They are not disabled or handicapped. They are differently abled!!

Philippines
January 14, 2010 3:30pm CST
Yesterday while I was on my way home I encountered a blind man sitting in a corner, playing a guitar and singing. People were passing by and giving him coins or paper bills. I went near to where he was and and dropped a paper bill in his iron can. He is very good in playing guitar and sings very well. I heard two old lady talking about him. One of them said, "What a pity he is blind. God is still good to us because we are not disabled." It just amazes me that a lot of people still use the term handicapped or disabled. Even in public transportation there would usually be a sign saying, "This seat/ platform is reserved for disabled/ handicapped, senior citizen and pregnant women." It only shows that a lot of us is still not aware of the politically correct term to use when referring to these people. Sometimes when I'm talking to someone and I would use the term differently abled people would give me a "huh? what are you talking about look?!?!". Then, I would explain to them what I mean by that term. Disabled or handicapped is very different from the term differently abled. In a sense that when we use the term disabled or handicapped it leaves an impression that the person is useless. Let us say for example the term disabled means the person is "not able". Not able to do what? When we say differently abled it means that the person has a different ability compared to average person. This term is empowering. Let us take for exmaple the case of Beethoven. Beethoven is blind but has a different ability which made him famous. He can play piano even if he is blind. Sometimes you can also hear news about someone who was born without arms but can paint and write using their feet or teeth. There are other various examples. Why am I writing about this subject? This is to raise awareness that these people should not b called handicapped or disabled as sometimes calling them that way seems like degrading and might make them feel they lack something needed for them to be considered as a complete human. Let us make these people proud of their selves and empowered so that instead of them sulking because of what they don't have they would be inspired to do great things just like Beethoven.
2 responses
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
1 Feb 10
I have a son with special needs and is differently abled. Honestly, most people just look at you kind of puzzled when you use the term. My son is in a wheelchair, and I do still say that he is disabled, mainly because that is what people understand. I do not treat them different and I am amazed with what alot of them accomplish.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
5 Feb 10
It is sad that so many are afraid to give them the time of day. Most show you an unconditional love you cannot find anywhere else. They are very special.
• Philippines
5 Feb 10
Honestly, I admire these people. I have been exposed a lot to people who are differently abled because I graduated with a degree in Community Development and Social Work. I've been a volunteer for almost two years for different NGOs. I once volunteered to help a shelter for children who are differently abled and were abandoned by their parents. A lot of them have dreams in life and if you will just talk to them you will realize that these people are naturally caring and loving. It breaks my heart that when I talk to them they would tell me that one of their dreams is to meet their parents. According to them it is okay if they don't want to acknowledge them as their child but they just want to see them and at least hug them.
@allknowing (153530)
• India
15 Jan 10
I fully agree with you. They are compensated elsewhere and many a time they contribute more to the world than the so called 'able'. Their determination to achieve something despite them being physically challenged is amazing.
• Philippines
15 Jan 10
Very well said. :) That is actually the reason I feel uncomfortable whenever people call them disabled or handicapped. I knew a lot of people who have complete body parts but are lazy and unreliable. I also knew a lot of people who don't have complete body parts but they work really hard. I even knew someone whom people in our community sometimes make fun of because of how he looks and they even say he is mentally challenged. The term they use to call him is retarded. This person is the bread winner of their family. I was able to talk to him one time as I was curious where he lives because I often see him talking to some people within our subdivision and they are making some nasty comments about him. I have learned that he is living with his mother and older brother who has a family. The brother who is very much healthy does not have any work. I felt so bad about what I have learned especially when I asked him why he has some bruises. He said his brother would sometimes beat him if he does not give his money. That is the reason he needs to earn before he goes home or else he is going to be beaten by his older brother. He shines shoes. That is the reason even if we have a shoe polisher at home I don't clean my shoes. I will go to his place to have my shoes polished and cleaned. I don't know if his condition is still the same since I moved out to another town with my hubby. We were relocated due to work. I was a Supervisor in our company and he is a Trainer. We were relocated to another town because we need to help the company open a new site. I hope he is doing well.
@allknowing (153530)
• India
15 Jan 10
I dont like people using the term 'deaf and dumb'. There is a better word 'mute' I had a gardener who was mute. We got him an aid so that he could hear and then start talking. He used it and then threw it away telling us with his sign language that he hated the noises around him!! He was better off mute!!