Outline : The Year of the Handicapped: special attention to the handicapped children; their problems, change in the attitude of society — sympathy and understanding; need for special institutions; appreciation of their activities; to make them feel wanted.
The problem of handicapped children is the problem of every country of the world. These tiny tots have been treated cruelly by nature. They are not at fault. They are innocent, tender and harmless. They invite the attention of all of us. It becomes our moral duty to do something substantial' and concrete for them, otherwise our conscience will never forgive us. They are not a burden. They are not a liability. They are also important members of our so-called civilized society. They do not belong to some other world. They are hundred percent our responsibility. Let us realize our moral duty and come to their immediate help.
The handicapped may be blind, dumb, deaf or victims of limping, their hands and feet may be deformed. Their legs may not help them walk even a few yards. Now, it is your first and foremost duty to be their eyes, ears, tongue, arms and legs. You cannot shirk your obligation. They need your special attention. They need a special treatment. Their upbringing is' to be highly exclusive from the rest of the normal children; lest they should not feel isolated; lest they should not develop inferiority complex; lest they should not have the feeling of unwantedness. Once they are neglected and indifferently treated, their heart will break. You will do them more harm than good. You have no right to be stone-hearted and callous to them.
All the Governments of the world became alive to their responsibility. They, determined to tackle, this universal problem on war-footing. World Organizations, like UNICEF and UNESCO took the banner of mobilizing support and succour (help) for the handicapped. They strained every nerve to do the best for these victims of cruel nature. It is said : Mother nature is bountiful (Full of prosperity) to its children. But in the case of the handicapped, the very nature is cruel and callous. But anyway, let us not feel discouraged. The medical science has been of great help to such helpless boys and girls. There, they are very specially treated. They are given the sense of 'wantedness'. They are told time and again, that they are important members of the family, of the society.
Of late, the society is changing its attitude towards the handicapped. It is treating such children with great love, sympathy and understanding. Many institutions are being opened in order to look after them specially. It is high time that private agencies and institutions came forward to their help. They cannot be brought up in ordinary institutions with normal children . There, they are bound to develop the feeling of littleness in them, which will be suicidal for their growth. The need is to appreciate their problem to realize their difficulty.
Whatever little they perform must be praised and cheered. At no stage they should be given a negative suggestion. They must not be a inflected lot. Discouragement to them is highly harmful. Rather they should In- bucked up (encouraged) on every occasion. There is no harm if we be praise them. Appreciation of their activities is the first step which will boost their morale. Special care is to be taken in their diet, clothing, bedding , exercise and teaching. Be friendly and fatherly with them. They are hungry of your love and affection. Why do you deprive them of their share of joy? Mind you, they are not abnormal. It is our attitude which is not good towards them. So, treat them as normal children. Allow them to play with other children. Their feelings should not be hurt. A polite word sand to them can make their heart fill with joy. Let us change it immediately.
