Beyond disabilities: Stories of resilience and power of positive mindset

DHA Karachi has taken concrete steps to facilitate people with disabilities

The road of life is not smooth sailing. Life offers different packages to different people. While some experience difficulties in the form of financial or emotional crises, others may be born or, at some point in their lives, become physically challenged. Most take this as a challenge to prove themselves, while for others, it may pose a difficult task. Being differently abled does not take away from an individual's mental acumen.

In the US, the Disability Act was introduced and implemented in 1990 and the world adopted a more humane approach to this very real and tangible issue. Pakistan, though late to the game, did pass a disability bill in 2020, as according to Human Rights Watch, the number of people living with a disability varies greatly from 3.3 million to 27 million.

This is a large number and Pakistan took the step in the right direction by introducing the ‘disability bill’. The bill gives equal rights to people in job settings and politics, and to have special places for them, so that they can live in dignity. The Supreme Court of Pakistan also banned the use of terms which are considered derogatory and issued instructions to introduce a softer word.

History has some remarkable persons with disabilities (PWDs). Helen Keller, who was unable to hear, see or talk, wrote a book. She was an avid advocate of PWDs and proved her mettle with her writings and activism, at a time when women did not even have a right to vote.

America is a prime example of equal opportunities as the 32nd President, Franklin D Roosevelt was a polio patient, yet he was elevated to the highest rank. Not to forget, the world would be very different without Stephen Hawking's work on Cosmology and contributing to other developments in the world of science. Despite his physical challenges, he was the greatest mind of the 21st century. Some even argue he was at par or even greater than Albert Einstein, who according to his teachers was ‘not very intelligent’. Needless to say, PWDs are very capable and can achieve great heights if given a chance.

Arsalan is one such example, a young man with an amazing voice. He developed paralysis in the lower half of his body due to spinal cord swelling, however, he never lost his spark or hope. Though shocked, he put on a brave front. “It was a shock to me, but I accepted my fate, my wife is so supportive and I was fortunate to be selected in DHA Karachi, a place where people take good care of me.” Arsalan was selected because of his mental acumen and he proved his mettle. His melodious voice is also put to use as he sings his favourite songs during break time.

Naeem, an army veteran has a leg missing, but what is not missing is his warm smile and his zest for living. Naeem was injured during an operation and got hit with six bullets in his legs. Try as they might, the doctors were forced to amputate his leg. Naeem still did not lose hope, he relies on his friends for comfort and he advises people to invest in good and meaningful friendships.

“Friends really can pull you out of a dark place, it is very important to have sincere friends because a tragedy can befall anyone, that is when you can determine the true character of people, my friends have always been there for me.” Naeem urges people not to lose hope as it is a test of patience from Allah. He advises all PWDs to hone their skills and not pay heed to the naysayers. Naeem has been working for DHA Karachi for a decade and he is very satisfied. He says other companies should also make space for PWDs so that they too can earn a decent living with dignity.

Some companies do make room for them, however, the percentage is quite low. Kashif had a terrible accident in 2011 while he was returning from his tuition centre, a car hit him with full impact. As a result, he suffered a terrible brain injury of the frontal lobe. Kashif was in a coma for eight months and the doctors were not hopeful that he would ever wake up.

The ones who did not give up were his parents. His mother continued to pray and never once faltered in her faith. She was met with a very pleasant surprise; her son regained consciousness, however, due to the long period of feeding pipes, his voice box was damaged and he was unable to talk. Trust a mother’s love to bring in miracles, she continued to pray until one day he uttered the word, ‘Maa’ (mother), and it was at that moment the mother wept. Kashif has put all that behind him, he comes to work regularly, loves to crack jokes and loves to pray. He is what people would term a ‘walking miracle’, he has a good job and he seems very happy. “I love coming to work (DHA Karachi) and everyone is so cooperative and polite. I am well respected and I get paid on time, my life is good, I urge people that please do not give up hope, trust in Allah and all will be well.”

DHA Karachi, being a mindful organisation, has taken concrete steps to facilitate PWDs. The recent revamp of Phase 2, A-Market is one such example, with pathways to cater to the visually impaired, and ramps to cater to people with wheelchairs so that no one feels left behind in a public space. Such sensitivity needs to be practised in other development projects as well.

The remarkable stories of these great men make one wonder and take stock of one’s own life, with everything fine physically, one still loves to focus on the negative. Meanwhile, the warmth of the people interviewed was otherworldly. It also highlights one’s own sense of self-worth, which seems to be eroding as materialism takes centre stage, these people are a reminder of what a positive mindset is and why in this day and age it is of paramount importance. Their stories of struggle are very real, and compared to their struggles, one’s own struggles seem small.

Some people have disabilities by birth and, unfortunately, families hide them as their 'worst little nightmares', not sending them to school, not paying heed to their needs. If their own families can exhibit such harsh and negative behaviour towards their own blood and kin, imagine, what society would do to such an individual, who got no love or recognition from his or her own family, would a society look upon this person with empathy or with sympathy? It is best not to answer such a question but rather leave it as food for thought.

The author is a journalist based in Karachi.