According to WHO, at least 2.2 billion people globally are visually impaired while 5% of every country’s population suffer from some form of hearing impairment. In Pakistan, 10 million people are deaf and according to the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association some 2 million people are blind. It is a heart-breaking fact that such a significant portion of the population remains deprived, sometimes of medical treatment and sometimes of care and support. It is important to understand that the life they live is not chosen by them and they do not deserve to suffer as a result.
People with sensory impairment are of two categories: those that are impaired by birth and those that develop impairments at some point in their lives. The WHO has reported that malnutrition, trauma, diabetes, agricultural and industrial accidents, and improper treatment results in severe hearing or vision impairments.
Such people have to suffer from limited educational and economic opportunities as well as reduced independence and acceptance. Instead of showing pity, we can take some time out of our daily routine to help these people, perhaps by learning sign language or finding a way to interact with them. Our policymakers and governing bodies too can do a lot more to make their life easier. More schools, colleges, health care facilities, vocational training institutions, special buses and job quotas can bring stability and ease to their difficult life.
Sidra Iqbal
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2022.
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