Look at Hanif and you will see that with proper support and encouragement, people with disabilities can be effective in society.
can now enjoy sports like cricket and soccer along with his peers. A rehabilitation worker has visited Hanif’s school several times to conduct awareness meetings on disability and the importance of inclusive education. Hanif’s surrounding environment is more disabilityfriendly than ever before. His school works to accommodate his needs. For example, Hanif has trouble climbing stairs, so when one of his classes was scheduled on the first floor, the principal agreed to move it downstairs to make it easier for Hanif to attend. While he’s in school, Hanif enjoys drawing pictures. Outside of school and during breaks, he loves to play. He wants to be a teacher when he grows up, just like his role models – his schoolteachers Mr. Arup and Mr. Shapan. They love Hanif very much and support him in every way they can. Because our family is very poor, my son’s artificial limb and associated expenses were provided by CDD through the Promoting Rights for Persons with Disabilities project funded by the Manusher Jonno Foundation. If Hanif has any problem with the prosthesis, rehabilitation workers visit our
home and take care of it. As Hanif has grown, they have adjusted his artificial limb. Hanif also receives a disability allowance of 300 Bangladesh taka each month from our district’s Department of Social Services. I take him to the local bank to receive his allowance. Hanif will need additional support to ensure that he can continue his education without interruption. Above all, I want my son to be well educated. An education will empower him and help guide him so that he can build a
meaningful life. I think it would be best for Hanif to get a desk job so he doesn’t have to walk or stand too much. Perhaps he might work in an organization like CDD, where the environment is very disability-friendly. I saw people with various disabilities working there. Such an environment would help my son work to the best of his capacity, while at the same time securing an honourable position for him. He can become an example: Look at Hanif and you will see that with proper support and encouragement, people with disabilities can be effective in society.
Hanif taking part in class. © Centre for Disability in Development
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