Not disabled, just differently abled, believes Imran Ghanchi

Modifies rickshaws to help people with disabilities earn livelihoods

KARACHI: In Pakistan, people with disabilities face a lot of hardship while seeking employment. They also face discrimination and 'unnecessary sympathy'. In general, they are assumed to be a burden on society, which makes it difficult for them to integrate in schools, colleges, universities and workplaces.

Imran Ghanchi, a member of 'The Rickshaw Project' initiated by the Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP), highlighted the plight of disabled persons in the country in his address to students during the fifth session of the 'I Am Karachi Talks' at the Institute of Advancing Careers and Talents on Thursday.

Ghanchi always wanted to finish school but his disability was a major stumbling block. "When I went out to seek employment, I was given money like a beggar by the employers," he reminisced. "The employers were quick to assume that I was looking for pity or some money." He said that the general apathy shown by people agitated him a lot. "I was not able to find a platform to bring my skills into practice," he said. "Even after learning the skills of a mason, I was not given work by anyone."

After facing rejection several times, Ghanchi bought a rickshaw and modified it to meet the needs of disabled people. "I customised the rickshaw according to the needs of a person with disabilities so they can earn an honest livelihood," he said. "After trying the model with various people, I realised that not every person with a disability could use it." Ghanchi hoped to develop a universal model to help meet the needs of people with disabilities at large.

Ghanchi lived in the rural areas of Sindh for five years after making the customised rickshaw. On his return to Karachi, he was given a platform by NOWPDP to display his skills in 'The Rickshaw Project'. "NOWPDP doesn't work for people with disabilities; rather, it works with such people to help them take on the world confidently," he said. "Today, I am able to stand proudly in front of society simply because of NOWPDP."

NOWPDP helps modify the rickshaw according to the physical requirements of an individual, Ghanchi explained. "The Rickshaw Project aims to change the general perception regarding people with disabilities." Ghanchi explained that the rickshaws made in this project were better than the one he designed. "I always encourage other people with disabilities to become drivers to earn an honest livelihood," he said. "It is better to work as a respectable citizen than beg in the streets."

Ghanchi recited a verse that he wrote as a motivation for people with disabilities. Badalte rawayon se maazori khatam nahi hoti, Par maazori ka ehsaas khatam hojata hai. [You cannot fix your disability by changing your attitude, but it does help overcome the sense of disability]

"If you ever see a disabled person trying to catch a fish, never catch a fish for them," he said. "It will be a better service to mankind, if you will teach them how to catch the fish."

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2015.