Johann Kirsten

-Continues form 23 January 2021 edition of the Kathu Gazette, page 10-

The reason disabled people do not like being stared at, is because they have no idea what is going on in that person’s mind. Personally, I like it more when people ask me about my situation, rather than them just staring at me the whole time. Sometimes some people tend to follow me, just because they want to keep staring at me…

Looking beyond a disability and into the heart and soul of the disabled in order to know them as individuals, are extremely important. Getting to know the character traits and qualities of these people, are the same as you would with any other person.

Mentally and physically disabled people should be treated the same as “ordinary” people. When they are treated differently, most of the time they feel as if they do not belong in the company of other people. Mentally handicapped people are very sensitive, and therefore their feelings must be taken into account. Disabled people should not treat one another differently, because everyone deserves a chance to be noticed. Everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect. No human being – child or adult – deserves to be treated mockingly or unfairly, no matter what the circumstances are.

If you are not in someone else’s shoes, rather keep quiet, and if you cannot say anything good, also keep quiet. God’s Word explicitly states, “Thou shalt not judge”. This also connects to education. Parents need to teach their children that mocking others is wrong. And the struggles do not stop there.

Medical funds that do not have options for the problems of the disabled, for example difficulties regarding the use of sidewalks, entrances to businesses and general access to buildings. These cause major headaches.

To be continued next week.