WHO estimates that over 650 million people live with disabilities worldwide, or 1 in 10 of world’s population. Psycho-social and economical rehabilitation of people with disability is a great challenge especially in developing countries like ours. In our society physical attractiveness is highly valued. Individuals who are physically attractive and pleasing receive social rewards and privileges during their daily interaction with others, they are also perceived as confident, social, popular and happy.

In such circumstances, people with disability have to struggle a lot to get socio-economical acceptance in the society with dignity and respect. Whether it is family life, attempt to have a career, working for earning a living or finding a life partner, all these important factors of one’s life get crucially affected because of society’s perception of ‘disability’ or as I would like to say, ‘differently able’ peers of our society. Women and girls with disabilities are often at greater risk of physical, mental or sexual abuse, both within and outside the home.

In India, where female foeticide is widespread and the girl child in many families and regions is unwelcome. A girl child with disability receives even more contempt and rejection. Our society is still a prisoner of the belief and superstition that the disability is due to the sin committed in the past by somebody in the family.

Our T.V. serials and advertisements in magazines very frequently display human bodies that reflect a standard which is unattainable for the large majority of people. When women with disability also internalize this societal body standards, they are likely to perceive their bodies as a source of pain, guilt and embarrassment. Such self- perception of body also can perpetuate feelings of inferiority, a poor body image which ultimately leads to avoidance of social interaction. To confirm the body norms, women with disability may attempt to conceal their disability and constantly undergo tension and anxiety.

Whereas those who reject the ‘perfection’ standards of society and focus more on their residual capacities likely to become more career oriented and create their own position in the field of their work. This approach of people with disability not only helps them restore their self-esteem, but also send out a message that they are no more dependent on society, on the contrary, they also attempt to contribute to the society and economy of our country in spite of their physical challenges and not  so ‘normal’ life.

If we want to claim our society as civilized, then we must learn to show concern to the weaker sections of our society. 

The people with disability should be treated equally and we must join their struggle for socio-economic inclusion. By providing them societal, legal protection and opportunities we will be able to help them to gain confidence in their abilities.

Moving stories told by the women – GESF 2014 Panel Discussion: Empowering adolescent girls

If somebody is limping because of a physical disability and if an employer something like “Oh! Are you limping?” The response of that person should be, “Yes! I am limping but while walking not while working”.