Just like us

I live within a city in a nation on the African continent. In our city, there are many people with disabilities who line up along the streets asking for hand-outs. Some of them are blind, some have had their hands or legs amputated because of serious disease. One morning as I was going to work I met a friend after I came off a bus. As we were walking together along a popular street in the city, we came across a blind beggar in front of a busy shop. My friend made the remark that he wished the government would clear the city streets of beggars. He said he had stopped buying from this shop because of this "miserable beggar."

I responded, "Do you know anybody who would wish to be disabled? They are just people like you. If you hate them, you also hate God the Creator. The disabled need to be taken care of just like any other human being. You need to love them, be kind and caring, and God will bless you."

We parted, but my friend was not so convinced of what I told him. I have seen a situation where disabled people are abandoned; some are not allowed even to mingle with other people in social places due to their disabilities.

These are people just like us, and we can help them by inviting them to activities and sharing our good feelings about them. — Hesbon Usi, Nairobi, Kenya

All have challenges

During my college years, I worked for a company teaching adults with disabilities independence and life skills. As we would go out into the community, we found it very evident that many people are uncomfortable around people with disabilities because they are different. People would often ask me what my companion wanted to eat, which very often hurt his/her feelings. It is very important to understand that people with disabilities, whether they be physically or learning disabled, are sensitive human beings. They want to feel like they are capable and valued as people in the community, just as we expect.

A disability is obvious because it is evident on the outside. We need to remember that we all have challenges to varying degrees; ours are no less significant than theirs. Look them in the eye and address them as you would anyone else. Think of them as someone just like yourself — a person with challenges, trials, needs, wants and dreams. — Kim Ulmer, Bountiful, Utah

Token of friendship

I swim lengths at noon for exercise. One day, a man brought several young teenage boys into the locker room, all of whom were severely developmentally disabled. Their communications were basically unrecognizable except for one youngster who said "hi" and offered to shake hands. The first few individuals he offered his hand to did not respond. When it was offered to me, I gingerly extended my hand, not knowing what to expect. He lit up like candles on a birthday cake. We all took up shaking his hand, some of us three and four times. This small token of friendship prompted a delight to him and removed fear from us. These children come once a week and numerous handshakes are now the norm. — David E. Richards, Lethbridge, Alberta

Loving, hard-working

I personally hold many biases about people with disabilities — that they are often kind, loving, hard-working and very close to our Heavenly Father. Those who have had few life experiences with people with disabilities may have negative biases. The only way to recognize and overcome these attitudes is direct interaction. In your ward, volunteer to assist in making them a part of your ward family. Does a sister who is blind need a ride, a man with a developmental disability need someone to sit by during sacrament meeting; does the Primary need someone to sit with a child with autism during Sharing Time? You might offer to be a visiting teacher or home teacher to a family with a child or adult with disabilities.

Recognizing and overcoming your negative biases will allow you to realize how much you can do to help them feel part of the Church. — Barbara Walker Murdock, Austin, Texas

Focus on the person

I have worked with and have family members who have various disabilities. In all situations when the first thing out of someone's mouth is "They can't" or "They have this problem," I wonder if that is all they see in the person. I have found that when we focus on what is "wrong" we often fail to see the strengths and abilities and become bogged down in drudgery. When I focus on what a person can do I feel that I truly see the child of God within. To focus on what a person does not have is to do that person a disservice. — Judy Naillon, Littleton, Colo.