Previously Asked Questions

Some previously answered questions:

Q: I am a twenty-two year old, partially deaf girl, doing my B.A. by correspondence. I have recently got a part-time job in a supermarket. My problem is funny, but it troubles me a lot- my co-workers are just too helpful. They don’t let me complete the job on my own. This irritates me because when I am talking to a customer, at least two of them come and try to speak for me. I don’t want to argue with them, or hurt them, but I feel that I will never learn anything if they keep doing this. What should I do?
A: you know, Latha… we have a phrase in Tamil- it is called “anbu-thollai” ! When too much love and concern becomes stifling… like having to eat sweets all the time, day in and day out so much so that you crave to bite into a red-hot chilli! The only way to solve this, is to tell them exactly how you feel… that you want to learn from life’s experiences by yourself, that you’d rather learn your lessons the hard way rather than not at all, that you firmly believe that self-help is the best help and that you want to look after yourself and it doesn’t matter if you make mistakes… if all this talk doesn’t work, show them this piece I’ve written here … and if even THAT doesn’t work- come over and call me… I’ll come and speak to them!

Q: I am a visually impaired person. When I travel by train with a companion, I often find people talking to my companion about me, as if I can’t talk for myself! How can I handle this without getting angry or offending the other person?
A: Srihari, basically people are a little wary about something that they don’t understand too well, and since they are not used to dealing with disabled people, they are ignorant and unsure of themselves as to how they should react and they worry a great deal about not hurting the disabled person’s feelings. In your case, they talk to your companion because they do not know how you will react to their questions. Just tell them yourself- politely- words to the effect, “hey, I can hear what you say and speak too, so why don’t you talk to me?” By doing this, you will also be helping your other visually impaired brethren by creating awareness on this.

Q: You know what madam Revathy, most often, the barriers set up by people and by society are more of a difficulty, than the disability itself. Disabled people are often excluded from community activities, education, employment and are ever hidden by their families. I know of a 25 year old person with cerebral palsy- not very severe. Her well to do, educated parents have nothing to educate or rehabilitate her! I want to do something to help her. Is it too late? What can I do? Her parents do not know what to do, but seem agreeable to helping her- now!
A: It is really good that you want to help this girl. It is rather late… but it is better late than never. You should take her to a Spastics Society, who will definitely be able to do something for her. The special educators there, will be able to chart out a programme to bring out her strengths and help out with her needs. It is indeed unfortunate that families hide their children with disabilities. They do not realise that the earlier the help is given, the better. You’d be surprised how many people with moderate cerebral palsy lead near to normal lives.