Health is a Wealth

When you are healthy, the things you can achieve become clear when you are not. There’s no getting away from it. So that means there is no question that healthy people have more power to create positive change, and to bring about change in societies around them. The same goes for people with disabilities. In the case of those who have disabilities, I think their lives would be infinitely better if they had access to public transportation, because that type of mobility allows them to get from place to place without delay or worry, and without having to rely on others. We have all seen the benefits provided by this. Those with disabilities need this in order to achieve self-confidence that enables them to participate fully in society, and to live independently and fearlessly. This is why many have found ways to advocate for our rights and access to public transportation. I am one of such advocates and I have been lucky enough to see many changes in public life thanks to my disability. It makes me very happy knowing that many lives are changing thanks to my advocacy, especially at events like these.

But even though everyone has some kind of disability nowadays, we should still have some understanding of what a disabled person is. You don’t choose to be disabled, so why should anyone force themselves to be a handicapped? If someone isn’t capable of living their life, there shouldn’t be any reason to make one feel like another. As a person with multiple disabilities, I want everyone to know that when I talk about myself and other disabled people, I’m talking about us as individuals — not just disabled people but also disabled people who have had or are currently suffering from different types of disabilities. Not only I want to talk about what disabled people face nowadays; I want to talk about how people should look at us, the way they should look at us. Who are we? What are our goals? How can we change? If someone is living a normal life, then why should they be reminded of their limitations? But I don't want to be a victim of the idea of "being different." We should all be people. And this is why the world has become so much cruel. Everyone seems to believe that to be different means to be different and that it is something to be ashamed of. That it's weird or abnormal that you are different. But the truth is, we are people, and a person who wants to be different is trying to find their own identity and to find some sense of belonging to someone else. For example, a person who is nonverbal and talks non-existent words is trying to find their own voice. It takes time, energy, and passion and sometimes, a lot of support to be able to do that successfully. People who are blind also have a specific voice that gives them some sense of security. They may not have the physical capabilities but they are still able to communicate through the eyes and to be understood through touch. To gain acceptance and to prove that they belong to something and are part of something bigger, they need to develop a unique self. Just because some people are born with disabilities doesn't mean that they can't develop one too. These are just examples of how people with disabilities are unique, special, and worthy, like all other beautiful beings on Earth. It's not an easy task, but everyone can work on achieving that goal.
However, it is hard enough for me to say something in a loud booming voice when I’m having difficulty hearing and reading. Also, when I think of the people around me, some of which don’t know me or have never met me before, I feel angry at them, at myself, because they have never seen and heard what I’ve tasted, heard and seen. Maybe they think that they deserve everything good, but maybe my feelings are hurt by that perception because I can see and hear what’s happening, how can I tell them that things are all my fault and that I need to stay quiet? They need to hear me, understand me, speak to me, listen to me, and feel loved by me. Because that is what being a person with disabilities means. A person who is struggling with different kinds of mental disorders also needs a supportive community within their family. Sometimes, it might be difficult to talk about your problems to your parents, since they have never seen anything but the most simple and straightforward things that we have on the planet. Having a parent who loves you unconditionally and supports you no matter what is tough at times. Even more challenging than learning how to read, to write, and to use a computer. You’re trying to figure out how to be a person who deserves love and to have to learn a new skill every now and then. So that means you need this unconditional support from people who don’t even know you. Especially at home. I like to call these people the “helpful helpers.” And although nobody knows you, you need them as well as anyone else to provide love and care to you. Unfortunately, we can’t help each other too much, especially when someone is dealing with mental illness or developmental disabilities. We can share our experiences and try to understand people who aren’t able to speak for themselves because of various reasons, but we can’t help them as long as they are unable to communicate well through communication means. And this is the main problem that I have with communities where people with disabilities are isolated from others. Our people should have some support and understanding. We should have access to the information and help to learn how to live in a society full of people with disabilities.

I am grateful for all those people who support me — the media, social networks, friends, family — because everyone is working hard to change the world and to live freely with dignity. Hopefully someday I will get to see that change in my life. Until then I’ll continue to live as much as possible the kind of life I can live now. I hope that when I finally meet a disabled person, or a person who is experiencing mental health issues, that we will be able to share our experiences, support one another, and to create an environment where we can have respect for other people, regardless of their differences.