The struggles of the disabled

Johann Kirsten

4

Sometimes when people look at a mentally handicapped person, they think that the person does not know what he/she is doing. That he/she acts like a child, and therefore they do not want to be associated with him/her. Everyone longs to be treated with respect and the unfortunate reality is that many people (not all) do not think about treating disabled people with respect. People look down on them, and this is where contempt for the disabled comes in. People would rather put them down than to give them a chance, because they already think that they are not capable of much, and when they try to convince them otherwise, they try to change the subject.

Too many people tend to label disabled people as “useless” and/or “unworthy”. When that happens, they (the disabled) must just turn around and ignore them, because they know that they are on this earth for a reason. They might not have figured out that reason, but eventually they will. People will keep on trying to put them down, but show them that they will not win. Give disabled people at least a chance to prove themselves to you, before you despise them.

Disabled people, go through difficult phases and can then support and help others with similar problems even if it is non-physical. Even just by listening and caring. There are people who work with and take care of mentally and physically disabled people. It breaks my heart to see the kinds of hurdles these caregivers have to face every single day of their lives. Caring for a disabled person is a big challenge. It takes a lot of patience, love and hours of attention. It also requires research on the disability. Large expenses for special aids, hygiene and care should also be taken into account.

To be continued next week.