BE DISABILITY-FRIENDLY

Have you ever, at some point, felt excluded from a group or social gathering? Especially when making plans with friends but you end up being cast away?

That must have been so sad.

If your answer is yes, you probably feel how persons with disabilities feel.

Image from The Dominican Star

For years, persons with disabilities have had various misconceptions targeted to them. They are tagged as “Talentless, Unlovable, Dumb, weak.”

Even despite the conscious efforts from organizations, some people still carry the same misconceptions. Worse, they are passing them down to their families.That should NEVER be you.

SEE: International Day of Acceptance

Today is the International Day of Acceptance. This day is created for the social Acceptance of disabilities. So, how do you respond to people with disabilities? Embrace people’s differences.

Some people are born with specific abilities, and some are not. God never intended for anyone to be the same. Differences also never mean that the person is less.

Forever register this in your mind: Not everyone was born with a disability- it happens through sicknesses and accidents.

That is not to scare you but to remind you that some things can also happen to you.

The best way to celebrate this day is to show kindness; kindness through your words and actions. Encourage someone. Create opportunities for them. Make facilities for persons with disabilities. Create a healthy environment for them- some require walking and hearing aids, some need a functioning wheelchair, and some need artificial limbs.

There is a lot Nigeria needs to improve on. The Netherlands has buses and trams equipped with wheelchair lifts. Additionally, the Dutch government has an initiative to make restaurants more accessible for people in wheelchairs.

Other countries like Canada, Montreal, Japan, and Argentina are also very friendly towards persons with differences.

These countries have taken many steps to ensure that attractions, transportation, and lodging are accessible for people with disabilities and those with physical disabilities.

Public transportation for persons with disabilities will go a long way.

SEE: Normalizing discussions about disabilities

These are things we shouldn’t wait for our government to do; that’s where societal partnerships come in.

Remember that goal- Inclusion! Disability inclusion involves creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their ability, feels valued and respected and enjoys equal access to opportunities.

So get this. Awareness----- Acceptance-----Inclusion

That’s just it. Don’t forget to show kindness. A great way to be disability-friendly is by watching your words. Not everything is a joke. I think making fun of someone’s limp is a sign of insecurity. Don’t be insecure.

I’ll leave you with what the Founder of this day, Annie Hopkins, quoted: “Embrace diversity. Educate your community. Empower each other. Love life.” It’s important to understand that these concepts are all related. We can all love life more when we follow these principles….”

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