Being abled but disabled at the same time

Most of the time, what humans perceive is limited to the visible—the rational body: the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. These physical markers form the basis of societal judgments about an individual’s capabilities. However, this narrow focus often blinds society to a deeper truth: the immense potential and resilience of people with disabilities. While their abilities may not always align with conventional expectations, their contributions can be just as, if not more, valuable in unique and transformative ways.

The real irony lies in how the so-called “abled” are often disabled in their perspective. They fail to see beyond the physical and recognize the inherent worth and capabilities of people with disabilities. This is not merely a personal shortcoming but a societal failure, rooted in long-standing biases and structural inequalities. In many cases, people with disabilities are viewed through a lens of pity or as recipients of charity rather than as individuals who can actively contribute to and enrich their communities.

Globally, this issue is particularly striking. The country of Pakistan is home to numerous communities that are well-off in terms of wealth and social capital. These communities have the resources, networks, and influence to drive change, yet they often overlook the potential of people with disabilities. This neglect perpetuates a cycle of exclusion, where those with disabilities are marginalised not because they lack ability but because society lacks the vision to include them.

However, this also presents a significant opportunity. Imagine if these affluent communities leveraged their wealth and influence to champion inclusivity. They could:

1. Foster Inclusive Education: By funding accessible schools and scholarships for students with disabilities, they could open doors to education that is often denied due to physical or financial barriers.
2. Champion Employment Opportunities: Through targeted hiring practices and skill development programs, they could help integrate people with disabilities into the workforce, showcasing their productivity and creativity.
3. Promote Social Integration: Community leaders could use their platforms to challenge stereotypes, celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities, and promote a culture of acceptance.
4. Innovate in Accessibility: Investing in technology and infrastructure that prioritize accessibility could make public spaces, transportation, and digital platforms more inclusive.
5. Support Advocacy and Empowerment Initiatives: Collaborating with organizations like ours, these communities could amplify the voices of people with disabilities, ensuring their needs and rights are front and center in policy and development discussions.

Ultimately, the true disability lies in the inability to see beyond physical differences and to recognize the full spectrum of human potential. By shifting this perspective, society, particularly its more privileged segments, can unlock a wealth of untapped talent and drive meaningful progress towards a more inclusive future.

The I do not care fallacy

Most of us who live in the West, especially those of us who are emigrants, often find ourselves distanced—both physically and emotionally—from the realities of our home countries. Over time, many become engulfed in what can be called the “I do not care” fallacy. This mindset fosters a sense of detachment from the issues back home, driven by the belief that these problems are no longer relevant to our lives in the diaspora. It’s a fallacy because, whether we acknowledge it or not, our home countries remain integral to our identity, and their struggles often ripple out to affect us and future generations in subtle but profound ways.

Why Does This Detachment Happen?

1. Comfort of Stability: Many emigrants enjoy the relative stability, security, and opportunities that Western countries provide. This comfort can make the hardships and challenges of our home countries seem distant or irrelevant.
2. Focus on Immediate Surroundings: The pressure to adapt and succeed in a foreign environment often leads people to focus exclusively on their immediate lives—careers, families, and social circles—leaving little room to engage with issues from home.
3. Disillusionment with the System: Corruption, instability, or lack of progress in home countries can breed cynicism. People may feel that their contributions or concerns would make little difference.
4. Generational Shift: For second and third-generation emigrants, the connection to their ancestral homeland may be more cultural than practical, leading to a further dilution of concern for current affairs.

The Impact of the “I Do Not Care” Fallacy

This mindset, however, can be harmful in several ways:

1. Loss of Collective Responsibility: Diaspora communities often have the resources, knowledge, and influence to drive change back home. Their apathy means that these opportunities are missed, leaving critical gaps in areas like education, healthcare, and social development.
2. Erosion of Identity: Disconnection from one’s roots can lead to a gradual loss of cultural identity, which often weakens the bond between generations in diaspora families.
3. Missed Advocacy Opportunities: Living in the West provides access to platforms where voices can be amplified. Failing to use these platforms to advocate for issues in home countries diminishes the global awareness of those challenges.

Communities:

1. Missed Financial Support: Diaspora communities have significant financial potential, often contributing to remittances. However, a lack of targeted support for disability-focused initiatives means that crucial resources fail to reach those who need them most.
2. Limited Access to Global Networks: Many disabled individuals lose out on opportunities to benefit from global exposure, such as scholarships, training programs, or technological advancements, which diaspora members could facilitate.
3. Insufficient Advocacy: Advocacy for disability rights and inclusion in home countries is often weak. The diaspora, with its access to international platforms and policy circles, could amplify these voices but rarely does so.
4. Underdeveloped Infrastructure: A more engaged diaspora could help fund and develop infrastructure for accessibility, such as inclusive schools, workplaces, and public spaces. In its absence, disabled individuals are left navigating an environment that marginalizes them further.

Reconnecting for Impact

To bridge this gap, diaspora communities need to recognize their potential as catalysts for change. Here’s how they can make a meaningful difference:

1. Support Disability-Focused Initiatives: Collaborate with local organizations working to empower people with disabilities. Financial aid, skills training, and mentorship programs can transform lives.
2. Promote Inclusive Development: Advocate for policies and programs in home countries that prioritize accessibility and inclusion. Use influence to push for systemic changes.
3. Create Opportunities: Facilitate connections between disabled individuals and global opportunities. Scholarships, remote work, and exchange programs could help them gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive.
4. Leverage Technology: Diaspora members in tech industries can introduce affordable assistive technologies and digital tools to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities back home.
5. Foster Awareness: Use platforms in the West to highlight the struggles and successes of disabled individuals in home countries, shifting narratives and challenging societal biases.

By breaking free from the “I do not care” fallacy, the diaspora can transform from passive observers to active contributors. In doing so, they can open doors of opportunity for those who need it most, ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind in the journey toward progress and inclusivity.

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