The transition of any youngster to adulthood can be difficult to navigate at the best of times. However, adding disability to the equation triggered some varied reminiscences…
First comment: Disabled children, for example, those with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing & visual impairments, as well as those physically challenged, have difficulties understanding new changes that are happening around them and to them during adolescence. Some parents, caretakers & the community around them don't differentiate disability and the normal cycle of body changes, when it comes to some disabilities. There is too much defilement of disabled children during this period of time in their lives.
- How can we advocate for our fellow disabled persons who are experiencing such difficulties of being in a dilemma, of being misunderstood of their disabilities and the normal circumstances of nature?
- What can duty bearers and OPDs do to change this situation?
- How can we help to address the vice even if it means in a small way?
This is a vivid picture of what is in our communities and also inside our own homes. In our current lifestyle, coupled by technical advancement, our disabled persons face both indirect and direct violence.
The grass root organisations are best placed to address this. At the village level, local Disabled Peoples Organisations can easily create a link with the affected family in general. By doing so, the concerted effort can reach the authorities, the victim can be helped.
As an individual, this can be tricky, because on many occasions the culprits are socially influential. Even the families affected are likely to cover it up to save their image.
Second comment: Let's not forget that the victim will still remain with the family in question. The security of the victim is paramount. We need to avoid double tragedy. A situation where the child is saved from gender-based violence, but he/she is neglected and treated like an enemy of the family.
Lastly, we need to get directly involved to help. This is done by engaging the family in a more friendly manner. You can even link two or three families together and address the wellness of their disabled family members.
Those who are intellectually impaired or Deaf, can face defilements; the police don't know how to handle these incidents owing to communication barriers.
Third comment: When I was growing up as a youth, I felt the world was a place to explore and experience new things. My internal motivations were driven more by my unchecked animal instinct, which ended up getting me on the wrong side of the law. My personal learning about this time of my life only occurred in my mid-forties. Reflection can play an important role in how we view the world. I had rejected the influence of my parent-leaders in favour of peer leadership, which influenced and limited my experience of the world.
Fourth comment: Community leaders can play a valuable role in developing the way youth develop themselves.
Fifth comment: In my youth my mobility was not an issue and I traveled the world independently, using my wits and some skills to get by. I mixed with, and worked with people of all abilities observing and learning socially responsible and irresponsible behaviour and attitude. Interestingly these varied from continent to continent and often country to country in the same continent. Those experiences which I lived have enabled me to maintain a semblance of independence during the last 29 years since my mobility declined. More importantly, this led to my involving myself in representing and assisting people to improve their and other’s welfare.