Disabled persons have the same rights as normal people
Disability is a consequence of an impairment that may be physical, mental, emotional, developmental, cognitive and sensory or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime. Moreover causes of disability include heredity, birth defects, lack of care during pregnancy and childbirth because of ignorance, insalubrious housing, natural disasters, illiteracy and the resulting lack of information on available health services, poor sanitation and hygiene, congenital diseases, malnutrition, traffic accidents, air and water pollution. It has victimised 15% population of the world and increasing by 2% every year according to a report by WHO( World Health Organisation). United Nations observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities every year on 3rd of December with the objective to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of masses with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Pakistan is also plagued by this crippling menace where more than five million people were reported with various disabilities in a survey. The number is increasing day by day due to the above mentioned reasons. Polio virus is a major hindrance and hurdle in the progress and prosperity of our country which has left thousands of lives in the lurch. Our concerned institutions have been unable to bring it to a stop. As a result an ample number of people lead a miserable life, full of woes and worries, tortures and traumas, depending upon others for nourishment and shelter, find discouragement and apathy everywhere in society, deprived of basic human rights like education, health and social status. However, some work has been done on the part of the government and other stakeholders including United Nations, civil society and beneficiaries for the welfare and stabilisation of disabled persons, but there are still miles to go.
Disabled persons have to face countless issues in the society like stigma, harassment, bullying, discrimination and many more. There are only 45 countries in the world that have proper legislation for disabled persons. In Pakistan, after the 18th amendment powers were transferred from the federal government to provinces so as to make them autonomous in making legislation for the rights of disabled persons but no such reforms have yet been introduced by provincial governments. They could not even implement the already available rules and regulations, like applying the two per cent reserved quota for disabled persons in government services.
Despite the injustices they have been subjected to, a reasonable number of disabled persons have proved their worth and have become a source of inspiration for others. Take, for example, Aasoo Bai. She despite her disability has been teaching and educating the children of poor people in her village near Kunri in Hyderabad district of Sindh voluntarily for more than eight years. Not only she imparts free education to her students but also provides them free textbooks. Few days back the senior minister of Sindh for education visited her village, appreciated her efforts, enthusiasm and dedication for education, appointed her as a primary school teacher and promised her a school building in the village.
It is a positive and significant step by the authorities but it should not end here. There are a lot of disabled people who requires attention, help and support so that they can become and be treated like normal people. There should at least be one school for special children in each district of the country. Parents counselling and guidance on how to handle children with special needs must be made mandatory. They should also be made to ensure that their children attend schools. Monthly stipends could also be provided so that they can avoid begging. Protection of these people is a responsibility of state. They should be turned into asset for the country, rather than neglecting them. Above all certain measures should be taken for the disabled people so that they can also enjoy social life and contribute towards the growth and development of the nation.
