Disabled people ask for equal opportunities<\/p>\n
Annastashya Emmanuelle
\nThe Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
Disabled people are often denied respect as well as
\nopportunities and are regarded as incompetent without being given
\nthe chance to prove their abilities, said one disabled activist.<\/p>\n
Having school and job applications rejected is something they
\nare much accustomed to.<\/p>\n
\"Many people don't realize that we, too, would like to pursue
\nfurther education and have jobs just like anybody else,\" said the
\nactivist, Djoko Gunawan, who has been blind since birth.<\/p>\n
Pity is something they could live without, but the right to
\npursue the things that most people are entitled to remains an
\nongoing struggle, he added.<\/p>\n
\"The notion that a crippled leg, for instance, means that the
\nperson is entirely helpless should be straightened out,\" he said
\non the sidelines of the Leisure Walk for the Disabled.<\/p>\n
The Leisure Walk is being held to celebrate International
\nDisabled People's Day which falls on Dec. 3.<\/p>\n
During their walk, from the National Monument (Monas) to the
\nHotel Indonesia traffic circle and back to Monas, participants
\nwere escorted by chaperones from their institutions.<\/p>\n
As many as 150 disabled people from 17 institutions across the
\ncity took part in the event.<\/p>\n
Some of the participants make a living by selling crafts such
\nas greeting cards, paintings and ornaments for the home. Their
\nwork will be displayed on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at Atmajaya
\nUniversity, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta.<\/p>\n
\"To me, this is an opportunity to be with my friends in an
\nexciting activity outside the institution. I want people to see
\nthat we are able to engage in this kind of exercise,\" said
\nwheelchair-bound Peter Samosir, who fill his days making greeting
\ncards and wall ornaments.<\/p>\n
A mother, whose daughter suffers from down syndrome, said that
\nshe is happy to see her daughter motivated by participating in
\nsuch an event.<\/p>\n
\"She was very happy when appointed to carry the Leisure Walk's
\nbanner as she got to walk in the front line of the procession,\"
\nsaid her mother, Bong Emilly.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/disabled-people-ask-for-equal-opportunities-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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