BATANGHARI (April 3, 2024) - The risk of people with disabilities facing certain dangers is sometimes very high. Therefore, the Ministry of Social Affairs created a hearing and speech disability bracelet (Gruwi) and a mental disability bracelet (Grita) that can help people with disabilities to anticipate the dangers that come their way. The bracelets are distributed by the Ministry of Social Affairs free of charge to people with disabilities who need them. Sasta (17), a resident of Sungai Ruan Ilir Village, Maro Sebo Ulu District, Batanghari Regency, Jambi Province, is one of them. 

Sasta has suffered from Down syndrome since birth and was often ill as a child. However, her vulnerable family could not afford to take her to the hospital, so she was only treated as she was.   

About 10 years ago, Sasta went to school. Unfortunately, Sasta could only attend school for one year. Instead of embracing Sasta, her friends bullied and made her not want to go to school anymore. Thankfully, Sasta's neighborhood now understands her condition and doesn't bully her anymore.  
Uniquely, Grita not only serves to reduce the risk of being in danger, but it can also help the user to express what they are feeling. 

“Currently, Sasta cannot express her feelings. But with this bracelet (Grita), people around Sasta can tell if Sasta is feeling scared, sad, or happy,” said Rahmat Kurniawan, a social worker at Sentra Budi Perkasa Palembang. 

Sasta is very close to her mother. The death of Sasta's mother in December 2023 made Sasta often rebel and look for her mother. Sometimes, her brother takes Sasta to her mother's grave. Sasta, who is good at dhikr, always dhikr when she misses her mother. 

Sasta's brother was dismissed from her job, making the family's economy even more difficult. Now her brother often sells on the social media and creates content about Sasta. Sasta's father works as a toy seller and also scavenges used goods. To help them, the Ministry of Social Affairs also provided Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of food stalls.

“The Ministry of Social Affairs handed over assistance in two stages. The first stage on February 15, 2024 in the form of basic food business capital, as well as providing basic necessities and nutrition. The second stage on February 22, 2024 in the form of four units of shelves for her father's toy business nad this Grita Bracelet,” said Rahmat. 

Not only providing assistance, the Ministry of Social Affairs through Sentra Budi Perkasa will also continue to carry out monitoring and evaluation. That way, it is hoped that the basic food business can continue to run and Sasta and her family can live better