When we say ‘disabled’, we mean that a person is unable to do things. But when we use the term ‘differently-abled’, it points out the fact that all of us have different abilities. We all have our own set of individual strengths and weaknesses. But that doesn’t delineate us from the society. We all live with them and make the most of life. Same kind of attitude we should follow in the case of individuals with special abilities.

 In our view, ‘disability’ is not a medical condition but a social construct. It is like restricting a person based on certain pre-conceived norms of society that differentiates between an able-bodied and a disabled individual. The thought of being excluded from the society and not able to do things the normal way is more crippling than any physical or mental impairment.

 It is a belief quite prevalent in the communities that a person needs to have certain set of mental and physical attributes to conform as being ‘normal’. Those who lack them must either struggle to find a place in the society that is not compliant or separate themselves entirely from the mainstream. Here, the focus is not upon a person with added skill-sets and the usage of the term ‘disabled’ is limiting. As a matter of fact, they develop their other senses in order to adapt within their limits.

 Disability is Passé

‘Disability’ – It is all in our minds. When we construct a staircase in any building, we never think of it as a concession given to the non-disabled people. It is not a sign of boundless magnanimity but a fairly normal thing that people need. So, why is that when we build ramps, it is considered as a charity? Thus, a person with disability is compelled to deal with the existing system by depending upon the able-bodied individuals. But, he/she is not a burden on the society and it is a duty to accommodate him/her in this setting.

With 650 million persons affected with disabilities throughout the world, it becomes necessary to take the much needed step. The objective is not to create a system which sees these people as disabled but treat them as normal ones with different needs. If we break down the data into parts, around 2.21 percent of the Indian population is differently-abled. This data shows the extent of disability that is rampant in the society. These are the people who actually feel disabled due to the society’s inability to accept them in the mainstream with open arms rather than owing it to their mobility limitations.

 Different is the Future

Today, we the #WaveRiders of Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan (MBCN), a charitable school for children with special needs, are trying to do away with ‘disabled’ tag. Instead of that, it is trying to promote the usage of ‘differently-abled’ in an attempt to change the existing mindset. As a word, ‘differently-abled’ exudes positivity, optimism and acceptance, unlike its predecessor. It owes its origin to the 1980s when society was looking for the correct language to describe the situation of people with special abilities and clearly see through their special strengths without stigmatizing them.

Being ‘differently-abled’ means they are able to do things in a way different from the general population and have additional skills that go beyond normal. For instance, when a person becomes visually-impaired, his/her body compensates by making the sense of hearing, touch and smell more vivid. Thus, it is better to make them realise their different abilities rather than making them admit their limitations. In this regard, using the term differently-abled makes them feel motivated and empowered to let them know that they may get whatever they want.

 At MBCN, we are making an effort to help them create a space for themselves in the society so that they can live with dignity and respect because we vouch for abilities that win over disabilities to lead a fulfilling life. MBCN intervenes as a part of WAVE Group social responsibility initiatives for the integration of people with special abilities in the community. Our continuous efforts are directed towards the world that doesn’t just addresses such individuals as differently-abled, but mean it as well.