Amy Lin is a 56 year old married woman. Both of her legs are paralyzed because of polio, so she needs to use wheelchair to move around. She tries really hard to be independent, and tries not to care about other people’s opinions. However, she is still hurt by various rude questions and criticisms from time to time. For example, when she goes to market, she will hear a comment like this: “You can’t walk, so why do you come here?” Sometimes people may ask her a silly question: “How can you cook? How can you take care your children?” Amy always feels hurt and angry when she hears comments and questions like these.
Many handicapped people in Taiwan encounter embarrassing situations like Amy. They try hard to live a normal life. They also have to learn how to take care of their daily life and to be independent. They hope they can contribute to their family and society. In Amy’s case, she always prepares meals for her family. She also takes care of and looks after her two sons by herself. She does a good job being a wife, a mother and a daughter. She is specially gifted in arts and craft as well. Unfortunately people tend to associate “handicapped” with “poor” or “useless”.
What handicapped people need is not pity, but understanding.
The Taiwan government has made a big progress on improving the lives of handicapped people. They can enjoy some benefits such as housework assistance services, free shuttle buses, as well as transportation discounts and allowances. However, handicapped people’s right and dignity also need to be respected. Attitudes toward handicapped people need to be changed.
John 3:16 says : “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, ….”, God loves any one, no matter if they are healthy or unhealthy, rich or poor, He loves them all. Paul also encourages us to treat those that are less honorable with special honor (1 Cor. 12:23). Handicapped people are also our brothers and sisters in Christ and they need our support and understanding.
Wang Yea-Hui – Taiping
