Dear Editor,
I would like to let persons with disabilities know that they can become whoever they want to become if they have determination. As is said, whatever the eyes can see, the mind can conceive. So persons with disabilities should dream big. They have a part to play in this society and should not withdraw from it. They should come out, reach out and socialize with others in all walks of life. Persons with disabilities may be surprised to know that persons without disabilities can learn something from us and vice versa. So they should not be afraid, just be themselves. Hopefully this letter will serve to inspire persons without disabilities to learn to accept persons with disabilities.
I am 21 years old and I will be graduating shortly from the University of Guyana with a degree in Social Work. I am a God-fearing person, honest and reliable. I am hard working and always strive for excellence. I do not like a person taking advantage of another.
I had a stroke at age 12 due to a blood clot in my brain. At this point, I want to emphasize that while some persons are born with a disability others acquire one at some stage in their lives. So anyone and everyone could potentially experience some form of disability. As a result of the stroke, I could not talk and walk. Unfortunately Guyana did not have a neurologist who could deal with my situation. However, I do not believe it was by chance that I already had a visa, and as a result I was able to fly out of Guyana to the USA. There I did not undergo surgery but therapy brought me back. Nevertheless, I have limitations in the use of my right hand and I walk with a limp on my right side. I spent one year in USA and then returned to Guyana.
My family was shocked, saddened and depressed because I never complained of any illness, and I had never been admitted in hospital.
Of course, I had and still have challenges, but I am overcoming them. One challenge was a sense of rejection in Guyana. In the USA disability is more accepted. Sometimes when I am walking and persons stare at me, I become very conscious of my situation and I feel somewhat strange. I am overcoming this by raising my self-esteem – accepting myself for who I am and knowing that God loves me for who I am. Also, assertiveness training is helping me to raise my self-esteem. Assertive behaviour is based on a belief that everyone has the right to be treated with respect; to have and express feelings and opinions; to be listened to and be taken seriously; to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty; to make mistakes; to ask for help; to change their mind; to ask for what they want; to set their own priorities.
In addition, I am a part of Young Voices, the group which is assisting me. This group consists of persons with disabilities. When I attended that group and heard other person’s stories, it told me that I was not alone, and other persons have had similar experiences or even worse. This gives me hope and support. During the sharing sessions we learn from one another what we can do differently in order to improve our situation.
Also, determination has helped me to get where I am today. I can remember when I was in the wheelchair, I said I have to walk again. I practised and prayed and here I am walking. Furthermore, I am determined to have an education. When someone wants an education that means you have to be persistent and that even if you fail, you do it again. Although I have a degree, it is also important to have a spiritual education which will help me live a life pleasing to God.
Moreover, the stroke affected my memory somewhat and as a result I usually request and receive extra time when writing examinations.
The challenges I experienced have caused me to appreciate persons with disabilities a whole lot more. Persons without disabilities just have to get to know persons with disabilities and to be patient. Remember persons with disabilities could achieve anything they want in life with determination.
Yours faithfully,
Fidelle Pitt
