More than PWDe
Throughout history, persons with disability (PWDs) continue to endure the heavy chains of discrimination and stigma associated with disability. The diverse perception of disability in the past has influenced the present condition of PWDs, that is to be placed under a stigmatized category that equates their physique into a wide range of undesirable attributes. This perception instilled by society undermines their sense of self worth and dignity as it puts a limit on how they should feel, behave, and act as a person (Chomba, 2012). In addition to the social rejection which they encounter, social barriers also limit their opportunities and even worse, prevents them from setting a goal in the first place. Even so, efforts can still be made to further foster inclusivity; some of which are: to implement policies and programs that support PWDs, to raise public awareness, and to empower PWDs.
In 1992, the Philippine government enacted the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities which provides rights and privileges for PWDs and protects them against discrimination. Despite the implementation of the law, it seems that the country is still far from being PWD-inclusive. According to the World Health Organization, PWDs continue to have limited access to services such as health, education, employment, transport, and information—which are just of the basic necessities of living. The extent of social barriers that they experience prevents their full and effective participation in all aspects of community. This puts them in the marginalized groups as they are often associated with poor health outcomes, lower education attainment, lower employment rates, and higher rates of poverty. With that said, it is recommended that the government provide access to these services that are often denied to PWDs and invest in programs that involve rehabilitation and training (World Health Organization, 2017).
While there are a number of policies and activities that include the PWDs, these render meaningless when the public have an isolated perspective on them. In this regard, there must be actions to educate the public to change the mindset that they possess. To give an instance, this can be done by having an advocacy campaign that promotes the inclusivity of PWDs. Having such is especially helpful in today’s world, with the presence of the online world that speaks volumes in communication. Another example is the integration of Equality and Non-Discrimination Program that aims to heighten awareness and improve instances of school children enrolled in public schools when it comes to the different disabilities (Sagun-Ongtangco et al., 2019). In that program, children with disabilities are granted with equal and inclusive education and opportunities, just like a regular person would. Through such efforts, destroying the barrier of PWDs and a non-PWD is foreseeable.
As the community strives to achieve inclusivity through collaborative efforts of government policies and public awareness, it is also necessary to bring new avenues of empowerment. The current stigma of PWD denotes the umbrella term ‘disability’ to quite literally their inability to function, when in fact PWDs have diverse strengths and capabilities. For instance, famous personalities like Stephen Hawking, Nick Vujicic and Stevie Wonders are some who achieved great heights despite being diagnosed with their disability. Achieving such lengths can be made possible through individualized and comprehensive approaches that support each person with disability. By then, it is inevitable that they reach their maximum level of achievement given their particular circumstance.
Complete PWD inclusivity definitely would not come in a blink of an eye, but the recognition of this ongoing predicament is a good first step. In progressive and changing modern times, being sensitive to people like PWDs is significant. Even with laws that help erase prejudice and exclusion for PWDs, there should not be any sort of outcasting in the first place. These people are more than their disability, and people have to acknowledge their capabilities instead, just like any other person. Breaking the chains of discrimination and stigma of disability does not rely on laws and programs, it starts with society.