Understanding
Specially Abled People
When we hear specially abled a number of images come to our
mind. I bet, none of them would be imagining a happy, contended and
self-reliant person. We should ask ourselves, why is that so? I can give you an
explanation. It happens because we have never tried to understand the emotions
and actual needs of these people. It is of no doubt that these people require physical
assistance sometimes but simultaneously they require the same level of
emotional understanding that we give to our "normal" friends. Let's
dive a little deeper into the psychology of our people and create a
"normal" world for them.
1. Coping
and Adaptation
Resilience is followed
by acceptance; it only becomes possible with emotional support. This could be
the life story in most of the cases. The disabilities can accompany someone
since birth or can develop at a later time of life. In both the cases it
becomes difficult for the person to adapt to the situation. The struggle they
face makes them resilient towards any problem. They are often found to be more
determined and decisive when a problem comes. Their life gifts them the
fighting spirit. Accepting one’s disability can be complex and may involve
stages similar to grief, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and
eventually acceptance. The whole process requires patience on the part of both
the sufferer and the support system. Friends and family are the emotional
pillars of one's life. The presence of strong support from family, friends, and
community plays a crucial role in positive psychological adaptation and coping
mechanisms.
2. Identity And
Self-Concept
A slight change of decision makes us question our identity.
When a person loses her physical feature it leads to a tsunami of self-doubts, anger,
identity crisis and despair. This is the common outcome in a society that
places high value on physical and cognitive abilities. They shatter the entire
self-esteem of the person. Some individuals with physical disabilities may
struggle with body image issues, especially in environments that emphasize
appearance and physicality. Disability can become an integral part of one’s
identity, and how individuals relate to this identity can vary widely.
3. Social And
Emotional Experiences
Specially-abled people often face societal stigma and
stereotyping, which can lead to feelings of isolation ( when not involved in
societal practices), anxiety(when constantly reminded of their incapabilities),
and depression (when neglected by loved ones). Inaccessible environments or
exclusion from social, academic, or professional opportunities can negatively
impact mental health. Forming and maintaining relationships may be complicated
by social biases or communication barriers. Positive relationships, however,
can enhance well-being.
4.
Developmental considerations
For children with disabilities, early interventions such as
therapy, inclusive education, and family support can significantly improve
cognitive and social outcomes. Disabilities may affect cognitive and emotional
development, which can lead to differences in learning, emotional regulation,
and social interaction. A child is like an earthen pot, you can give whatever
shape you want. If you teach the specially abled child that he is disabled and
can't do things on his own, he should be dependent all the time, he will become
like that. On the contrary when you teach the child about the various ways
which could help him become self-reliant, treat himself as much normally as
possible and the ways through which he can use his present abilities rather
being concerned about what he cannot do. He will have a peaceful and joyful
life ahead.
5. Mental Health
Concerns
Higher rates of mental health issues like depression and
anxiety are common among individuals with disabilities due to challenges such
as pain, social exclusion, and reduced autonomy. A number of medicines also
have some related side -effects, try to change the medicines to the ones with
little or no side effects. Depending on
the nature of the disability, some individuals may experience trauma related to
medical procedures, accidents, or societal treatment. Access to mental health
services specifically tailored to the needs of specially-abled individuals is
crucial for addressing these concerns. A meeting with counsellor could help the
person to overcome their issues. New paths could be shown to the person to
achieve good mental health. Awareness among society about theird condition could
normalize their societal image and role.
6. Role Of
Society And Advocacy
Inclusive practices in education, work, and social settings
have a profound impact on the psychological well-being of specially-abled
individuals. Encouraging self-advocacy and promoting the rights of
specially-abled people helps foster autonomy and a sense of control, which are
crucial for mental health. Shifting the narrative from focusing on limitations
to celebrating diversity and ability differences is beneficial for both the
individual and society.
Specially abled people are no less human beings than us.
Treating them with equality will allow them to be a beneficial part of the
society. They can contribute a great deal to the world if treated right and
provided a supportive environment. We should leave the old age mentality and
help them grow into a beautiful and strong tree of the society. The greatest
example of all the above mentioned dream come true is the ongoing Paralympics
where every sportsperson has unique story which they lived whole heartedly and
showed the world what their special abilities could achieve. They showed what a
supportive environment, appropriate system and their will could bring for their
countries.