“I am not a different human, I didn’t fall from the moon either, just as you enjoy your human rights, I, too, wanna exercise and help other exercise the rights with equality and dignity. Yes, I can not see this physical world through my physical eyes, but my inability to see is not my sickness nor is this my frailty to perceive the things. I am, indeed, very proud of my disability as I always view my disability, not as a problem, but as an indispensable property.”
Dear friends, be informed that today is The 23rd International Day for the Persons with Disabilities. The annual observance of the International Day for the persons with disabilities was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic & cultural life.
Hellen Keller says, "disability is not
the matter of ability, but it's the matter of perception." Disability is
not sickness or frailty, this is, in fact, is the state of diversity. Indeed,
Disability doesn’t mean inability: a person can achieve almost anything
for-which he/she has unlimited enthusiasm, willingness and determination. So
any kind of impairment must not be a barrier for the enjoyment of the
unhindered participation, full-equality and dignified livelihood in every facet
of the society. Since disability rights are universal rights to be recognized
and promoted everywhere, we are striving to put an ongoing and tireless effort
in advocating and informing for the disability rights in Nepal.. Let me repeat
again that disability is neither a “full-stop” of existence nor do we want to
be considered as “Second-class Citizens”. This is the time that we need
to have resounding voice for accessible, inclusive and barrier-free society!
Charity-based approach should be transformed into the right-based approach,
which is the need and our voice for the equality in every facet of social life.
Let’s not count today what kind of harvest we have now reaped, instead, our
concern should be on what kind of seeds we plant each day which would help us
grow, navigate and live the independent lives!
So today, I’d like to re-express my commitment to act for the fact and to
fight for the rights from my place.. Now my dearest friends, let’s do our best
and move on together to remove/minimize barriers, to uphold disability-rights,
and to ensure the name, fame, identity and dignity of persons with
disabilities.. Friends, please express your commitment today so that everybody
will come to know that you are in favor of disability-rights, accessible
infrastructures, risk-free mobility & barrier-free societies.. Let us know
that you are and will be with us always.. Keep in your mind that you don’t have
to do big things for persons with disabilities, please treat them equally, understand
their sentiments and always remember that no matter wherever we live,
whatsoever languages we do speak, whatsoever religions we follow, and whichever
ideological convictions we do have, the language of humanity is universal and
understood universally!. May our journey for the quest of barrier-free society
and disability-related awareness campaigns instigate all of us to achieve the
flavor of inclusiveness..
Thank you.
