Disabled end equality

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

JAKARTA: Disabled people are often denied respect as well as opportunities and are regarded as incompetent without being given the chance to prove their abilities, said one disabled activist.

Having school and job applications rejected is something they are much accustomed to.

"Many people don't realize that we, too, would like to pursue further education and have jobs just like anybody else," said the activist, Djoko Gunawan, who has been blind since birth.

"The notion that a crippled leg, for instance, means that the person is entirely helpless should be straightened out," he said on the sidelines of the Leisure Walk for the Disabled.

The Leisure Walk is being held to celebrate International Disabled People's Day which falls on Dec. 3.

During their walk, from the National Monument (Monas) to the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and back to Monas, participants were escorted by chaperones from their institutions.

As many as 150 disabled people from 17 institutions across the city took part in the event.

Some of the participants make a living by selling crafts such as greeting cards, paintings and ornaments for the home. Their work will be displayed on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at Atmajaya University, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta.

"To me, this is an opportunity to be with my friends in an exciting activity outside the institution," said wheelchair-bound Peter Samosir, who fills his days making greeting cards and wall ornaments.