Hellen Keller Day reminds us that adversity can make us better
What can we do to make our society and our world a more comfortable place for people with disabilities?
I am sad that in our developing society where government leaders have failed to narrow the huge wealth disparity through years of economic growth, not only are many millions of poor people subsisting in intolerable conditions, what about the plight of the 1.5 million people with disabilities (PWDs), as estimated by the Philippine Statistics Authority?
Today is the 136th birth anniversary of writer, political activist and lecturer Helen Keller, also the first-ever deaf and blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree. June 27 is commemorated in her country, the US, as “Helen Keller Day,” it is also observed by international organizations aiding the blind and deaf.
Not only did Hellen Keller not wallow in misery or complain all her life due to having been blind and deaf, she made herself an inspiring success story. More than that, she became an activist who worked for and fought for a better world.
PWDs With Talent & A Positive Attitude
Let us not discriminate against PWDs or people with other disadvantages. Based on my experience reviving and operating the 77-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, two of my most dependable bakers in terms of ability, work ethic and positive attitude are PWDs: one has hearing problems and wears a hearing aid, while the other has a problem with his leg and walks with crutches. I have a theory that often, those who are hobbled by some disadvantages or discomfort try to overcompensate or offset the negatives by working harder, dreaming more, aspiring more, and learning to endure more than others.
Whenever I see blind massage therapists here or abroad, I often try their services and come out very impressed with their skills and work ethic.
Many Self-Made Entrepreneurs Faced Adversity
One of the insights I’ve learned from interviewing and studying many of the tycoons in the Philippines and Asia is that many of the greatest self-made entrepreneurs and professionals have suffered and overcome adversity.
When I say adversity, this refers not only to economic poverty but also the loss of one or two parents in their youth, social and other disadvantages like the immigrant struggle against discrimination, socio-economic barriers, and physical or emotional disadvantages. We should therefore not fear adversity, loss, pain, or even failure, but gain lessons and strength from them.
Teachers Can Change The Lives Of The Disadvantaged
If there’s a Helen Keller Day, I recommend that the next US president should proclaim a holiday there as “Anne Sullivan Day” in honor of the teacher who helped save Helen Keller.
Keller’s inspiring saga is also a shining tribute to the greatness and importance of teachers, for it was a patient teacher named Anne Sullivan who successfully broke through her isolation imposed by a near-complete lack of language, and allowed Helen to maximize her innate talents and full potential by teaching her to communicate. Their story has been immortalized in the play and film entitled The Miracle Worker.
In business, I have heard of numerous tales of future entrepreneurs who were either inspired, mentored, invested in or guided into their careers by others. Artists, writers and professionals have benefited from the goodness or teachings of others as well.
Whether as professionals, entrepreneurs or leaders, all of us can touch the lives of others — especially those disadvantaged by physical disability, poverty and other problems — in countless positive ways. We just need to be more caring, more sensitive to others’ plight, and never give up on them.
How many of the world’s good, productive citizens have been touched by and ennobled by persevering, creative and good teachers, mentors and parents?
Can We Build More PWD-Friendly Cities?
Whenever I visit China I am struck by the fact that all the streets, roads and highways in that huge country are planted with trees, and roads everywhere have these Braille-like concrete designs that guide blind people. Can we incorporate this disabled-friendly design in all our road constructions? Paging President-elect Rody Duterte, his new Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Art Tugade and new Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.
Last but not least, congratulations to former senatorial bet Martin Romualdez for not only having been a conscientious congressman representing Leyte, but also sponsoring the unique law giving tangible benefits and privileges to PWDs, which was approved in March this year. Like senior citizens, PWDs now have Republic Act No. 10754 granting them an exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services.
I fully agree with the person who said that those who have less in life — including people with disabilities — should have more in law.
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