Module 1 Session 1 Introduction + Overcoming Disability
Module 1 Session 1 Introduction + Overcoming Disability
Principle 1:
One should utilize powerful inner resources instead of limiting thoughts.
How one deals with a disability defines the quality of life, limitations are a
creation of your mind and not your body. Learn to focus on your strength and
not your weakness and turn dealing with a disability into an opportunity of
personal growth.
Principle 2:
Assistive devices must be used in accordance to the needs to improve
quality of life and maintain their sense of independence.
Example: Man cannot fly. Birds can. But airplane was invented to ‘assist’ man
to fly from one place to another.
If the group does not know about assistive aids and technology then give a brief
demonstration of available devices/aids and technology.
Types of wheelchair/ Crutches/ Cane/ Screen readers (Text-to-Speech)/
JAWS (software for the visually Impaired)/ Braille Note-takers
Principle 3:
No one is perfect. Everyone has limitations.
Give an example of two people (One sighted and other visually impaired)
leaving the office late at night. As they are coming down the stairs the
electricity goes off. The sighted person cannot move but the visually impaired
colleague continues to walk down. The sighted colleague calls out for help and
holds the VI’s shoulder and follows him out of the building. Everyone has
moments when they need help and are unable to perform tasks.
Principle 4:
Accept your disability.
How to start accepting your disability-
Focus on what you CAN do, not on what you cannot do
Are you working towards being more independent- (use of cane or other
assistive tools)
Have role models
Ways to Overcome Disability
Explain that to overcome disability the best approach is to
Acknowledge the existence of a problem
Search for solutions that might already exist (before
setting out on a new path)
Make a list of questions it raises
List of ways to meet the problem
1. Acknowledge the existence of a problem:
Understand the extent of your disability and how it is coming in the way of
your aspirations or your day to day living. Ask yourself the following questions-
What are the things I cannot do
What are the things I can do
What are the things I can continue to do ( maybe a little
differently)
How mobile am I? How can I become more mobile?
What are the things I want to do- Study, work, play, sing
Note: Many people with disabilities join unsuitable training programs without
long term goals from want of nothing to do. Parents also encourage this as they
feel that he/she is doing ‘something’ at least. This should be discouraged as
the people lose focus of what they want or what they are good at and are
unable to sustain livelihood through these programs.
5. Trust yourself:
If you don’t trust yourself you won’t trust others! You have to trust what you
feel, say or do. If you trust yourself, others will not trust you. Don’t say ‘one
day I will be worthy’ Believe and trust you are worthy NOW. Attract confidence
from others not pity.