Physical disability is not inability, as many individuals with disabilities overcome challenges and achieve their dreams, proving outdated beliefs wrong. Disability doesn’t define a person’s potential or intelligence—Stephen Hawking, for example, defied the odds and made a lasting global impact despite his ALS diagnosis.
Similarly, Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, overcame great challenges to become a renowned author, activist, and lecturer, inspiring millions worldwide. In today’s era, Nicholas Vujicic—born without arms and legs—stands as a powerful example of resilience. His courage and passion have made him a beloved motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur, encouraging others to live bravely.
In our country, many individuals with disabilities have become role models through extraordinary strength, courage, and spirit. For example, abstract artist Brook Yeshitela, who is limited to using only his hands, and Yetnebersh Nigussie, a blind lawyer and disability rights activist known for her motto “Focus on the person, not the disability,” inspire others by overcoming challenges and changing societal attitudes.
Yeabsera Frew is another resilient young woman with a disability; who can overcome every obstacle in her path, achieved her dreams.
Born and raised in Alta-Chiko Woreda, Sidama State, Yeabsera has had a physical disability in her hands since birth. Although her parents accepted her condition and did everything they could do to support her, Yeabsera began to question her identity as she grew more self-aware. It took her a long time to come to terms with her identity and to fully accept herself.
As she stated to EPA, alongside her parents’ unwavering support, the films she watched about people with disabilities had a significant impact on her life and taught her a lot. Mainly, viewing the stories of individuals with even more severe disabilities than her own helped her find answers to the questions she had been struggling with. Gradually, she came to understand that the Creator makes no mistakes and that her birth was for a purpose. This understanding ultimately led her to accept herself fully.
“The turning point in my life was seeing the incredible activities performed by a foreign individual named Mickey, who lives without arms and legs yet continues to accomplish so much,” she said.
Yeabsera has fully functioning legs and a few fingers on her hands that allow her to hold objects. This has given her the strength and the confidence to do many things. In addition, the support and encouragement she often receives from her family and friends encourage her to make the most of her abilities, and she is doing exactly that.
Watching movies wasn’t something she discovered on her own—it was her family and friends who encouraged her to do so. Their support not only introduced her to inspiring stories but also motivated her to continue her education. As a result, she successfully completed her studies, earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and secured a job.
“I am the sum total of my family. They are the ones who gave me the strength to face the reality and lifted me out of my darkest moments when I was very weak and believed I couldn’t do anything. They have always stood by my side, reminding me ‘you can do it.’ Likewise, my friends have helped mend my broken spirit. They have empowered me by saying, “What we have done, it is all you who accomplished through your efforts, as if all are done by myself. I am always grateful for their support, because they enabled me to walk with hope; to seize every opportunity and make the most of it,” she said.
Although each part of our body has its own function, like hands for performing tasks, feet for walking, and so on, for Yeabsera, this does not work. Born with a condition affecting her hands, she has trained her feet to take over many of the tasks typically done with her hands. And doing so will not be possible without unwavering effort, daily practice, and courage to face constant challenges to develop the skills and begin serving others.
While talking about how hard it is to perform tasks typically done with hands, she said, “There were many instances where I failed to manage things on my own and had to ask others for help, mainly during my menstrual period. At that time, I did not know how to do it properly. I had no other choice; but to ask someone else to place the pads for me. That was one of the most painful experiences not only for me but, I believe, for the person helping me.” She continued in this way for years, until she found a solution to respond and manage the situation.
In those difficult moments, Yeabsera felt frustrated and questioned her condition. However, as she began watching helpful videos, she discovered that nature often provides its own solutions for problems, realizing she could manage the task using her feet. From that moment on, she began practicing consistently and gradually learned to handle gaining independence. Similarly, chopping onions becomes the task of her hands and feet.
Yeabsera believes that even if one part of our body is impaired, we can overcome the problem by using the other. This mindset has enabled her to use her legs for a wide range of daily tasks.
She does some work with her fingers, which are very delicate. She cooks; she washes her body; she types on the computer.
While lifting and moving heavy objects would be done with the hands, Yeabsera relies on her feet for most physical tasks, using them to handle chores like cleaning, washing, and making the bed. Though her fingers are delicate, she still uses them for activities like cooking, self-care, and typing
Performing such daily activities using her feet has helped her live her life without feeling defined by her disability. It has also given her the confidence to say with conviction that she can do anything anyone else can do.
These days, Yeabsera is no longer the frustrated or aggressive girl she once was. She no longer lets frustration hold her back from doing what she wants. She strives to create something important, inspire others, and prove wrong those who once had doubts about her.
Currently, through her charity, The Mesale Foundation, Yeabsera supports disadvantaged groups such as the homeless, mentally ill, and elderly. The foundation also distributes holiday meals and provides school supplies to students annually, in partnership with organizations in Hawassa.
Yeabsera’s influence extends beyond her charity work. As a popular TikToker, she uses her platform to educate and empower youth, promote mindset development, and inspire better career prospects. She also supports farmers through her company, helping them achieve greater success.
Yeabsera believes that self-acceptance empowers people to overcome weaknesses, showcase their strengths, and inspire others. Thus, beyond her own success, she aims to help others achieve theirs.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 19 JUNE 2025
