Normalizing conversations about disabilities and disorders

Wow, just wow.

So, first of all, let me start by saying “Thank You, God”

Three months ago, I started planning my hangout- I started by opening up a link for people to register, I wanted to see if people would be interested in it. Surprisingly, over 33 people registered. I was already so motivated to keep it going. The essence of this hangout was to introduce the initiative behind the mission and also to spark up a conversation about special needs.

So I just wanted to have that talk with people about disabilities. A part of me wondered if it would be a “Safe space.” Whether people would want to talk, but I was proven wrong.

They spoke. So many people were so interested in talking. I deserve a pat on my back for coming up with this. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so proud of myself.

My country isn’t the best for catering well to its citizens, so I lose hope when I think about special needs and whether they can do so much more to help persons with disabilities and special needs families.

As you know, it costs an arm and a leg to raise a child with a disability, whether in or out of Nigeria, it’s a lot of money to put in the extra help. A little help from the government will not be bad. However, we cannot always wait for the government. We could do things ourselves. The best way is to educate yourself.

It was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Sunday and I think there are three things to understand about persons with disabilities.

You cannot always see a person’s disability; disability is not just tied to the word “physically challenged” There are people who have mental challenges and visual impairments. In these cases, you cannot know except only by someone’s behavior.

The second thing is that anyone can have a disability through sickness, accident, or illness. Absolutely anything can happen to anyone. When someone says on the internet that it can happen to you, don’t be offended.

The last thing is that people with disabilities live fulfilled lives; just because they have one form of challenge or the other doesn’t mean that they aren’t happy. They have careers, romantic relationships, friendships, and their own lives.

The year is coming to an end and I know that there is still much to do, so let’s continue to put in the efforts in increasing awareness of disabilities and also doing all we can to help them.

Someone close to you could have a challenge, the best thing you can do for them is to know about their challenges, and that way, you know how to treat them better.

So people, remember acceptance and awareness come before inclusion, okay?

Your safe space will be coming back with another edition by next year December and by God’s mercy and power, we will grow.

I wish you an Early Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Comments

EASTER SUNDAY- THE DAY JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD AND THE DAY I THOUGHT OF SUICIDE

I believe in the opinion that everyone has thought of suicide, and you can argue, but you know deep down, something may have happened to you to make you say, “I’m going to end it all.” But let’s talk about something that happened to me. Now, this article is not to scare you, or to make me seem easily influenced by the other voice. It is to remind you of three things. One, bottling emotions is not good. Two, the role of caregiving for someone with a disability is not something that is your sole responsibility. Three, the devil is a bastard. Okay, let's get into it. If you’ve been following my space, you probably know that I have a brother with Autism. As much as it is a beautiful experience, it is very scary. Whenever my brother is coming to the house from school, we ‘ Tobi-proof ’ the house, meaning that we have to hide some things, lock some things up, and it is quite a lot. See also: Choosing Love as a neurotypical sibling Long story short. I had a meltdown on Sunda...

Special Education!

It is a hard pill to swallow but children with developmental disorders are often not recognized in society. Yes, I said it! Special education is a unique educational program for students who have mental, physical, and emotional challenges. These children require special and unique teaching approaches. Sometimes, these approaches take place outside a regular classroom setting. Special-needs children refer to children who have some sensory challenges. Some of these challenges are common to children with Autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, developmental delay, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, visual impairment, and much more. It’s unfair that children are placed in regular classrooms and are forced to learn the way neurotypical children are. My brother once attended a school for neurotypical children. This was a time when we weren’t sure about his diagnosis. I could tell that it was hard fo...

Choosing True Love as a sibling of special needs.

What It’s Like to Date as a Special Needs Sibling? The truth is, I worry about love. Who doesn’t? You’re choosing someone to build your life with, and what happens if you make a bad choice? It’s not just about my happiness. It’s about my future children, my stability, and, in my case, my little brother. The topic of caregiving has been on my mind since I reached a certain age, making me think more about the future; my career, my health, my responsibilities… everything. Love and relationships are a huge part of that. I’ve never doubted that I have the best friends around me…people who understand my role as a neurotypical sibling. But when it comes to love? That’s where the anxiety creeps in. Not sure if you’ve noticed, but the dating pool is a big mess. I’d describe it as “shege” before finding real love” except if you’re God’s favorite and somehow skip the drama. My situation hasn’t been smooth, and I’d like to think that God is saving me for the one. Unashamedly, I love romance, ...

APRIL 2ND: WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

On World Autism Awareness Day, we speak out against discrimination, celebrate the diversity of our global community and strengthen our commitment to inclusion for people with autism.” – Antonio Guterres, United Nations Why is Autism Awareness day every important? I gave it a quick thought. Why should we have a particular day meant for Autism awareness? Shouldn’t it be a daily basis where we advocate for Autism acceptance and inclusion? But it doesn’t mean that I don’t love the great day! I always love forward to this day because it’s a day where EVERYONE shows their support and love. This month, I plan to celebrate by releasing my first Autism fiction novel “ All For my Odd beautiful boy”. It’s a story about a young mother and how she battles with household issues- her emotionally abusive husband, her meddling mother-in-law and also her son, who happens to be cursed’ or possessed with the devil. Demonic possession has been a misconception of Autism for a long while and it'...

Diary of a Beautiful Special Needs Sibling

Search This Blog