Disability is never a hindrance if you are determined to achieve something in life. Despite being wheelchair bound, Peniasi Rawaidranu said he never let the fact that he was unable to walk physically affect his ability to mentally move and achieve his vision.
He said he believed the sky was the limit for everyone — wheelchair bound or able-bodied.
The 42-year-old said his mobility slowly disintegrated through illness and this resulted in him ending up in a wheelchair.
He said the transition from walking on his own volition to having to be wheeled around in a wheelchair was initially very difficult for him to accept.
“It’s almost nine years now where I need a wheelchair to allow me to move around,” he said. “Going from being able to walk to needing a wheelchair to move around took place slowly.
I started with using an umbrella to walk, leaning on somebody to support me and there came a time where I could not walk by myself and just lay down.”
Rawaidranu, a native of the Rewa province said life in a wheelchair was very challenging.
“It was very hard to overcome the challenge mentally and emotionally. There even came a point in my life where I thought that I am of no use, I can’t do work, I can’t do anything because I’m sitting in a wheelchair’.
“It kept going over and over in my mind and instilled fear in me.”
He said self-motivation inspired him to stand up and do things like any other normal person.
“One day, I was lying down and I just told myself that I have to accept that I have to use a wheelchair to move around. I also had to get over the fact that I used to be able to walk.
“That was a huge challenge, I was so ashamed of people seeing me sitting in a wheelchair, especially those in my community.”
He said with the self-realisation and various opportunities were unlocked.
“From there, I just made myself accept that I was in a wheelchair, soon after that I got a scholarship from APTC (Australia Pacific Training Coalition) to go and study community service.”
He said after completing his studies, he worked at the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation. Rawaidranu acknowledged the support rendered by his family over the years.
The former Sila Central High School student is today a computer teacher.
“I later went into business with another and opened a an internet shop in Suva. From there, I went to Bible school in Wainadoi where I attained my Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.
“I began working for the Assemblies of God church but over time I started getting sick and couldn’t work.”
He said at present he was looking for job opportunities to utilise his skills and talents.
“I am looking around for a job but the most challenging thing is you can be accepted in some of the workplaces but accessibility or the environment is not disabled-friendly.”
Rawaidranu encouraged people to change their mindsets about persons living with disabilities.
“We are all the same. Life is very challenging but to get through the challenges, you have to believe in yourself — whether you are sitting in a wheelchair, using crutches or are able-bodied, we all are the same.”
