WE CARE FOR YOU : SENSITIZING YOUTH TOWARDS DIFFERENTLY ABLED FOR SOCIETAL INCLUSIVE GROWTH

GROUP MEMBERS
A - 27 RAHUL MALIK

A - 41

SUDEEP PUSHPAJAN

DIFFICULTIES FACED BY DIFFERENTLY ABLED PEOPLE

PROFESSIONAL FRONT: If an organization has a choice between
selecting a person with disability and another one who is hale and hearty, there is a significant chance that the decision will swing in favor of the latter. The reason behind this is that even if both persons are equally qualified, and even if the disabled person has proven himself/herself to be better, the decision would still be biased towards the other person, since a disability, even if it is not directly related to the job profile, is looked down upon in our society.

CONVENTIONAL BELIEFS: Irrespective of the fact that India has evolved into a
modern society today, people with disabilities are not counted as being at par with other 'normal' individuals. Talking of rural areas, the situation is even worse, and people with disabilities are not able to even find any kind of employment. So dominant is the traditional set of beliefs, that till date in south India, children with disabilities are buried neck deep during the eclipse to 'cure' them of their 'problems', so to speak. On one hand, there are talks of advancement and progress, and on the other, there are such rudimentary customs still being followed.

DISCRIMINATION: There are many people who are unable to get a job despite the fact that the government has given them provisions. The reason for such a phenomenon is that there is still a substantial degree of discrimination being practiced openly in organizations. Hence, being a differently abled person also has legal ramifications, but the society is not willing to even adhere to the law. INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES: A majority of the public places and spaces constructed in the last 5 years do not have the provisions necessary for a differently abled person to be present at the premises. Bangalore was one of the first cities in India to have structures made disabled-friendly, and while the awareness has certainly spread, it has not reached the macro level, where it is most needed.

It is essential to ensure that differently abled people are treated with dignity and at par with others. They are already leading a very difficult life, and it is the duty of their fellow countrymen to support them in their endeavors to lead a prosperous life.

Paraplegic Mitch Longley, actor and activist with native American causes, has appeared in several daytime dramas, including three years as wheelchair-using Matt Harmon, M.D., in the ABC daytime series,Port Charles, and recently as a wheelchair athlete on the CBS hit, Joan of Arcadia, and as an assertive social worker-attorney in the CBS drama Judging Amy.

British scientist Stephen Hawking's conquest of an uncooperative body with an indomitable spirit and a talking computer have made him a legendary figure worldwide, a poster boy for the 'can-do' attitude.