20 chapter 1: Disability and the community
Nurture confidence
When Christine was 13 years old, her leg was amputated because of an
illness. At first, Christine thought it was the end of her dreams. But her
parents treated her well and soon Christine’s confidence was restored. At
first Christine’s parents overprotected her, but she insisted they treat her
like her other siblings. Christine was able to finish her college and received
awards for excellence. The change in Christine made the rest of her family
and community realize that Christine’s missing leg would not keep her
from fulfilling her dreams.
The only thing that can change these attitudes is social awareness. Women and
girls with disabilities need good food, education, health care, and opportunities to
be involved in physical and social activities. See the chapters on ‘Mental Health’ and
‘Support for Caregivers.’
We must be able to make
decisions about things
that concern us and our
families.
Respect, accept, and
love and value me.
Remember, I have a
mind and I can do
things for myself. If
you do everything for
me, you will make me
disabled.
They said, “If you
go into social work,
your clients will see
you and get scared.”
But my mother
supported and
guided me. She told
me I could do it. And
today I feel proud
that I have achieved
what I set out to do.
You can develop many skills
Hong Ha from Laos had polio when she was 2 years old. With the support
of her family, she was able to graduate from university with a degree in
French. When Hong Ha could not find a job, she learned to sew and then
opened a sewing shop at home. Together with sewing, she started to study
English. With a friend, Hong Ha then opened a small English training
center at her home. She is also a coordinator of a program on disability.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007