Inclusion of the Specially Abled in Mainstream Society

tr- Soubarna Chowdhury

“Attacking people with disabilities is the lowest display of power I can think of”
– Morgan Freeman

People are made up of habits and society is made up of notions. The human race has come a long way since the ancient times and has undergone various developments over the centuries. People have made use of the most primitive forms of science and technology to develop marvels which have made our lives so comfortable and easy today. Hence, over the years, people’s intellect has developed. However, their social mindset has refused to develop at the same rate. People in their social lives have always been guided by preconceived notions set by their previous generations and this cycle has continued over the centuries and is continuing even today. These preconceived notions have always led people to find and socialize with people who are “similar” to them. It is due to this, that a certain part of the society, who do not fit into our preconceived mindset, are alienated from the “mainstream” society. The people in this part of the society are referred to as “disabled” because they fall short of the physical or mental capabilities which are etched as “normal” in the minds of the people. They have various hidden talents, which often get suppressed and remain latent due to the negligence exhibited towards them. Hence, these people require our utmost care and love to kindle their hidden talents. It is through the expression of these qualities they can become independent and hope for a better future.

Within this section of the society there are people with different kinds of needs. The need and capabilities of a differently abled child is different from those of a differently abled youth or adult. The most urgent requirement for the differently abled children, is basic education. Its doing everyday tasks such as tying shoelaces or more academics oriented- like basic courses in language studies, math’s and science. The type of education they must undergo and the course must be designed according to the intellectual level and the capacity of the child. A planned and methodical system of education will eventually lead every child towards a better and self-dependent future.

The differently abled youths and adults have different requirements than the children. The needs of the youth and adults are inclined more towards earning a livelihood for themselves and to lead an economically independent life. They may become economically independent in various ways by doing a variety of jobs. These differently abled youths and adults must be properly assessed to find out their skill domain so that they can be helped to get employment in industries requiring their skill sets. Someone’s disability does not take away his/her chances of being employed. They can be given various vocational trainings such as knitting, sewing, software courses to name a few. Such vocational trainings make them aware of their skills which hitherto were unrecognized and pave the way towards an economically independent future.

Academics and vocational skills are not the only skillsets amongst them. Some of them may have interests in physical activities such as sports. Sporting activities serve not only a recreational purpose, but also has therapeutic benefits. Indulgence in various kinds of sports such as cricket, chess, etc. helps to rekindle the hidden sporting talents in them. It is a matter of pride how the Indian blind cricketers have performed excellently in cricket world cup for blinds. These examples show humanity that they need to reshape their opinions regarding the “disabled” section of the society. Such success boosts the morale of differently abled people and encourages them to excel in various fields.

Various forms of art, such as painting, art, dance, drama, etc. are helpful for rehabilitation. They can express their hopes, joys, fears and other feelings through the lyrics of songs, themes of stage plays etc. Dance movements induce multifarious activities at the same time like synchronization among dancers, memorization and non-verbal communication. Hence, besides expressing themselves, they are also able to develop their intellectual capabilities.

Samarthanam Trust for the disabled an NGO founded in 1997 is working relentlessly towards facilitating opportunities to enable persons with disabilities and the underprivileged to keep pace with the rest of the society and hence building an inclusive society free from discrimination, where the so labeled “disabled” become contributing members living with dignity and support.

Let us realize this and empower them through development initiatives thereby focusing on their social, educational, economic, cultural and technological aspects.