Discrimination Against The Disabled - By Tarush Nandrajog

Our elders are said to be wise and strong as they have battled the perils of life. They have been through a lot, but have never given up and have fought on. So have the disabled. Yet they are often written off as weak and incapable. Wheelchair-bound 8th grade student Aditya Anurag has faced this harsh treatment all his life. “People often stare and make fun of me because of my physical appearance,” he reported, with frustration on his face. He strongly believes that he should not be judged by what he looks like or appears to be, but by who he is as a person. Is that not fair?

Unfortunately, this issue does not exist just among children. Discrimination towards the disabled is a problem even in the adult society. Statistical evidence tells us that able bodied applicants are almost twice as likely to get a job compared to their disabled counterparts and are more than three times as likely to receive positive feedback. This is because the company is not ready to take care of the ‘extra needs’ that come with hiring a disabled employee.

Activist writer Tiffiny Carlson says that people often ignore her and pretend she is not there because it would be too much of a hassle to try and help. The truth is that the disabled are just as cable as everyone else. It is very hard for someone with a disability to get a taxi in this modern day and age. They zip past as fast as possible not wanting to deal with the ‘extra needs’ that come with a disabled customer. In reality, anyone with a disability hailing a cab solo can most likely handle the entire process on there own.

Nonetheless, there is always two sides to a coin. There are always some that are selflessly willing to help these individuals. The government of Singapore have always been very supportive towards the disabled, which is very evident in their public transport. They do a lot to make the environment comfortable and friendly. Singapore is getting ready to host the 8th annual ASEA paralympics this december. Events like this are huge confidence boosters for people with disabilities and it helps them feel part of society. They are able to forget all of their worries and enjoy the games.

After interviewing many victims of discrimination and analysing my own observations, I have come to a conclusion that even in the  most supportive and encouraging societies - much like UWC, there will always be those who discriminate against the disabled. It is extremely unfair towards the disabled and shows how shallow our society is. Modern society looks to bring individuals down, rather than to bring the best out of everyone as a diverse and unique group of people. The disabled can never be normal or feel normal if they aren't treated that way.