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February 22, 2007
Giving the differently-abled a fair deal - Sri Lanka
Ms. Shalika, a former Sri Lankan participant of Leaders' Course 2006 let us know that the editorial in the Daily News (Editorial 20.02.2007) discussed the issue of disability.
Following is extract from the editorial of the Daily News, Sri Lanka National Newspaper
VERY rightly, those who were at one time labelled as 'disabled' are today described as the differently-abled. This is mainly on account of the vast capabilities and talents of this section of our population.
In fact the magnitude of their capabilities are such that they put those who are considered able and "normal" to shame through the display of their numerous skills.
For some time now, some sections among the differently-abled have been unobtrusively but effectively championing their cause for recognition by the wider public and for their full integration into the latter.
We have been wholeheartedly backing their cause in these pages out of the realisation that humanity must prevail and that these persons must be given every opportunity to realise their potential as persons and as citizens.
However, if the differently-abled are to be given the opportunity to contribute towards the common good, they must be provided the facilities and empowering measures to realise the potential within them.
For example, if the differently-abled cannot enter public buildings easily, they cannot prove their capabilities.
For instance, if the wheelchair-bound are provided ramps and other facilities in public buildings they could offer up their labours for a reasonable wage or salary and contribute towards the advancement of the relevant institutions.
It is widely known that there is an institution for the blind in this country which is run entirely by the blind themselves.
Accordingly, the administrative skills of the differently-abled are as sound as those of "normal" and able persons.
Therefore, there is no getting away from the need to provide the differently-abled all the opportunities and facilities to rise and shine. Their cry for full integration into society cannot be ignored.
May the State and the private sector take cognizance of this call and respond to it generously, now at a time when man-made causes are adding to the number of differently-abled persons among us.
We observe that some private sector banks have launched enabling facilities, such as ramps, in their buildings to facilitate the movements of the wheel-chair bound.
Such efforts at relieving the lot of our differently-abled should be intensified and increased if these citizens are to be given a better deal.
A prime challenge is to fight the perception that the differently-abled should be relegated to the margins of society and not be integrated into mainstream life.
The perception should also be fought that these persons are a hindrance to what is considered normal life. Such attitudes would prevent the State and the public from meting out justice to the differently-abled.
We urge that facilities of numerous kinds be established in all public places to make life easy for the differently-abled. Besides, prejudices and misconceptions about the differently-abled should be fought by the State on a sustained basis.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/02/20/main_Editorial.asp
Posted by jicafriends at February 22, 2007 10:17 AM