It was an overwhelmingly busy month right after the launch of TRY For Good. We received a lot of appreciation. We were invited at forums and International conferences on the Environment. Also, to do exhibits in the special coach on Sustainability in the Science Express, the largest Climate Action Special train in India to educate youth that covers 455 stations across. We launched calendar on Sustainable Lifestyle for the year 2017. We also launched an online Eco-selfie contest that ends on March 31st, 2017. We have been busy and happy. In our Feb through March content updates, we focus our content on Better Community- for the people who face DISABILITY.
There are 21 million people in India or nearly 20% people of the world population, who have some kind of disability. Disability can be congenital, accidental or can happen from some kind of degenerative disease. But disability never comes alone! A congenitally disabled person may have a lot of emotional issues adapting to an atmosphere where mostly everyone around is able. But their adaptation is obviously faster! Also, if there is a definite disability such as loss of limbs, visual impairment, then also the acclimatization is better. There are specific gadgets, training and also the people around can see and understand the needs of such a person better. The biggest challenge comes in some of the diseases that are progressive or degenerative or are very uncertain with their impact on physical or cognitive abilities. The person with such issues gets baffled himself; forget anyone else able to empathize with his needs. TRY brings a snapshot of these disabilities with a special focus on some rare diseases such as MS.
Most of the time, people sympathize with the disabled and gives tons of advice to their family caregivers. Family caregivers are often less appreciated and over-burdened. If the extended family members, friends, and community members can take some participation like patient or elderly care sitting, they can give respite to the family caregivers. Thankfully there are some paid services now. But the scenario gets painfully overwhelming when the disabled has no source of income and the caregivers around also might have given upon their careers or forsaken promotions etc. Caregivers themselves tend to go in depression and may get some kind of ailments. If there is some empathy around the lives of disabled and their caregivers by the society, their lives can be more fulfilling.
There are some such people with groundbreaking revolutionary thoughts and who have been able to think about making the lives of disabled and their families more complete. Offering gadgets to services like disabled travel, cabs, cafes etc., there many entrepreneurs who have thought above and beyond the social and emotional needs of the disabled. Smart apps like “Inclov” bring possibilities of matchmaking or even companionship for the disabled.
As we age, we all tend to feel some limitations or physical debilities. It is important to enjoy life, but it is also important to empathize with those who might be enjoying it lesser; for it could be you, me or someone ours!
Dr. Anju Dave Vaish
Check the articles below
[the_grid name=”TRY Desk-Disability Articles”]