Word Handicap Issues - Essay Example

The man is born with some sort of deficiency or the other. There is no one on who can claim to be absolutely perfect. Even an athlete or weight lifter cannot be presumed to be perfect in all respects. There may be some inherent handicap in them. In fact the degree of perfection is not defined anywhere. The athlete may not be able to do the deeds which some ordinary people can do. Each is born unique. Let us recognize this simple fact. Though the term 'physically challenged' has replaced 'physically handicapped', the original meaning still remains. The concept has not changed. Everyone is physically challenged - some to a small extend, some others to a larger extend. When a person is unable to do the normal duties and routines with respect to his age, sex etc he is considered to be in the awkward condition of 'handicapped". That is, he has limitation in performing an activity or function. In other words, there is mental or physical disability. One kind of disability will result in multiple disablements. Physical dependence and immobility will mean that the person is handicapped. The word is actually refers to a relation or comparison. The so called handicapped person will have no problem in working as a telephone operator. But he may find difficulty if his job involves traveling in public transport. He will experience a handicap in the second case but not in the first. It is not that no handicapped can do normal work. They may not be able to do as fast as the normal person but still they can do useful productive work. For example, they can work on the computer as efficiently or even more than a normal person. They can teach or do running commentary much better than a common person. Handicap means restriction of activity. It amounts to limitation in participation. As already said the word handicap is not an absolute concept, but a related one. It is linked to the current condition of the individual, that is to say, the reality in which he is placed. Initially the word was meant only for crippled children. Later it included adults and mentally retarded as well. The word has nothing to do with 'cap in hand'. In the past it referred to beggars. There was a time when the handicapped were looked down with hate and disgust. The current society consider the common person as able, whereas the disabled as one with shortcomings. 'Handicapped' is seen as negative offence. The term 'disabled' seemed to be better and more neutral than negative. The people with mental and physical disabilities prefer the term 'disabled' than being characterized as handicapped. Handicapped is mild in comparison with disabled which is somewhat a blunt term. There are misconceptions that disabled and handicapped are one and the same. Strictly speaking, they are not. Disability is the functional limitation due to illness or injury. The handicapped are not suitable for activities involving mobility or sports and game, but there are trades where they can even out beat the normal persons. However, those having problem in seeing, hearing and talking would do well to avoid the type of duties where these actions are important. It is heartening to note disability has been replaced by activity and handicap by participation. This is indeed a positive transformation in the outlook of the society. It must be understood that the gifts gained from Justice are far valuable than those received from Charity. Do not allow the people to pity the handicapped. Instead they must build up awareness, confidence and ability in them. They should be able to develop self control and independent living in them. In other words they must be brought on par with others of the society. That should be their objective. The word originated from a lottery game of 1600s.The players would put money in a cap, the ownership of which would be based on the result of the game. Gradually the game was called 'hand-in-cap' and finally it reduced to 'handicap.' As time passed, the word found place in the conventional language rather than limiting itself to a sports term. Its meaning used to be 'physical limitation. The term 'handicapped' came into prominence because people did not like the term 'crippled.' It is better to avoid using that term 'invalid' which is a bit harsh. 'Partially disabled' would be a better term and it requires no clarification. The first step in the proper direction would be to oust the discrimination against the handicapped. Do not look down upon them. Help them, but do not shower pity. Give an impression that they are as good as others. Let them know that the world accepts them and that being an athlete has its own merits but that is not everything and not the end of life. The children should be made to understand the above points. The so-called handicapped should also never feel neglected or inferior. They must be recognized for their inherent qualities which others lack. They must be taught to believe in their confidence and their uniqueness. This should start at the school level itself. In the government notifications there should be no mention about 'Reservation' in employment, education etc for them. At the same time, they should be given grace marks and all encouragements. That is how they can participate in the welfare of the society. They must get the feeling that they are as much important to the society as others. The handicapped people should be encouraged and appreciated when they achieve something as if they are normal persons and no impression is to be created that their achievement was because of their handicap. They should not be discriminated. The image of the persons with disability should be changed. The same thing holds good for the attitude of those observing the disabled. A person with physical disability is certainly handicapped to some extend, but that is not to be considered an insult. Nor is it to be regarded as offensive unless it amounts to teasing. Later on emerged the word 'disadvantaged'. This is more apt to the context. That has been superseded by 'physically challenged.' What ever may be the term, there is no harm if is used as a description. But it should not show insult. That is really to be objected. It is worth mentioning that sometimes even something unique or extra ordinary can be a handicap. It so happened that a popular stage actress was having a difficult time because she was always surrounded by here fans, crowd, press persons etc because of her beauty. She was interested in her disfigurement, expecting that it would give her more privacy and that she could lead a normal life. There are those who do not want to take help from others because they are termed as handicapped. They prefer to do the duties by themselves. Reference ASPHI onlus, "Functionality, disabilityand health", http://www.asphi.it/english/DisabilitaOggi/DefinizioniOMS.htm ,July 2002, retrieved on feb, 1, 2010. Read More