Disabled folks need our respect

Tuesday December 9, 2008

Disabled folks need our respect

MARIAM Mokhtar made an excellent point in the article “Time to heighten plight of the disabled” (The Star, Dec 4).

I wholly agree that International Day for the Disabled should be something we need to not only celebrate but also to show our respect, kindness and admiration for the disabled.

It is disheartening to know how a country like Malaysia still harbours a backward attitude when it comes to the disabled community.

I am baffled that Malaysia is not disabled-friendly and that society is not empowering the disabled community at all.

It makes me angry to see a few ignorant Malaysians do nothing but stare at a disabled person venturing out in public for everyday chores.

In Britain, where I come from, the only response you get for staring at a disabled person is either a rude gesture or a good scolding.

Disabled individuals have feelings and rights to be treated with dignity and respect like their able-bodied counterparts.

They don’t need to be stared at, teased or be made fun of.

How would you feel if you were a disabled person where you have to endure a barrage of insults and rude stares by others?

Helen Keller, Rick Allen, Kristi Yamaguchi, Ian Dury, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Stephen Hawking, Louis Braille, David Blunkett, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Cameron Leslie. What do these 11 persons have in common?

They are all not just famous for their achievements and talents but have also proven that their disabilities do not impede them from achieving success in life.

It shows that disabled individuals can be as successful as their able-bodied counterparts as long as we give them the support they need.

It is about time that Malaysians stopped thinking that disabled people cannot make a useful contribution to society, the economy and social issues.

CHRISTOPHER K. BIRCH,

Kuala Lumpur.