All photos by Shumon Ahmed are vignettes of differently-abled, leading lives that are not so different from ours -- thanks to programmes operated by CDD and its partner organisations.

CDD was established in 1996, as a non-governmental organisation and has been working to ensure a better life for individuals with disabilities through integrating them in mainstream development activities like education, income generation and health services.

CDD provides training to staff from partner organisations -- from management to field worker level -- on areas including rehabilitation therapies, making devices available to assist those with disabilities and generating awareness within communities and families on different types of disabilities. So far 10,000 Community Handicap and Disability Resource Persons (CHDRP), working for CDD's partner organisations all over the country, have received training and through them rehabilitation services have been provided to 80,000 differently-abled individuals. CDD is also working towards development and promotion of sign-supported Bangla for the hearing impaired and information, communication, technology for the visually impaired.

According to Shumon Ahmed (the photographer), "These images are my experiences with some amazing people. I hope my endeavour will trigger dialogues among the viewers about 'abilities' rather than 'disabilities'; about 'inclusions' and not 'barriers' between us."

A series of photos feature 5-year-old Tahia, who was born with cerebral palsy (neurological disorder that causes physical disability, specifically movement and posture). In a photo Tahia is shown playing with her CHDRP Jahangir Hossain. Jahangir works for 'Bondhu Kallyan Foundation'. To Tahia, the combination of physical therapies to help develop her coordination abilities are fun and games. According to Eloara Begum, Tahia's mother, "She (Tahia) has made major improvements." "In a few months she'll be able to walk," hopes Eloara. After noticing improvements in Tahia, neighbours have asked Eloara about the therapy and Bondhu Kallyan Foundation.

Nasima Akhter, 19, has just completed her HSC from Chittagong City College. Nasima is visually impaired and tapes class lectures. A CHDRP from the organisation 'Barnaly', Beauty Sultana Khanam, helps Nasima study. A photo shows Nasima taking the stairs with help from no one. Nasima wants to be a lawyer so that she can give back to the society.

Bimal Marandi, now 18, lost both his arms following an accident when he was 7. In 2002, he met Noumi from Community Centre for the Handicapped (CCH) in Mymensingh. Noumi helped Bimal learn to paint with feet. She and other CHDRPs from CCH also trained him to eat and go about other daily activities by himself. Bimal's artworks are marketed through CCH. Bimal has enrolled in the Zainul Abedin Art School in Mymensingh, to hone his artistic abilities. He currently works at CCH and eventually wants to start an art school for individuals with disabilities.

Bappi, 22, in charge of handicrafts unit at CCH, Mymensingh, treats his wheelchair like an extension of his body. The talented athlete came first in shot-put and wheelchair race at the 2003, '04 and '05 National Athletic Competition for Disabled Persons.

"I don't feel sorry for myself. But it does bring me down when people feel sorry for me," says Bappi.

That seems to be the message. The differently-abled can excel in their fields of interest just like other members of a community. They expect proper education, healthcare, guidance, understanding and opportunity -- all of which should not be considered privileges but rights they are entitled to.

The exhibition ends on July 7.