TAKING 'DIFFERENTLY ABLED' TO THE MAIN STREAM

‘Differently able’ is a term of American origin which is synonymous with disability, deformity, deficiency or malformation of one’s physical features. This phrase was coined with reference to American soldiers injured while engaged in the war service.

Disability has been defined variously. The sum total of all these scientific, technical and legal definitions simply refers to the inability of a person to lead a normal active life on account of his physical or mental impairment.

Why was it necessary to introduce a new terminology into the language when the synonyms mentioned are quite sufficient to impart the same meaning? It was believed that the terms disability, deformity and malformation are associated with some sort of negative meaning and have the tendency to downgrade the usefulness of an individual affected with such deficiency.

This article is not written with particular reference to American soldiers who were injured at the battle front, but in a general sense in relation to all bodily and mentally incapacitated persons who represent a substantial percentage in any society.

Broadly speaking, disability or deficiency falls into two classes, physical and mental. Physical disability covers a lot of ground. This definition covers anything and everything from a dislocation of a limb to a complete loss of a physical part, including blindness, deafness and absence of rational thinking.
 
As the words ‘disability or inability or deficiency’ used to describe a person who has some kind of physical or mental shortcoming, has the tendency of ranking him or her as an inferior being, no such person would like this phraseology  employed to speak of him. It not only undermines his self-confidence and self-respect but also has an element of disdain. Therefore in referring to them it is better to avoid these words. The terminology ‘differently able’ is a far better substitute.

It should not be forgotten that many of these disable persons are abler than those who are not handicapped. But many physically healthy people having a good sight and a keen sense of hearing do not like to recognize this fact. Instead they continue to live in complete blindness groping in the dark. The saying there is none so blind as he who refuses to see rightly applies describes his condition.

The dormant talents in these differently able people could be harnessed for the good of the society in which they live. It has a dual advantage. On the one hand, the individual is benefitted for he gets an income for his upkeep. On the other hand, the society does not have to spend for his maintenance as he is no longer a liability on it.

Achieving this aim could be attained only if the society is prepared to accept the differently able people as normal human beings who are not deficient in any respect as far as their capabilities are concerned. To bring about this friendly atmosphere the problem will have to be tackled in several angles.

In this matter the state must be actively involved to come out with the necessary legislation. The society at large must accept them as their own brothers and sisters on an equal footing. The employees in the workplace should treat them kindly on the premise that they are not inferior to them in their performances in any way. They should be convinced that they do not depend on the society. Instead they are an invaluable asset to the society in general and in particular to the organization.

MyHome-MyOffice.com has already taken up this challenge and trained a female to work from home. Who is willing to partner with MyHome-MyOffice.com and take this project off the ground?  We are not looking at grants or donations which we are totally against! We need ethically motivated firms around the globe who could give us technical know-how and work so that these differently abled or rather definitely abled people will be able to make use of their knowledge, experience and expertise to regain their lost pride, self esteem and reputation while earning money for the betterment of their life. Are you willing to take up this challenge and make a difference in this part of the world?