Last week, I read in the Northsider that the learners and management of Sunny Smile Assisted Learning Centre have initiated a project to assist those who were affected by the fire in Knysa.
In what I describe as a beautiful gesture, the learners drew adorable pictures and donated non-perishable food to the victims. I was in awe at this initiative, as it not only reiterates the importance of ‘Ubuntu’, but also shows children living with disabilities that they too can be active members of our communities. It also challenges the stigma and perceptions about the disabled.
I’ve decided to write this letter as I feel compelled to celebrate and acknowledge centres that are doing commendable things for both those with disabilities and members of our communities. My daughter was born with an autism spectrum disorder and I cannot begin to imagine life without the assistance and support of not only my family, but also my community. Inevitably, there are so many lessons that our children need to learn. Most of them go beyond a learning curriculum or time spent on a school’s playground. Children, especially those with special needs, must be taught to integrate into our communities by the people around them.
The stigma surrounding disabilities shows in many subtle ways. It is not always obvious or in-your-face, like someone saying, “People like you aren’t welcome here”. Sometimes, it can be something as low-key as assuming that a person who uses a wheelchair or has a visual impairment must have a carer – rather than a spouse or partner. To my shock, a neighbour once said to me that children with disabilities must be kept indoors at all times. People who are not disabled are often frightened by the idea of becoming disabled, and when we feel scared of something or someone, we usually want to push it away and keep it at a distance. I believe it is important that we challenge all the stigmas and negative ideas associated with disabilities. We can do this by showing members of our communities that people with disabilities are equally active and able. Well done to the Sunny Smile Learning Centre for reiterating this.
