Don’t judge, accept them for who they are

People with disabilities, including those using crutches, need support from their friends

A child is born pure and innocent. Therefore, regardless of whether the child is born in perfect condition or not, it is our responsibility to raise them without any prejudice.

A child with disabilities should not be seen as an unwanted child, but a gift from God that we must accept with an open heart.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), disability is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.

Thus, disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives. To date, 197,519 is the recorded number for people with disabilities in 2006. It is expected to increase by one fold by the year 2011.

A disabled child should not be treated differently than any other normal child. Every child is born with equal rights. Regardless of their background or physical conditions, they are born free and should be treated equally in terms of dignity and rights.

Disability is not the end of the road for these children. Instead, let us open new possibilities and tap into their real potential so that they too can prove their self-worth by increasing their self-esteem and helping them to create a more positive outlook towards life. Despite their situation, children must be taken seriously, as their views count as well. We must not ignore what they have to say in order to understand them better.

The sister of a disabled child Faezah Amanullah said, “The most difficult part of having a disabled brother is when he doesn’t understand and he does things like acting out, because the family doesn’t let him switch on the radio or television as it is late, and everyone wants to sleep but I have to be patient and approach him delicately to try and make him understand even though he doesn’t, but with that approach he would at least listen to what I say.”

We should not be ignorant. As responsible people we must help them overcome their disabilities and give them hope along with all other basic efforts in raising these children. The government and non-profit organizations are doing their best for the welfare of the disabled children.

Rehabilitation facilities are fast growing in Malaysia, and this proves that all parties are taking action to help out.

Together, we can make a difference. Prejudice and even uncertainty of how to deal with the disabled should be replaced with involvement and support. Listen, understand, respond and react.

As others attempt to create a better future for these special children, they too will have a chance in living this beautiful life. Let’s play our roles as well.

(By Nur Affizza Azmi )