Just differently-abled

THE EDITOR: It is with a sad feeling I write this letter, on reading that a group of police officers manhandled a group of disabled persons on Monday (May 26) night outside the National Flour Mills compound where the disabled have set up camp.

According to Mr George Daniel, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago for the chapter of the Disabled Persons’ International, it came as quite a shock to himself and his membership. According to the news story a group of police officers ascended on the disabled men, roughed them up, to the point of injury, hurled harsh words and unsavoury comments at them; how sad! These disabled citizens are also citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, and they too have choices and decisions to make according to their future. They (the disabled) are not asking the government for handouts, but they want an equal share of the national pie. Being disabled does not make you or one less human, they are differently-abled. Citizens should show their support, by standing with them and joining in their cause. There is hardly any legislation, or even law to incorporate them into the “normal” stream of society, all they are asking for is to be recognised by the relevant authorities to meet their demands and needs.

Allow me to share an experience (a story) of a friend who is disabled, but beat the odds to become a successful businessman. Michael (not his real name) came from a poor and underprivileged family. During his formative years he was adopted and lived in foster homes. At the orphanage he excelled, he became a paraplegic on account of a fall in his early years. At the home he did his exams, attended a junior-secondary school, where he learned a trade, and became good at what he did. At senior secondary he did business administration. After leaving secondary school he did private studies on his own, and mastered in business. Today (May 2003) he owns his own business; he did not allow his physical challenges to deter him from getting ahead. Although he had to struggle all through his life, he was determined to be a success and he became a success. What are the relevant authorities doing to help the disabled in our country? I am sad, but as citizens we must show our support to the handicapped in our society.

KEN SMITH
Woodbrook