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Life’s struggles often demand resilience in the face of adversity. This is exactly what Elmi Sumarni Ismau, an inspiring woman from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), demonstrated when she refused to give up despite facing severe physical challenges. After losing both legs in a 2010 accident, Elmi didn't allow herself to be overwhelmed by despair. Instead, she turned her life experience into a driving force for creating change, helping others, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

Elmi, together with her friends, founded GARAMIN (Advocacy Movement for Disability Transformation and Inclusion) on February 14, 2020. This movement focuses on disability inclusion issues in NTT, specifically providing education and support to individuals with disabilities. They work hard to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to healthcare, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Importance of Equality Amidst Limitations

For Elmi, equality is the main key in promoting disability inclusion. Despite her physical limitations, she never let that stop her from dreaming big and taking concrete action. During the Youth Action Forum 2019, Elmi shared her vision: to create a platform for individuals with disabilities to gain the same access as others in society. This dream laid the foundation for the establishment of GARAMIN.

Elmi understands that discrimination against people with disabilities is still strong in NTT. She is determined to change this stigma, proving that being disabled is not a barrier to contributing to society. Through GARAMIN, Elmi and her colleagues not only offer education and support but also encourage the community to become more aware of the rights of people with disabilities.

Fighting Through the Pandemic and Disasters

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for everyone, including people with disabilities. However, Elmi and GARAMIN remained steadfast in their efforts. They actively provided education on the importance of vaccinations and health protocols to disabled individuals in NTT. Additionally, when Badai Seroja struck NTT in April 2021, GARAMIN mobilized to offer aid and support to people with disabilities who faced difficulties evacuating due to physical constraints.

The presence of GARAMIN has also gained recognition from local authorities. Several companies and government agencies in NTT have begun to offer more equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Some have even taken on important positions in government institutions thanks to their perseverance.

Creating for a Sustainable Future

Elmi and GARAMIN’s work aligns with the spirit of “Bersama, Berkarya, Berkelanjutan”, the core theme of Indonesia’s current development. By making disability inclusion part of sustainable development, Elmi proves that physical limitations are not an obstacle to contributing to the community’s progress.

Furthermore, Elmi’s dedication has been widely acknowledged. In 2021, she received the SATU Indonesia Award presented by Astra, recognizing her work in addressing disability inclusion in eastern Indonesia. This recognition highlights that Elmi and GARAMIN's efforts are not in vain.

Inspiring the Disabled Community to Keep Creating

Elmi’s story is living proof that behind every limitation lies a powerful strength capable of changing the world. She not only fights for herself but also for others with disabilities, helping them lead more dignified and equal lives in society. With every step she takes, Elmi teaches us that dreams can come true if we are willing to make an effort and work together.

“Though my body is no longer the same, I keep my heart steady to continue sharing,” Elmi says, reflecting her determination to keep moving forward despite physical challenges. This serves as a reminder that, regardless of our circumstances, as long as we have the will to create, our dreams are within reach.

Moving Forward, Continuing to Share

Elmi Sumarni Ismau’s life journey is a testament that the struggle for equality, togetherness, and sustainability can emerge from any background, even from the midst of limitations. By establishing GARAMIN, she shows that together, we can create meaningful change for both people with disabilities and society as a whole.Amid the challenges, Elmi and her colleagues at GARAMIN will continue to take steps forward, striving and sharing goodness for a more inclusive and sustainable Indonesia. Their perseverance inspires us all to keep creating, no matter what obstacles we face. #BersamaBerkaryaBerkelanjutan for #KitaSATUIndonesia. Keep fighting, Elmi and GARAMIN!.