Right from childhood, I have come across many physically challenged folks. One of them, my cousin was crippled on both legs right from birth. So I grew up knowing what it felt like to be physically challenged. Moreover, while in the university I had a roommate who unfortunately lost his right arm in an auto accident, and who even though he was right-handed had to live with the challenge of surviving with his left arm. This dude hated to be pitied and so with the support of his teeth he can do his laundry, iron his clothes, knot his ties, and dress up with his left arm.
More so, in the course of my job I have been opportune to deal with so many customers including the physically challenged and people with special needs – the aged, blind, deaf, dumb, etc. I have had to pass across notes, gesticulate with my hands, and use sign language in order to communicate with them. In all, these experiences with the physically challenged have made me understand that they have an eye through which they view the world. However, to understand this better we must first understand what worldview is all about.
The word worldview or outlook is derived from the German word Weltanschauung composed of two German words – welt meaning ‘world’ and ‘Aushauung’ meaning ‘view ‘ or ‘outlook’. The word is a concept that is fundamental to German philosophy and epistemology. It is a wide world perception, the framework of ideas and beliefs, or a set of global descriptions through which any individual or group or culture watches and interprets the world and interacts with it. It is worthy to note that our thinking, behavior, action, speech, decision-making, etc are all affected by our worldview. In other words, the mentality of a person or people is informed by the worldview of events and happenings around them. Hence, worldview is the prism through which we all view the world for a unique world experience and better cognitive orientation of the world around us.
The physically challenged individuals have a worldview. It is the eye through which they look at the world. And this worldview shapes their thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, etc. They see themselves as an integral part of the community. They believe they have something to contribute to humanity and so should be included in the scheme of things. In addition, they want to have a sense of belonging. Hence, anything short of this is seen as a threat to their worldview. We must integrate them into our society.
The Major challenge
The physical challenged face so many challenges. My encounter with Mr. Olamelekan Arogundade, chairman of SCIAN – Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria confirms this. According to him, an average physically challenged individual is discriminated against. They are not consulted on a variety of things even in decisions affecting them. Therefore, in their world view, they see the world as unfair and unjust to them. Hence, they tend to view life through a prism tainted with fear and distrust.
In my opinion, one of the ways we can help is by promoting inclusion and diversity. As we all know there is strength in diversity. So our effort should be more than doubled in supporting the campaign for all-inclusiveness. Every one of us must understand that we are agents of inclusion with the mandate of selflessness, equity, and fairness. We must not discriminate rather we must consider all irrespective of their status whether they are physically challenged or people with special needs. In all fairness and equity, we must make feel respected and belong.
However, doing this requires a unique mindset. This mindset must be one that anchors on the belief that these people are also an integral part of the larger society. We must not discriminate against them. We must give them a sense of belonging by making them feel loved, respected, and valued. Doing this will require us to see the world through our own eyes. Hence, to understand their worldview or the prism through which they view life; we must put ourselves in their position each time we make decisions that will affect them. We must exhibit a high level of selflessness by feeling the pulse of their pains, needs, desires, and aspirations.
Discrimination and Stigmatization of people with special needs in our societies are challenges we must overcome to succeed in the campaign for diversity and inclusion. Obviously, this whole thing begins with us. It is the responsibility of every one of us to promote inclusiveness whether in the workplace, schools, families, banks, hospitals, etc. We must always give special consideration to physically challenged persons and people with special needs. These people are not only part and parcel of the larger society but an integral part of it. They are just victims of circumstances. So, our responsibility is to help them to explore the world around them. And to get the best world experience.
However, to get this right we must work in conjunction with the physically challenged persons. It said that he that wears the shoe knows where it pinches. So we must consult them to know how we can help them explore the world around them. Be curious ask them questions and I assure you that you will get the right answers. They are willing if given the opportunity to contribute their own quota in solving societal problems as it affects them. So ask them to tell you what they need to make them feel belonged, are respected, and valued. Finally, next time you make a decision or take action consider the people with disabilities or special needs. You must see the world in the eyes of the physically challenged.