– Setra Oselmo set up her own salon after being paralysed by an accident

By Vanessa Braithwaite
Differently-abled Oviah Setra Oselmo was recently honoured at the region 10 Youth Awards ceremony for her positive contributions, specifically to the differently-abled community and the Region in its entirety. This being her second award, Setra is even more motivated now to support persons who are vulnerable and differently-abled through voluntary work and example.Setra recently told the Guyana Chronicle of the struggles she overcame to be the person she is today, as she strives to be an example for those who may not be as strong in similar circumstances.
She wants to urge others not to bow to depression and anxiety, as she once did, but to face the unfortunate reality and make the best of it.
Setra was involved in an automobile accident in October 2007, which left her permanently paralyzed. Even though several surgical attempts were made to remedy her extremely damaged spine, she still remains paralyzed, and depends on her wheel chair as a substitute for her legs. Though this may not have been her preferred position in life, she is still fortunate that, through determination, therapy and the motivation from her family, she can sit up even after she was told she would be bed-ridden for the rest of her life.
Being the active young person who had aspirations of representing her country internationally as a beauty ambassador or an athlete, having taken part in pageantry, swimming competitions, weight lifting and body building competitions, Setra has now been forced to adapt to her new life.
“It was really hard for me. I was so down, so depressed, so frustrated that I even attempted to commit suicide as I felt life had given up on me.”
Her thoughts weighed heavily on the extent she would have to depend on others after having led a very active life.
“It took me years to get over the accident.
“I was so fed up of seeing this sad dull person in the mirror that I decided to do something about it.
“I decided that it was time to get out of the house.”
This change came about three years after the accident when she enrolled in a cosmetology class and completed it successfully. She even began taking her therapy more seriously, and attended sessions regularly.
Recognising that Region 10 has several other persons who live with various disabilities, Setra wanted to make a difference, and so she commenced voluntary work – the first being hygiene and grooming training for the children who attended the special needs school.
For one year, she voluntarily funded and held weekly sessions with the students. She later joined the organization of LINSEED (Linden supporting the efforts of persons with disability), where she was involved in rallying for employment rights for differently-abled persons, empowerment and acceptance by society.
She also joined the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development, and her contribution was so noticeable that she received an award for a job well done. She is also a member of the Linden Hairdressers and Barbers Association. She has become a sought after makeup artist and a hair dresser who currently owns a well-established salon in Linden.
“I had a passion for make-up, so after I completed my cosmetology course in 2010, I enrolled in the professional make-up course, and that is my main focus,” she said.
Setra is currently rallying for public buildings to become more accessible to persons with disabilities.
In Region Ten, there are only two buildings that are accessible for persons who are differently-abled.
“With the exception of the Hospital and the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre, nowhere has provisions been made for persons in my condition,” she said.
“The Banks, the Regional Democratic Council, the Sports Club are all difficult to traverse, and I have to be lifted 15 to 20 steps by my brothers when I have to go those places, and I’m no feather, so you can imagine the strain I put them under,” she said.
This situation has deterred her from attending several events and transacting her own business at the bank and other institutions.
“I love to shop, and I miss that above everything else, as no shopping centre allows me to shop with my wheel chair,” she added.
Setra is calling upon business owners, government organizations and other stake holders to have their businesses accessible to those who are differently-abled, as they are a part of society as well.
Her salon is now accessible to persons who are differently-abled and she hopes that others would follow her example.
Her members’ greatest support over the years has come from family, who were by her side from the day of the accident to now. She mentioned that her sister was the one who actually saved her life when she walked into the room as she was about to commit suicide.
“When I was down and out, they would tell me that it will get better, and I will get better so I listened and tried to make the best of it so that they can see me trying.”
Whenever she has to run an errand, members of the family are always there to accompany her and to assist.
Prayers were also a source of motivation, and she advises anyone in similar situation to pray earnestly when faced with depression.
Setra also advises persons who are differently-abled to face their challenges as they come, and don’t let them accumulate, since that can be detrimental.
“One of my secrets is that I stay active so there is no time to crowd my mind with the negatives.
“So I focus on the positives and do them as well.”
She is determined to continue her voluntary work, and to make an impact on those who are differently-abled.