Stigma

Facilities over the years have improved vastly for the handicapped, but there is still room for much improvement. It’s not just facilities that need to be improved, but better understanding of disabled persons. I think the Paralymics was a perfect example of how despite being wheelchair bound, a person can still be highly intelligent, motivated, have determination and strength of character. Just because someone is in a wheelchair, does not mean their mental capabilities are less than anyone else. The all too often stereotypical assumption that physical disability is automatically put in the same category as mentally challenged persons needs to be addressed. I met a handsome young man a couple of years ago, who was about to start university and wanted to study law. He was sharp as a whip and had an engaging sense of humour and personality. Sadly this young man had been in a serious car accident and lost the use of both his legs, yet here he was about to set forth undeterred by his disabilities, to achieve his dream of becoming a lawyer. When people see a Parkinson’s patient, what do they see? Making a hasty assumption before even talking to someone with Parkinson’s, often the shaking and tremors, along with a masked expression and difficulty in talking can give the false impression that someone with Parkinson’s is not entirely ‘there’, is ‘out to lunch’, 'not the sharpest tool in the shed’ ……I think you get the idea! The symptoms of Parkinson’s can be unnerving to observe and I realise make some people uncomfortable, but inside this shaking, masked exterior is a vibrant person trapped inside a body that simply isn't functioning the way it should. Ignorance and lack of education are to blame and we need to ensure that future generations have a better understanding of disability. I sincerely hope that through my writing and public speaking, I can help in some way to remove the unsavoury stigma that still exists, but I am only one small voice, so join me in doing whatever you can. For I can promise you one thing, if you do nothing at all, then nothing will happen. Change can’t happen overnight, it moves slowly, one step at a time, but together we can make a difference.