Helping the Disabled? -------Concluding article of the topic about the disabled
China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) estimated in 1998 the number of disabled people at as much as 60 millions, one fifth living under the poverty line. Do they have the basic rights of human being? Absolutely not. Not only are they deprived of the freedom to use their bodies, they are also thrown in isolation of the human civilization.
We probably won't think how difficult life is to them, for we always are encouraged by the stories of the disabled role models of the century. Yet, we should stop to ponder over this question, "How did the 'models' succeed, while many others still struggle against their defective bodies and menial lives?"
Some friends who replied under my topic post seem to come to an agreement that help and sympathy only increase an invalid’s improper use of his rights, and ultimately result in self-pity. I myself can't distinguish the amiss from the right in this conclusion, but I will cite you an example to illustrate my point of views.
Helen Keller, a friend mentioned, was one of the greatest contributing the most in the United States in twentieth century. Just close your eyes, clog up your ears, and seal up your lips, and remain this for half a day; what can you do without any help? What about 80 years? Without all the help she received from Miss Sullivan and other amiable people, could she possibly achieve what she had done and make contributions to the society? Throughout her autobiography The Story of Life, she unfolded her gratitude to friends who had helped her, and here is one of them.
"Dr. Edward Everett Hale is one of my very oldest friends. I have known him since I was eight, and my love for him has increased with my years. His wise, tender sympathy has been the support of Miss Sullivan and me in times of trial and sorrow, and his strong hand has helped me over many rough places; and what he has done for us he has done for thousands of those who have difficult tasks to accomplish. He has filled the old skins of dogma with the new wine of love, and shown men what it is to believe, live and be free. What he has taught we have seen beautifully expressed in his own life---love of country, kindness to the least of his brethren, and a sincere desire to live upward and onward. He has been a prophet and an inspirer of men, and a mighty doer of the Word, the friend of all his race---God bless him!"
It is quite obvious that the disable do need help and sympathy. The latter is often the source of help. We do not wish to see some disabled people abusing their rights with a self-pitying attitude, but we should not negate wheelchairs and guide dogs. Neither should we ask a one-legged person to run 20 miles an hour, or a person without arms to lift weights. They *are* challenged, and they do deserve what normal people consider "special." But, another question comes to our mind: With so much help and special treatment, why did "models" like Helen not become the little girl in Leslie's story?
Flashing through my mind is the word "education," and that may be the answer to the question above. A normal person might go perdition without good education, what would, then, a physically challenged child be like if he was dispossessed the right of education?
Officials in China have been making great achievements to "spread education far to every corner." Special schools can be found in every city of China. Certificates in some professions for the physically challenged can be obtained. But some of the problems remain.
We get the news, more often than not, that some kid in wheelchair clinging to the railings on a school gate, looking in full anticipation at those playing kids. She is rejected only for the reason that she cannot walk! If he is very lucky to be accepted as an auditor, he is very much likely to be ignored, for his studies is nothing, as it were, in the records of the teaching honors in the school. If the student expects to continue her studies in university, she may be disappointed more, since no boarding service for the disabled is available.
How about home-schooling? Home-schooling may be just another dead end due to the immature testing system, which is considered the gateway to job hunting. No special proctor. No special examination room. No special facilities. The student is left only one chance, and that is acquiring some know-how to make a living with comments like "Could she do this?" A small business finally established, he is likely to be busy fighting for his right of the taxing elimination, legislated by the central government.
Another aspect of education originates in parental guidance. A lawyer's son growing in a thief's family may well commit theft. True to the normal people, the disable people need guidance even more to make amends for their disabilities. Unfortunately, many parents and teachers learn too little about this, and courses and books of the kind are nowhere to be seen.
Inspiring slogans and exciting cries do little work when it comes to official practice. So-called "Helping Day" and "Helping Month" won't help much, I believe. What the special group need are real solutions and organizations that speak up for them, in service with a real heart.
One day, when a strange-looking girl wheels herself along the street, a woman with a little boy walks slowly past her while she gives her a warm smile, rather than a curious stare. Let’s make a wish that this imaginary scene be no longer imaginary. When the day comes, there will be no help, for everybody helps....
Jenny
