Imagine if one day you could see the world and suddenly you are told one day you won’t be able to.
That’s the diagnosis Sawanya Wiriyawathana received after experiencing issues with her eyesight following a bout of pneumonia in 2018.
“I couldn't see things clearly, so I went to the doctor and was eventually diagnosed as a low-vision person. This condition means that my vision will gradually worsen, and I'll eventually go blind,” she said.
The news was devastating.
“It took me three years to accept that I’m now a person with disabilities, and I needed to develop the strength to fight for the life that I valued,” she said. “With the support of my family and friends, as well as a rehabilitation expert who taught me basic life skills like cooking, walking with a cane, and reading Braille, I was able to become more positive about my situation.”
Oftentimes our times of greatest pain can be our times of greatest growth – not something any of us want to hear when in the middle of a difficult situation. But Sawanya was able to ask, “What lesson is this experience trying to teach me?” And that’s the mindset that opened the door for healing.
Listening to Buddhist teachings helped her find her inner strength, and Mahatma Gandhi has provided her with immense inspiration.
“His relentless fight to bring about change, even when others doubted its possibility, and ultimately succeeding, serves as a profound inspiration,” Sawanya said. “It reminds me that just because something hasn't happened yet, it doesn't mean it won't. It's important to believe in what you stand for and continue working towards your goals, as things will eventually fall into place.”
“This was another turning point in my life, and I'm grateful for the mental support I received during this difficult time,” she said.
Prior to her illness, Sawanya worked at Ford in Supplier Technical assistance for 18 years. She left for a year to work at an electric car company and got the diagnosis there. Then in early 2023 she returned to Ford as an HR team member. She now is trained and certified as a mental health aide, a role in which she offers support and advice to Ford employees who need assistance with their mental well-being.
“My favorite part about my job is the opportunity to add value to Ford and demonstrate that individuals with disabilities are fully capable of contributing in the workplace,” Sawanya said. “We all possess something special within us. It's crucial to love oneself, recognize our potential, and stay committed to our beliefs. And above all, let's remember to have fun along the way.”