Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles.
The symptoms of CP vary from person to person. A person with severe CP might need to use special equipment to be able to walk, or might not be able to walk at all and might need lifelong care. A person with mild CP, on the other hand, might walk a little awkwardly, but might not need any special help. CP does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime.
All people with CP have problems with movement and posture. Many also have related conditions such as intellectual disability; seizures; problems with vision, hearing, or speech; changes in the spine (such as scoliosis); or joint problems (such as contractures).
In spite of all the above conditions, we still can equally perform at work place. We may take a little more time giving results, but eventually results are as good as others or at times even better than others. We may take a little more time adjusting, learning and speeding up as compared to others.
I have come a long way pushing myself forward in whichever way possible. I was never alone in my journey, I had people who were willing to give me a chance to prove myself. IMH first gave me wings to fly; there was no looking down from there. I kept flying as high as possible. However this came after hundreds of rejections. My family stood by ne all times.
We are focused. We are blessed with self motivation and determination in abundance. Just like others we too go through a low phase of performance at times, which is alright as humans.
Having said the above, a person should have a realistic approach towards life. We have a few limitations due to which taking up a certain job might be impossible. In such cases accept your limitations and move on rather fighting it. Everyone has his / her limitations so there is nothing to feel inferior in any way.
Today, when I look back, I wonder why had I to struggle for everything ? Why should anybody struggle ? Why should a person with disability fight for his / her existence and identity ? Why can’t we make a collaborative effort to move forward together ? Why is there no INCLUSION and ACCESSIBILITY to all still ?
I remember a famous line by Ruskin Bond “It isn’t time that’s passing by, it is YOU and I”.
We all are running our own marathons and the need for being ahead is so much that we have unknowingly left many people behind ! Where are we heading towards ? This race will be never ending till our last breath.
Stop and look at that section of the society that’s lagging way behind you. I have people who I can reach out and they will go pillars to fix up things for me. I am never afraid of falling because I know there’s someone behind always to hold me.
It’s time that we together create such a world for every person with disability.