The International Day of Persons with Disabilities and National Disabled Day-2019 was observed yesterday in Bangladesh and on this day, in a special message the president has exhorted local and foreign organisations to offer equal chances to people with disabilities. The term ‘disabled’ is often used in our society to refer to a person (s) who faces physical and psychological impediments though it’s often forgotten that people who have limitations in one area can have potential in some other side, which we need to nurture. People with disabilities can become true assets to a nation in all areas from sport to trade to the arts once they are given the opportunity to learn skills. While in the West, there are ample ways for people with disabilities to be productive citizens, in most developing nations, they are stigmatised, sidelined or neglected.

Such mistreatment usually stems from a social condition plagued by rampant poverty, privation and suffering. As Bangladesh comes out of the least developed nations list and moves towards a middle income status, the issue of human dignity, irrespective of a person’s physical or mental condition, supersedes the primal instincts of survival for the fittest. In a developing society, the mantra is to create equal opportunities for all so able bodied people along with those with difficulties can work to lead dignified lives. In Bangladesh, the situation has improved from the past when disability was deemed a curse and the disabled grew up in torment, neglect and pity.

 Today, there are special schools in all districts and many offices have a quota under which disabled people are given jobs. However, the change is still very slow. A total social awakening is required. While foreign organisations hire disabled people, the trend is absent in many local ones. The government has to pass a law stating that a certain number of jobs must be given to people with disabilities and to lead the way, a particular number of government jobs needs to be reserved for them. In addition, the country’s transport, entertainment plus other sectors have to be made easily accessible for people with movement difficulties.  Special toilets, stairs, seats and other support need to be present at shopping areas, cinemas and apartments. Despite some change, subconsciously, we still feel disability is a burden and a cause for embarrassment. Such attitudes can change when within the family, a person facing difficulty, is made to feel secure and loved.