my condition, build confidence and educate others about it.

"The title addresses the fact that if I can live a full life despite my disability, what’s your problem," she said.

She hopes her book will inspire others to take ownership of their circumstances and focus on their strengths.

Aveena acknowledges the crucial role of her family in her journey.

"We may not know why things happen at the moment, but we will understand in time," she said, citing her favorite motto.

As an artist, Aveena attributes much of her success to her parents’ positivity and unwavering support.

She refuses to view her disability as a barrier and instead sees it as a challenge to be overcome.

“It’s about how we get things done,” she said, adding that she never allows her disability to define her potential.

In addition to being an artist, Aveena is also a model and has completed foundation studies in culinary arts.

She holds certifications in Natural Language Processing to Neuro-linguistic Programming and is passionate about breaking down stigmas surrounding people with disabilities.

"We are capable of achieving what we set our minds to, even if we don’t do it the same way as others," she said.

As Aveena continues her journey, she remains committed to raising awareness and making a difference in the lives of others. "We are all capable of achieving our goals. It’s not about what we can’t do, but about what we can accomplish despite the challenges," she said.

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