REMARKABLE DIASPORA: MR. MOHAMMED YOUSUF

 

A CHAMPION OF DISABLED OF INDIA

Sitting quietly behind the computers of the US Department of Transportation in Washington DC, Mr. Mohammed Yousuf design the next generation infrastructure to improve our lives. But more importantly, he devotes his life helping improve lives of the millions of disabled men and women around the globe. This makes him the greatest Engineer of our time and a Champion for the disabled.

Mr. Yousuf moved to the USA in 1990 after graduating in Engineering from Osmani University in hyderabad. “I was the witness of the treatment towards disabled as no one was willing to give me a job”, says Mr. Yousuf.

Mr. Yousuf stopped walking at the age of about 2 years; the polio that attacked his body left most of it paralyzed but for his spirit. The social norms, unfriendly society, lack of access to school and transportation, pretty much left him house bound, in isolation and segregated. He went to school for the first time at the age of 12; and since never looked back.

The challenges, the barriers, the accessibility and inclusion issues faced by him left him a deep desire to fight against the same issues that once challenged his very existence. His disability and the experience of dealing with his own society have left him exposed in some cunning ways to the gaps, challenges and the opportunities in disability development and inclusion.

In 2001, Mr. Yousuf started EquallyAble Foundation with few friends in Michigan. Ten years later, the foundation has done some remarkable work to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, not only in India, but also in the USA and many other countries.

He serves on many other committees to empower people with disabilities.

Mr. Yousuf lives with his wife, a daughter and two sons in Fairfax, Virginia.

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