he term “disabled” has been replaced by “differently-abled” because the former is considered derogatory and the latter more politically correct. This is the first step towards turning the society into a more inclusive one for the physically or mentally challenged.

Quite a few people would ask, “What’s in a name?” The real challenge lies in changing how the society views those who are ‘special’ or ‘differently abled’. Rather than ostracising and excluding those who are different, why should we not make an effort to include them in the society and make them feel wanted, loved and respected?

If we provide them with the opportunities to unlock their potential and utilise it to the maximum, that will instill confidence in them and make them feel valued and useful members of society. The West has made gigantic strides in this field. Developed societies make an effort not to discriminate against physically or mentally challenged individuals; in fact, they applaud and commend those who are breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings.

Helen Keller is a name that comes to mind when we speak of the differently-abled. Despite being blind and deaf, she surmounted great obstacles to scale dizzying heights of excellence. This is because she never considered her disability an impediment to achieving what she wanted to and did not allow it to stand in her way.

Stephen Hawking is another person who, despite suffering from a debilitating illness, became a force to be reckoned with in the world of physics. Closer to home, Haider Ali made Pakistan proud when he won a gold medal in the Paralympics. Only Arshad Nadeem, in javelin throw, had come close to winning a bronze medal in the Olympics.

Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Differently Abled is an organisation working towards opening new horizons for the physically challenged so that they have the opportunity to unlock their potential and put it to best use.

The organisation, situated on the Ferozepur Road, has been working since the 1950s to rehabilitate the differently-abled. There is a school on the premises, a vocational training centre, an orthopedic hospital and a physiotherapy college.

Stephen Hawking is another person who, despite suffering from a debilitating illness, became a force to reckon with in the world of physics. Closer to home, Haider Ali made Pakistan proud when he won a gold in the Paralympics.

Community-based rehabilitation is also provided to the less fortunate to enable them to become productive and functional members of society. In short, this organisation with its team of doctors, nurses, volunteers and a dedicated staff continues to transform the lives of the differently-abled and attempts to equip them with the skills and abilities required to progress and evolve as contributing members of society.

As a society, we also need to change our collective mindset concerning the differently-abled. As individuals in their own right, they deserve respect, care and love. There must be an effort to portray these individuals in a positive light and highlight examples of the physically or mentally challenged that have broken barriers and been trailblazers in their respective fields.

Their stories should be included in the curriculum and children should be taught about these unsung heroes and heroines. Children with minor disabilities should be allowed to study in mainstream schools where they can access the opportunities available to other children and are allowed to compete with them.

A physical disability like being in a wheelchair or visual impairment or a pronounced limp does not in any way detract from the capabilities and skills of the individual. In fact, the ability to communicate and interact with others should be developed and encouraged by allowing these children to be in mainstream schools. There should be quotas for the differently-abled.

Some of the private schools can start offering admissions to the differently-abled. A certain percentage of the school population should include individuals who despite their physical disabilities can participate and compete in academics and extra-curricular activities with other children. This will instill confidence in them and they will come to be accepted and recognised as capable and competent individuals having the right to access and avail opportunities to prove themselves.

As a society, we need to make a conscious effort to strive towards inclusivity. Organisations like the PSRD offer a ray of hope for the differently abled who wish to make an impact and are looking for suitable opportunities to prove their mettle. The organisation is financially supported through government grants and private donations. The executive and the team of volunteers work tirelessly to market and promote this organisation and arrange fundraisers to finance its various activities.

As responsible and privileged members of society, we should endeavour to support and financially assist these organisations to make a greater impact and applaud and acknowledge the efforts of those who have devoted their lives to making this a better society for the differently-abled.

The writer is an   educationist. She can be reached at gaiteeara@hotmail.com