Envision being turned away from school because you are unable to hear. Think about how it would feel to be excluded from a party due to cerebral palsy. These are not just arbitrary thoughts to stimulate discussion - this is reality. The melancholic discrimination that disabled youth go through is just like picturing a peacock without its feathers.
Let's take a step back. So what is a disability? A disability is a physical or mental deficit in an individual which affects his/her normal functioning. Consequently, the individual has trouble in undertaking normal activities or even comprehending issues.
All around the world, on a daily basis, numerous incidents take place that discriminate disabled youth from society. Most ordinary people don’t empathise with disabled youth and struggle to embrace the fact that the world is full of different people.
An extensive survey conducted by Scope ( an organisation set up to enable disabled people to have the same opportunities as others),in 2014 revealed that, 2 in every 3 children in Britain are afraid to include the disabled in society and hesitate to speak to them. Nevertheless, disabled youth are segregated from the outside world just like birds in a cage are.
Additionally, Nisha Farah, a local service officer in a prestigious school, UWCSEA East in Singapore, asserts that, “Disabled people are getting isolated from society just because they may be somewhat different compared to others.” She continued to share that they are perceived to be abnormal. Keeping them from being integrated into society. There are actually many gifted disabled people who shouldn’t be underestimated due to their disability- instead they should be able to have their voice heard in society. Ms. Farah also shared the mind- boggling anecdote of a young Myanmarese disabled girl without any arms, painting magnificent artworks by using her legs. This anecdote helps to illustrate that disabilities can’t hold anyone from exhibiting their talents.
Furthermore, research from Columbia University shows that both the worldwide public and disabled youth believe that more everyday interactions and greater awareness about disability will increase understanding and acceptance of disabled people. By minimizing negative notions , we can be one united society. When there is acceptance, people will find ways to include the interests and capabilities of friends with disabilities. The challenge is in acceptance and compassion.
Overall, it's critical to change our perceptions about disability. Disabled youth have competencies and potential which needs to be uncovered. They feel as if their wing is being clipped in their prime youth. In order to decipher the same, social awareness and a positive perception towards them could facilitate a better understanding and empathy for disabled children. Moreover, inculcating moral values among students necessitates their positive approach towards the disabled. If you see disabled youth feeling excluded -------- do your part ; be open-minded, introduce yourself, smile warmly and stand up for them.
