Sam: Redefined By Dr. Manisha Bhattacharya Editor’s Note: Dr. Bhattacharya is a practicing psychologist as well as a national expert on Social Role Valorization. She applies her knowledge of SRV within her practice and writes here about her observations and learning from Sam’s life. In 2018, I first met Sam. He was 13 years old - quiet, introverted, but with a warmth that resonated in his smile. At that time, his life was structured with typical adolescent routines: a full day at school, swimming lessons, tuition classes, painting, and the occasional vacation. Sam thrived in his community, attending an inclusive school where he studied through the NIOS board. He was the kind of person who preferred to listen rather than speak, finding comfort in being around others. He had been diagnosed with some medical condition as well but his world, like most teenagers, was defined by a balance of regular experiences and activities that gave him a sense of connection and belonging. However, everything changed when Sam transitioned to a special school in 2018. The shift, intended to meet his evolving needs, had an overwhelming impact on his life. It wasn’t just an academic change; it was a loss of his valued roles, and with that, his sense of identity began to unravel. The once quiet, smiling young boy began to show signs of distress withdrawal, frustration, and, eventually, self-harm. The very things that had once brought him joy, like painting and swimming, were no longer of interest. He stopped eating, and his interactions with others became increasingly hostile. Sam’s behavior was becoming a manifestation of his inner turmoil he was losing his sense of self. This profound shift was not just about his changing behavior - it was about the devaluation he was experiencing. In a new environment that marked him by his condition, Sam was identified not by his strengths or potential, but by his struggles. He was cast into negative roles: the “sick” child, the “problem” to be managed, the “aggressive” individual in need of therapy. It was heart-wrenching to watch as his identity became tied to labels, and his life was reduced to a series of medical treatments and restricted experiences. At the time, I was also new to the principles of Social Role Valorization (SRV), which emphasizes the importance of creating valued roles to combat the devaluation that many people with disabilities face. It became clear to me that the stress Sam was experiencing was rooted in this very devaluation, loss of his roles, his sense of purpose, and his place in the world. The rejection, the segregation, the loss of control over his own life, it was all too clear. But SRV gave me a framework for understanding how to help Sam regain his dignity and sense of self. The guiding principle of SRV is simple: to counter the negative roles imposed on individuals, we need to provide them with positive, valued roles. If someone experiences rejection, they need acceptance. If someone is controlled, they need autonomy. If someone is defined by their disability, they need opportunities to demonstrate competence and skill. And so, this became the starting point of Sam’s journey towards reclaiming his life. We began with small steps. The first step was to integrate Sam into the local swimming club. This was not just about swimming, it was about giving him a place where he could be seen as a peer, a member of the community, someone with value. As Sam became more comfortable, we began exploring other roles that could restore his sense of purpose. His parents, who were initially considering residential
Page | 12
services, shifted their focus. Instead of removing him from his home environment, they began to see his potential for autonomy and independence. One of Sam’s greatest joys had always been traveling, and his parents began to tap into that passion. What started as short drives evolved into day-long trips, and eventually, week-long vacations. These journeys allowed Sam to reclaim the role of a traveler, something he had lost when his life became confined to the structure of special schooling. As Sam regained his love for travel, he began to experience new roles: the adventurer, the explorer, the vacationer. His world opened up again. But it didn’t stop there. Sam’s life was not limited to the roles of a patient or a passive participant. He returned to painting not in a drawing copy, but on canvas, as any skilled artist would. He became a regular customer at a local shop, participated in community life, and even took on the role of a responsible citizen by casting his vote in the last election. He was an independent commuter, navigating local transportation on his own, and a traveler who could explore the world again. The real breakthrough came when his parents embraced the concept of Customized Employment. This approach, which tailors work opportunities to a person’s unique interests and strengths, opened a new chapter for Sam. Despite still working towards completing his Class X exams, Sam found parttime employment at a local travel agency. He began booking tickets, printing documents, and taking on responsibilities that many might not have thought possible for someone with his background. This shift wasn’t just about work it was about Sam being seen as a valued contributor to society, a role he had long been denied. As I reflect on Sam’s journey, I am reminded of the power of SRV and the transformation it can bring. It is not just about overcoming challenges or providing therapy. It’s about seeing individual human beings for who they truly are and helping them carve out their own space in the world. Through the restoration of valued roles, Sam has moved from a life of devaluation and despair to one of autonomy, dignity, and connection. Today, Sam’s life is filled with meaningful roles that enhance his sense of worth and his place in the world. His parents, once unsure of his potential, now stand as champions of his ability to live a full and independent life. They have come to understand that true empowerment comes not from isolation, but from integration through relationships, opportunities, and the support to thrive. In the end, SRV is about seeing people for who they can become not for their conditions, but for their potential. Sam’s story is a testament to the power of this approach, showing how the simple act of reimagining one’s role in society can lead to profound and lasting change.
Page | 13