Comments by beneficiaries and members:

"As an Executive Committee member I want to expand PSID because I recognize the benefits for other PWDs and this motivates me." Mr Shiraz

"I live with my son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. I cannot see properly and I have difficulty walking. Before becoming involved in GDPOD I did not go anywhere. I had no contact with others. I am unemployed but I have learned many things from the GDPOD and from other people and now I make these mats." Bipali Daaz

"Now that I have received training I am self-confident, allowing me to speak to others." Alomtaz Begum

"Before PSID I did not know anything and was unemployed. Now after receiving some training and a loan I am doing fisheries and am earning an income for my family." Habib

"Before PSID he used to rent a rickshaw. Now he owns a rickshaw through a loan he received and he does not struggle to feed his family anymore." Shansolhok

"I help my children to cultivate crops through a loan I received from the GDPOD. Now I have dignity and I am treated like a person." Fatima

"Before PSID I wanted my life to end. Now I fear I will not have enough time left in life to do all I want to do." Khondhoker

"As a blind man, I considered myself a failure as a father, before PSID. Now I see myself as a father equal to all other fathers." Member of Kurigram GDPOD

A visiting BPKS staff member was chastised by a community person when he declined the offer of a PWD tea shop owner of tea and biscuits for the staff member and two guests. When the staff member insisted on paying for the food and drink he was emphatically challenged - "Why do you not respect this man and his offer?"

"I am self-motivated. I think I have a responsibility towards PWDs because I have been elected." Kalachan

"Before joining PSID and the GDPOD, and then being elected on the Executive Council, I did many things but I was not recognized for my efforts because of my disability. Now I am recognized and this motivates me." Bashir Ulla (teacher)

"I am proud to be an Executive Committee member and Finance Secretary and I want to expand PSID to other areas - this is motivating." Rayhana (17 year old student)

"I am committed and know the difficulties of having a disability so I want to protect others from disabilities." Ms Alo Roni