ABOUT DHANYA:
Dhanya Ravi is a disability professional, volunteer, and freelancer whose journey reflects resilience, service, and leadership. Currently working with EnAble India, she assists individuals with disabilities in identifying their skills and connecting with meaningful opportunities. Her professional role goes hand in hand with her strong volunteer spirit. She mentors families and contributes as an audio reader for people with vision impairment.
Dhanya has been advocating for more than a decade. She has addressed thousands worldwide through platforms like TEDx, Josh Talks, and corporate inclusion programs. Her freelance engagements include workshops, keynote sessions, and panel moderations that create awareness about inclusivity, mental health, and empowerment. She also collaborates with NGOs to build equitable opportunities for marginalized communities.
Dhanya balances her career, community service, and independent living. She continues to embody courage and compassion. She believes that true strength lies in rising again and again.
Confidence doesn’t appear overnight; it is nurtured through love, acceptance, and the courage to face life as it unfolds. For children living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), often known as brittle bone disease, confidence is more than a personality trait. It is an essential life skill. Every fall and every fracture teaches them profound lessons about resilience. Every cautious step reveals the power of inner strength, regardless of how fragile the body may seem.
Growing up with OI, my childhood was a blend of both pain and pride. There were long hospital stays and endless moments of uncertainty, watching the world move faster than my body could keep up with. I still remember the helplessness. It came every time I heard the crack of a bone. I also saw my parents’ worried faces. I hold onto memories of victory. I remember the day I first wheeled myself independently. I recall the first time I felt relief after a long recovery. I completed school despite all odds. Looking back, I realize that each of these moments quietly built my confidence. They shaped me into the person I am today.
For parents and caregivers of children with OI, the greatest gift you can give your child is faith in their abilities rather than fear of their limitations. Confidence begins with simple words and daily encouragement. When a child hears “You can” more often than “Be careful,” it changes how they see themselves. Of course, safety matters, but constant caution can sometimes build invisible walls. Instead of surrounding them with barriers, surround them with belief.
One of the most beautiful ways to nurture confidence is through exposure and encouragement. Let children explore their interests, whether in art, music, storytelling, technology, or advocacy. These experiences give them a space to express themselves without the constant reminder of fragility. Encouraging them to build relations with extended family members will add to their quality of life significantly.
For me, volunteering became that safe space. I listened to peers. I participated in community activities. Conversations helped me rise above pain. They connected me with the world in meaningful ways. Every small interaction was a step forward in building self-belief. It was a reminder that my spirit was unbreakable. Even if my bones were not.
The education system also plays a critical role in shaping confidence. Inclusive schooling, where children with OI learn alongside their peers, assists them in growing socially and emotionally. When teachers understand the condition and provide reasonable accommodations, like accessible classrooms, flexible schedules, or online learning during recovery, it sends a powerful message:
You belong here.
Nothing boosts confidence more than being seen as a student first and a person with a disability second.
Peer interaction is another cornerstone of confidence-building. Children with OI often face isolation due to hospital stays or mobility challenges. Encouraging friendships, peer mentoring, or participation in inclusive clubs can transform their self-esteem. I’ve witnessed children bloom when they meet others with OI; sharing laughter, experiences, and even their fears. It reminds them that they are not alone in this journey.
And then comes self-advocacy, an empowering skill that helps children find their voice. Teaching them to express their needs, explain their condition, and make choices builds independence and self-worth. These are not just life skills; they are confidence anchors that guide them into adulthood with emotional strength and clarity.
Having lived through countless fractures and moments of doubt, I’ve learned that confidence truly is the bridge between vulnerability and possibility. I’ve met many children with OI whose eyes light up when they talk about their dreams of becoming teachers, artists, engineers, or doctors. What they need most is not sympathy but platforms where their abilities can shine.
So, to every parent, teacher, and caregiver reading this, here’s a gentle reminder: confidence is contagious. When a child sees you believe in them, they begin to believe in themselves. Praise their courage, not just their success. Celebrate their smallest milestones as the biggest victories. And always remind them that while OI may shape their body, it does not define their worth.
Every child with OI carries within them a remarkable strength. Their light shines brighter with every word of encouragement. It brightens with every opportunity and every act of love. Building confidence in them is not merely about preparing them for the future. It’s about helping them live whole, proud, and full of joy.