By Fatima Zaidi
Birth carries no privilege. Elevated ability fails to qualify for a license to control. Variations in skill, aptitude and physical dexterity, instead of outlining inferiority or dominance, display differences. Their existence marks an interaction between fate and responsibility. Shared obligations and communal expectations pour meaning and purpose into life. Competition and struggle must not demean the differently-abled neither come at their expense. Instead, equality of opportunity and equitable access should prevail until no one is left behind.
As the globe observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Punjab promises for their integration in political, socio-economic and cultural facets. In our pursuit, rehabilitating confidence in differently-abled youth through the implementation of their legal rights while nurturing necessary opportunities receives priority. Unification of differently-abled intensifies our progress towards inclusivity, and promises to sweep away preconceptions and untrue notions. Instead of silo-thinking, differences must be understood and accepted for breeding a responsible and communal living.
Extensive recognition of disabilities in the United Nation’s Social Development Goals (SDGs) chalks out a path for embracing the differently-abled. From education to vocational training, employment to compensation, accessibility to socio-politics, data collection to accountability, SDGs enunciate an equitable and inclusive representation and rights of the disabled and challenged.
Under the chief minister’s unwavering resolve, Punjab is accelerating past barriers of separation and differences. It has increased public sector quota of jobs for people with disabilities from 2 per cent to 3 per cent. It has erected vocational institutes for their productive contributions in the labour market. Khidmat cards provide quarterly stipends as financial support to all deserving differently-abled. More than 300 dedicated public schools are providing free and quality education and maintenance to differently-abled students in Punjab, while other public schools are encouraging their enrolment. Public hospitals are undergoing revamping to also include disabled-friendly healthcare. Despite these efforts, cultivating a culture of acceptance and inclusivity at lightning pace is vital. Spreading awareness of both their rights and society’s responsibility is crucial.
Furthermore, SMU’s visits to public special education schools bred Punjab’s ‘No Athlete Left Behind’ journey. Astonished by the motivated teachers, skillful management and optimistic student body, we felt convinced on fulfilling our share of responsibility. As the physical exercise and recreational activities develop differently-abled’s cognitive, emotional and behavioural abilities, Lahore welcomed 1,100 differently-abled athletes at the 17th Punjab Games held in November—an unparalleled three-day event of this scale in Pakistan. During our journey, collaboration with Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) has enabled 2 to 10-year-olds across all public special education schools to receive specialised sports equipment and weekly training by well-trained instructors. Punjab Sports Board is also extending usage of its trainers and stadiums for training the differently-abled athletes.
‘No Athlete Left Behind’ campaign also stimulates the participation of differently-abled youth in global sports events. In March, the chief minister invited three athletes from Punjab, their families, coaches and staff. He honoured them and funded their trip prior to their departure for the World Winter Games in Austria. Pakistani delegation returned with 16 medals and received a huge commendation. In addition to a luncheon hosted by the minister for sports acknowledging their efforts, the champions walked on the pathways of the walled city in Lahore, lauding the faience tilework of the Wazir Khan mosque. The anticipated trigger from this campaign easily surpassed its noticeable gains.
In addition to communal mentorship and care, the role of parents in upbringing their differently-abled children possesses utmost meaning and worth. Their emotional wellbeing and appetite for patience and stress are necessary for dealing with their children’s unusual behaviour and resisting socio-cultural stigmas and obstacles. Parents, siblings and caregivers of the differently-abled deserve extra care while broader efforts attempting to change the community mindset are realised.
In the midst of other development challenges, pulling hurdles facing the differently-abled youth, from the back burner to the main stage, is indeed a giant step forward. However, Punjab’s differently-abled require our collective and coherent endeavours. Enacting partnerships with non-governmental organisations and corporate entities in education, training and employment creation is necessary. Reception and inclusivity for the different must guide our policy, workplaces and community. Let’s together shun our perceptions of privilege, respond to the differently-abled as equals and practice inclusion.