third post

Allah Subhan o Taala has blessed its creatures with many abilities. But no one has all the abilities. Some are blessed with ability to sing, some with ability to paint, some with ability to learn, some with ability to see, some with ability to hear and speak…… some abilities are physical some are mental or spiritual. Instead of being grateful for what we have, we ungratefully call those who lack any of the physical abilities, as HANDICAPPED.
Advanced societies ensure that lack of any ability should not deprive the person of the fruits of modern day life. Providing equal basic opportunities and eliminating any hurdle which may result due to lack of any ability is the characterstic of good social system.
In Pakistan the role of society, be it Government, Corporates or NGSs. has been limited. IDA RIEU is one of the few such organizations which excels in providing platform for visually challenged persons to acquire education and modern day skills such as use of Computers etc. It is strengthening the growing spirit of independence and the increased determination to be self-reliant. We are grateful and proud of every single person who is supporting these efforts and brought our institution, IDA RIEU to an international standard. Unfortunately this effort is only a drop though a golden drop. Another phase of life which starts after the person has acquired knowledge and skills is integration in the social system. This unfortunately is very limited, extremely frustrating and very painful. I am not going in details of various aspects, but basically we expect to move around and seek employment like any other member of the society.
The example is standard chartered bank who is the first bank in Pakistan who has provided blind persons opertunaty to work par with sighted persons in their tele marketing department.
On this day of white cane, when effort to enhance public awareness, I like to urge upon the law makers, the need for enacting white cane laws, as US President, Lyndon Johnson did in 1964. I would also like appeal to you all to use your influence to ensure that persons who have acquired the computer skills in particular and other skills in general to be employed in various private and government and organizations.
We need understanding not mercy.
We lack sight but we don’t lack vision.