By Eleni Papageorgiou,
The last month of the year is here, bringing along the most joyful celebration, that is, Christmas. Humanity has chosen this specific month to be dedicated to many important international days, to name but a few: the 1st of December (World AIDS day), the 2nd of December (International Day for the Abolition of Slavery), the 10th of December (International Day of Human Rights) etc. Nevertheless, for this particular instance, we will focus on the 3rd of December, the International Day for honoring all Disabled People.
There are -unfortunately- only a few people who can really understand the events that happen on this day and the effort of some people to inform the rest of the community. Most of us ignore or dismiss even the thought of dealing with the notion of disability and the people concerned with it. Why does this happen?
Firstly, we must accept that any disability should not be perceived as a “common secret” or as an unsolved problem. Through developments in science and technology we are now able to fully understand the needs and special characteristics of disabled people, as well as to offer them the means to lead a normal and easier life.
This well-guided route has been hindered lately, sometimes coming to a halt, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being forced to quarantine -just like everybody else- is a very serious matter.
“Special education is not just education, is therapy for our children.”. That is what parents, unions and federations of parents with disabled kids have mentioned in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Education. The truth is that the kids with disabilities forced to abstain from their curriculum, which is vital for their overall development, -as mentioned by experts on this field- has serious drawbacks. We have to take under consideration the fact that for the majority of disabled people a daily routine has to be strictly followed by them and their protectors and carers. Any deviation from this schedule leads to overstress, obsessions, loss of previously gained knowledge and skills through years of training.
Apart from educational matters, a disabled person has the right to engage into a variety of social and cultural activities. These activities boost their mental health and creativity. Unfortunately, these routines have been canceled, just like for all of us. For these special children, their families and closest environment, filling up their free time is a difficult situation, either because of lack of knowledge and media or because of uncontrolled behavior exposed under such circumstances. An easy escape under such uncontrolled periods is overreacting, isolation, video games etc.
Even activities like gymnastics, workouts, professional athletics and business, frequently taken up by disabled people, cannot be followed properly due to the quarantine. Facilitations like exercising out in the open space, a take-away coffee, etc. cannot be performed by disabled people because not all public places are accessible and friendly to them. There are also many financial aids, to help people cope with the pandemic situation, that a disabled person may not be able to apply for. All this can be obtained on the condition that there is a computer, internet access and some kind of technical literacy.
Some ideas proposed in various fora by parents of disabled children is to play with your children in your leisure time (use body, balls and board games) or watch movies all together. A good family movie can be a great example of love, affection, equality etc. This can be an opportunity to discuss and enhance your child’s self-image, self-respect and autonomy. Parents can also make use of social media in order for the child to see friends, play games, chat and generally interact with other people.
Despite the fact that the first quarantine period was a very strict one and this second period has significant differences from the first one (e.g. special education schools & institutions are open and working), we are still far apart from an overall inclusion of special people in all forms of life. Those are just a few of the ideas that a person who cares about these members of the society can think to help and have fun at the same time.
What we must not ignore is that special kids become special adults and their familiar surroundings usually weaken through the years. That is when society takes action and must provide them with not just help but solutions to their everyday needs. Let us hope that there will come a day when all people on this planet will be equal, respected and accepted. Let the 3rd of December become a day for thought, not for celebration.
References
- Dikaioma, ΑμεΑ σε καιρό καραντίνας: Συμβουλές σε γονείς. Available here.
- Especial, Καθημερινότητα ΑμεΑ: Επιστολή προς Πρωθυπουργό-Ζητούνται συγκεκριμένες ενέργειες για την βελτίωσή της. Available here.
