A society that respects diversity

 

In November, I attended a book talk with Baek Sun-sim, the author of three books including “I’m Disabled But Have No Problem Raising Children,” at Namuya, a bookshop in Inje, Gangwon Province.

When the author, who has brain lesions, was pregnant, people said to her: “You are irresponsible.” “Your baby will be disabled like you.” These prejudiced criticisms must have been quite hurtful for her to hear.

Some people think that people with disabilities should not reproduce. Nonetheless, nobody can bring up a child by themselves. All parents, non-disabled or disabled, need other people’s help.

Baek said that she had written the book to let people know that disabled people can also bring up a child. Her children are growing well. The most moving part of the book was that they encouraged her in her writing, asking, “Mom, what are you writing about now?”

After hearing the author speak about her experiences as a mother with a disability, we gained a new understanding of disability through her guidance. She handed out paper and sets of colored pens, then instructed, "Now, please draw a picture and write your name on the paper without using your hands.”

At first, we didn’t know how to do it. However, the person next to me began to take out a pen with her mouth. I helped her take it out with my foot. The mission was not easy, but we completed it together. Through this meaningful experience, we learned that people with disabilities have various methods to help them overcome seemingly simple tasks.

Baek also introduced us to a mother who cannot use her arms as she tries to place her baby into a car seat. However, she does this skillfully, strapping him into the car seat with her feet. The mother had developed the ability to do challenging tasks with her feet, demonstrating remarkable dexterity.

In other countries, wheelchair users can use a stroller that can be attached to their wheelchair. The government provides diverse aid to disabled caregivers. If the Korean government also provided such support, parents with disabilities would be able to raise children more easily.

Baek explained that people with disabilities also want to be congratulated on becoming parents and to hear words of encouragement, such as "You are doing your best," when raising a child. And, of course, having a disability as a parent does not mean that their child will have one as well.

Anyone can become disabled as we grow old or due to an unexpected accident. We all need to change our perceptions regarding disabilities. It is necessary to change discriminative perceptions of people with disabilities through education in kindergartens, schools and society, and to build a culture in which all members of society respect one another.

Baek was a wonderful person who was making passionate efforts to improve social perceptions regarding those with disabilities through writing and education. Her activities will contribute to creating a kinder society that respects diversity of all kinds.

Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) wrote “Old Potato, New Potato” and translated “Little Lord Fauntleroy.”