A 25-year-old, Jalaluddin Akbar, was diagnosed with an intellectual disability, and his family did not have any hope for his capacity and skills. In 2008, Jalal enrolled in SEID's program; he received all services and training, including Special and PrePrimary Education, Education Materials, Referral Service, Vocational Training, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, and Nutritional support, etc., and showed his strength and potential. As a result of receiving the service, Jalal was able to acquire lifeoriented skills as well as daily life.
Jalal joined the SEID Self-Advocacy Group in 2013 and plays a vibrant role. Jalal became a strong self-advocate, proving that disability is not a barrier if people get support and proper services.
In 2020, SEID enrolled Jalal in the customized program, and he started receiving training as an assistant at Abrar Sebha Sadan, a personal medical institution located in Mohammadpur, through Need Assessment to integrate into the mainstream workplace. However, Jalal could not complete his training due to the institution's relocation. He later started training as an office assistant in the 'Dhaka Divisional Social Service Office' in 2021 and continues working there.
Jalal receives in-house training (Etiquettes Manner, SRHR) from the SEID under a customized employment program.
Jalal lives in Mohammadpur Geneva Camp with his family. He has three brothers and two sisters. Notable, the other three brothers are also diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.
Jalal attended various meetings, seminars, workshops, and advocacy programs. He has participated as a representative of the Self Advocacy group in the international workshop/seminar called Bridge-CRPD in 2022 and 2023. He acted in one advocacy play called" My Life My Decision," funded by DRF and implemented by SEID in 2017; he participated in one documentary funded by DRF and implemented by SEID in 2018.
Today, Jalal is self-confident and aware of his rights and says, 'Given a chance, we as disabled people also can work.' Jalal's family members have started to rethink about Jalal's future.