Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

They are disenabled not disabled

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Yes, it is human’s instinct to look abnormally to people with unusual shape, appearance or expression! Though such people are called “disabled”, this doesn’t mean that they should be looked at with inferiority and disgrace. Possibly, they are created differently in the look and feel sometimes, but those people with disabilities should always be accorded similar respect like other humans around us. If truth to be told, studies and history proved that many of the disabled are more talented and mentally superior than some normal and healthy people.


In this respect, nobody shall never undervalue any human being no matter how he/she looks like; being a person with disability doesn’t mean being disqualified from having access to every aspect of life. Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he/she lacks vision. Those people are very humble, but inside them comes the real value; unique talents and creativity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.”


It has been said that there is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more. Therefore, one has to see the person first, not the disability even if you haven’t spent time with someone who has a disability. Perhaps, you might feel unsure about how to best approach a disabled person; just make sure it might be a very confronting experience. If you feel struggling with any interaction, try and put yourself in their shoes and remember how would you want to be treated?


It is important to remember that people living with a disability are just like us; they all have their own personal identity. They feel the same emotions as we do and experience romantic relationships. They also have special interests, hobbies, goals, dreams and desires too. The fact is that persons with a disability does not want to be defined by their abilities, but by who they are as a person.


You don’t need to change your personal behaviour when interacting with someone who has a disability. Just speak at your usual pace, volume and tone. All you need is to take the time and discover more about a person behind the disability. Ask yourself what makes him smile? What would make his day happier? How he does and manages things in his day-to-day life? You may be surprised by what you discover when you ask the questions. These insights can help you find a better way to find a better and creative way to spend the day together.


It is strange why some people get it wrong when it comes to dealing with disabled people! Yes, they are different, but in a way that their ability to do things is limited unlike healthy people. However, the world is blessed with many renowned disabled inventors, scientists, actors and others more. The American lecturer and creative author, Helen Keller, sets a great a good example of creative disabled people. Though both blind and deaf, she travelled all over the world fighting for improvement in education and the life of the physically handicapped people.


She never thought her disability as an obstacle, but as a challenge to bring the best out of her. Another example is Thomas Edison, the great inventor, who was having a learning disability until he was 12 years old. "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”, said Christopher Reeve, who played Superman character in the 70s and 80s. However, in 1995, he was paralysed from the neck down after a horse-riding accident. He then was active in raising awareness and lobbying for research into spinal cord injuries.


Always remember that living an independent life is extremely important to everyone. When a person with a disability seeks your support, this doesn’t mean that each decision he/she needs to make will be difficult for them.


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