Nirmala Gyawali

Olgapuri Children’s Home (Formerly K-House)

Olgapuri Children’s Home (Formerly K-House)
Disability Rights Advocate / Public Relations & Fundraising Manager, Ability Development Society Nepal (ADSON)

Born visually impaired, Nirmala Gyawali grew up in a world that offered few educational opportunities for blind children in Nepal. What could have been a story defined by limitation instead became one of possibility, resilience, and leadership—thanks to early access to education and unwavering support from NYF.

Raised in NYF’s K-house (now known as Olgapuri Children’s Home), Nirmala received long-term support from 1989 to 2004. At a time when Braille education was available in only one school nationwide, she was enrolled at the Laboratory School in Kirtipur and later supported through a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, followed by a second degree in English Literature. In 2005, she was awarded a scholarship through the US-PLUS program to complete a 26-month course in the United States, further strengthening her skills as an advocate and leader.

Education opened doors not only for Nirmala, but for her entire family. Her sister became the first blind woman in Nepal to earn a master’s degree, and both of her siblings now work as teachers in Kathmandu—powerful examples of what access and opportunity can make possible.

Since returning to Nepal in 2007, Nirmala has dedicated her life to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. After six years working with the International Organization for Migration supporting Bhutanese refugees, she now serves as Public Relations and Fundraising Manager at Ability Development Society Nepal (ADSON), helping provide education, skills training, and livelihood support to more than 1,500 children and adults with disabilities each year.

Nirmala’s advocacy has led to tangible change—from promoting wheelchair-accessible classrooms and sign language interpretation to founding Kathmandu’s first Braille library, which remains in use today. She also helped ensure Olga’s Promise was reproduced in Braille and continues to advocate for disability-inclusive systems nationwide, including accessible banking that allows blind individuals to live independently.

“I envision a Nepal where disability is not a barrier to living, working, or achieving your dreams,” Nirmala says.

Her message to future leaders is clear: “Whatever you do, make it inclusive—so that no one is left behind.“