Disability is not an obstacle for Maridi to be able to live independently. He and his wife made a Rengginang (a traditional snack, made by dry sticky rice, and through the frying process) business as a source of income for their family. The father of two children is also an active member of Girikarto DRR Forum in Gunungkidul. He is a member of the DIFAGANA (Disability Disaster Response) community.

Maridi is involved in training activities with YEU and other communities.  It encourages him to feel confident and able to get out of his comfort zone. Some of the training he attended has increased his capacity, especially disaster-related training. That capacity building makes him more empowered and able to participate in decision-making in the community.

Since joining the Girikarto DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) Forum, Maridi feels that the existence of disabled groups is more recognized. He and his fellow friends with disabilities are now involved in decision-making. They become more courageous in voicing their opinions. He also provided input regarding the accessibility needs of disability groups at Musrenbang (Village Development Planning Consensus).

The disability group was invited to the Disaster Risk Reduction Commemoration Month held on 11 October 2023 in Kendari. On the occasion, he explained the disaster risk reduction that have been carried out by the Girikarto DRR Forum such as the first aid training, emergency shelter management, and evacuation of at-risk groups. These trainings are considered very useful for the Girikarto DRR Forum group. 

In addition, the Girikarto DRR Forum also carried out efforts to reduce disaster risk. The action is to create a goat farming business where 30% of it is used as social funds, in case of disaster. The business development system is carried out through rotating roles of rearing goats and every month FPRB members are required to collect a certain amount of money, to be used as capital for purchasing the goats.

Currently, the government of Kalurahan Girikarto has begun efforts to address the needs of disability groups. According to Mariadi, although it has not been fully fulfilled and on target, at least there has been progress related to inclusion in Kalurahan Girikarto. He hopes that in the future the Girikarto Village Government can pay more attention to the needs of disability groups.

On the other hand, Maridi encourages his fellow friends with disabilities to not be complacent in their comfort zone. Sometimes, he finds some friends who are still silent and waiting for help and donations. They should be empowered, and able to be independent. Therefore, he hopes that in the future, there will be more specific training to accommodate their needs. 

According to him, persons with disabilities in his area have received training in making livelihood products, but what he regrets, the training only stops there. There is no continuation of training such as product marketing and communication training so that they can market their products better. Thus, continuous training is needed for friends with disabilities so that they can live independently and be empowered.

In the future, he expects that he and other friends with disabilities can be more empowered and independent, so that they don't have to be afraid to get out of their current comfort zone.