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.