Stacey Samuel-O'Brien

I am a physically disabled TT national living in the US who uses a mobility scooter when I’m out. In the US, I feel comfortable venturing out on my own because I am confident that, in most instances, I will be able to function with ease. Unfortunately when I come home, I’m not as confident because, with the exception of the airport, disabled people seem to be an overlooked subset of the population.

People with disabilities can lead fulfilling, independent lives, but sometimes, we require certain accommodations and support from the public. As a society, we need to appreciate that our disabled population should not be written off just because they might function differently.

Starting at the top, legislation goes a long way to ensuring inclusivity. Laws that mandate certain protections for the disabled in public and/or in the workplace, for example, standardised building accessibility, can drive necessary change in TT. Laws that protect the disabled, can also benefit members of other vulnerable populations, like the elderly and children.

I appreciate that some changes have been made with respect to the physically disabled (for example, adding kerb cuts to some pavements) but there is so much more that can, and should, be done. Understandably, neither the enactment of legislation, nor changes to the infrastructure, will happen overnight, so, in the meantime, there are small but impactful changes that can be made by businesses and the public at large.

Businesses can provide sensitivity training and empower their employees to use good judgment when faced with situations that may fall outside the norm.

Empathy and compassion are two major qualities that can ensure positive interactions with the disabled, but knowledge and information are also critical. Employers, social groups and advocacy organisations should actively communicate recommendations and best practices so that the general public understands how to interact with disabled people they encounter.

At the ground level, most of my experiences with the public have shown me that, as a society, we have made great strides in the treatment of the disabled.

But I’ve been lucky. Not everyone can say that their interactions are supportive or sensitive.

It is important to understand that, if you want to help a disabled person, you are not expected to know exactly what to do or how to help. First and foremost, you need to ask the person if they would like to be helped and then listen to their response about how to help.

It’s equally important to avoid making assumptions about the help they need. And always treat disabled people with dignity and respect, just as you would want to be treated.

I share my stories as a person living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the hopes of inspiring other disabled people and others dealing with adversity, to show that while everyone’s experience is different, what is important is finding ways to continue doing the things that bring joy in life, even if in a different way. It is certainly okay, and