Society's Attitude!

Society’s Attitude towards the Disabled

A lot is being said about the disabled today. In fact, it is no longer justified to call the disabled, ‘disabled’. It is better to address them as ‘people with disabilities’. I am myself a disabled person, but feel that changing the terminology isn’t really as essential as changing the attitudes of people towards the disabled. Of course, the former does help in achieving the latter, but doesn’t necessarily guarantee it.

As far as the society’s attitude towards disabled is concerned, at a personal level I’ve been vey fortunate. I’ve hardly come across any behaviours or reactions of people that have a lot to do with my disability. Once I tell them about my disability, to the extent that is necessary, they are okay with it and the conversation goes on. Of course, I do meet people who are a bit too curious or sympathetic, but it is not in any way irritating. In fact, it makes me smile to think that my disability is being discussed as easily some political issue. But, this is at a very ‘interpersonal’ level.

If I talk keeping a larger picture in mind, I can’t deny that the society still views the disabled as people who ‘obviously are less happy and need help’. We are yet to see the time when the disabled will be allowed to define ‘happiness’ in their own words, when they will have sufficient opportunities and will be respected as much as (neither less nor more) the so-called ‘able’.

There are people who start suggesting various treatments the moment they meet a disabled person. They’ll go on and on about the multitude benefits of a particular medicine, or a miracle they had witnessed when a person in wheelchair got up and started walking. It shows that the immediate assumption when a disabled person is seen is that he/she is unhappy, needs a lot of help and can do nothing other than brooding on his/her disability, that the only thing that matters in his/her life is ‘how to get rid of the disability’.

Also, funnily, people assume that the disabled can’t think on their own. E.g. there are many people, who, when they meet me, ask my parents, “Which standard does she read in?” Noticing that I am disabled, they automatically assume that I can’t even think on my own, and, instead of talking directly to me, bombard my parents with questions about myself.

Society is yet to feel comfortable knowing that disabled people are also a part of itself. Often, people feel utterly confused thinking how they should talk to a disabled person. Consequently, they end up doing what they want to avoid- hurting the disabled.

Things can be changed by bringing enough opportunities to the disabled, by recognizing their potential and tapping the same, by giving them exposure and educating the disabled and able about disabilities.

As a matter of fact, it is not only the society that has to be worked upon. Too much of focusing on the ‘society’s attitude towards disabled’ also compartmentalizes the disabled. They are as much a part of the society as anyone else and as normal as anyone else. So, why discuss so much about various attitudes towards them in the first place? But on second thoughts, unless we discuss it, the much required change in attitudes won’t be achieved.

Disability, whether it is mental or physical, lies in the way an individual perceives himself, not the society’s view. But ultimately, both these things are interdependent. The self-image of the disabled both depends on and determines the society’s view of disabled. Hence, the foremost thing is the self esteem of disabled…they should be allowed to feel comfortable with their disability. Give them the necessary equipment, necessary learning strategies, suitable environment…fulfill their ‘special needs’ that are actually as special as anybody else’s, and, most important, give them a normal upbringing. Once this is achieved, disabled will themselves prove their worth and earn respect in society, instead of getting pitiful and curious stares. And then, an effective change in the mindset of the disabled and the society will come into view.

Thankfully, present day scenario is quite positive. Attention is being given to making places accessible to disabled, including disabilities in education curricula, providing disabled people with environment conducive to their best possible growth…but, still, a lot remains to be done. e.g.

1. Why do the disabled have to wait in long queues and bear not-very-polite government officials just to obtain a certificate confirming their disability? The need for such a certificate is justified; but, are the long waiting hours and the harsh comments by officials justified? The entire process should rather, be easier for the disabled; then why is it actually so difficult?
2. Why are not, the physically disabled students allowed to take up physical education as one of their subjects in 12th standard? Don’t they have a right to develop their physiques at least as much as is possible? Do they not have a right to learn outdoor games just because they can’t play those games?
3. Why does Kurukshetra University not provide the facility of one extra hour during exams to the disabled? It provides the facility of ‘writer’ for disabled students who can’t hold a pen, but what about those disabled students who CAN write themselves but not as fast as their peers? Shouldn’t they be allowed to write for themselves?

I don’t want to end the passage on a negative note, so, I’ll again point out that the present time is indeed the best time for disabled, when a lot is being done for them, and, resources are being researched to help them in helping themselves…yet things can be made better. People with disabilities have started accepting themselves…let the society also accept its constituents.