The love of your family counts

Talk Up Yout touches physical disabilities

Arielle Brown

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

LAST Tuesday, the second week of the new season of Talk Up Yout focused on physical disabilities. Though this is not a topic which is heavily discussed, it is one which is prominent in society, as we are acquainted with at least one person who has been termed as disabled.

Two young men were featured on the programme: Ricardo, 26 and Jermaine, 22. Ricardo suffers from scoliosis, which he described as the bone being deformed, while Jermaine's disability was kyphoscoliosis, which he defined as a combination of various types of curvatures of the spine.

They spoke about their rejections and isolations as children.

"Growing up," Jermaine said, however, "brings fond memories because I had the support from my family, despite the rejections of the other children."

Ricardo grew up at a Mustard Seed Home that caters for disabled and helpless children from he was two years of age.

The two stated God as their main source of comfort and inspiration.

The host, Emprezz Mullings, noted that as physically challenged, integrating with the other children playing sports would be difficult. Jermaine was quick to state that sports were never his thing, but journalism, rather, was his main interest. Ricardo on the other hand discussed his bowling role, while playing cricket.

Emprezz later went on to discuss etiquette considered appropriate when interacting with people with disabilities. Jermaine related that it was during his early childhood years that he was most teased.

Of note, was the fact that the teasing hasn't scarred him but the love from his family helped him to overcome.

Ricardo said that going to primary school, they would torment him calling him "handicapped" and "ben up" or "bruk foot". The two young men highlighted the huge role of good friends.

Dr Avril Daley, clinical psychologist and special educator made sure to tell viewers that though disabled, these individuals are humans and should be treated as such.