Respecting The Disabled

As I have expected, Kelvin is the overall champion of Project Superstar, becoming Singapore's first visually handicap superstar. Though according to the judges, Kelly was the better performer, Kelvin won the hearts of more fans who had voted overwhelmingly for him. With his victory, Singaporeans showed that they, or at least his fans, are ready to accept a handicap idol. In a way, they have shown their maturity in their mentality in giving their support to Kelvin. Does that mean that Singaporeans have become more humane and are ready to extend their hands to the handicap?

Singapore is fast becoming a handicap-friendly place, with more places becoming more accessible to those wheelchair bounded. Take the example of our MRT stations, where lifts are being installed and metal markings are being made on the flooring to allow these unfortunate people easy assess to the facility. At hawker centres, we find tables that are reserved for their use, public toilets that are meant for them only and even parking lots for their exclusive use. These are definitely little things that could make the lives of these 'special' group of people more bearable.

However, sad to say, many a time we found these special facilities being misused by some able-bodied people. Toilets for the disabled are most of the time occupied not by those on wheelchair but by those who prefer the more spacious cubicles. Parking lots reserved for the handicap are also taken up by drivers who favour the lots which are usually near lift landings. I guess, these people are handicapped in a sense - they have no brain, just like a blind who has no sight.

Luckily, the younger generations are not 'brain-handicap' as they seem to understand that the special facilities are for the special group of people and most of the time they would avoid abusing the facilities. Youngsters tend to be more tolerant and understand the needs of the disabled better as they would have come in contact with some of these people in schools. It used to be quite unlikely that a disabled child would attend a normal school but with the building of more handicap-friendly schools, their presence has become a common sight. Thus, this is definitely one area that some adults should learn from the young - that is to treat the disabled with more respect.

It's unfortunate that there are people who are born with disability but being disabled doesn't mean that they have to lead a life less dignifying than those more fortunate ones. They might be disadvantaged in some ways but they are definitely able to do most of what able-bodied people can do. In fact, when they could do what normal people could do, they command even more respect. Thus, the next time, you come across these people, assist them as you would to a normal person and help them to face the world with dignity.

"To be disabled is not shameful but to behave like one is a disgrace."

"By not accepting one's disability, it has become one's ability."