Interview and Analysis: Challenges Faced by a Physically Challenged Person

To gain an understanding of the challenges faced by a physically challenged individual, I

interviewed Mr. Arjun Mehra, a 34-year-old software engineer from Pune, India, who was born
with a congenital physical disability affecting his mobility. His insights shed light on the
struggles, societal attitudes, and the broader rehabilitation infrastructure in India.
Challenges Faced by Mr. Mehra
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Mr. Mehra described his daily life as a blend of resilience and frustration. He stated, "My
condition affects not only my physical movement but also the way people perceive me.
Accessibility is a constant challenge. From public transport to buildings, most infrastructure in
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India is not designed for people like me."
● Physical Barriers: Public spaces, transport systems, and even basic facilities like schools
and offices often lack ramps, elevators, or other aids for mobility. While some modern
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establishments have adapted, the majority still remain inaccessible.
● Educational Struggles: Mr. Mehra recalled his schooling years as particularly difficult. He
shared, "Teachers and classmates were kind, but the infrastructure was hostile. There
were no elevators in my school, so I had to rely on friends to carry me to higher floors."
This dependency, while fostering bonds, also left him feeling inadequate at times.
● Employment Challenges: Despite his qualifications, Mr. Mehra faced discrimination in the
job market. Many employers subtly hinted that his physical limitations might make him less
productive, even though his work as a software engineer required no physical exertion.
● Emotional and Mental Health Struggles: Feelings of isolation, stemming from his
condition and the reactions of others, have been significant. He remarked, "The stigma
and pity are more disabling than my actual condition."

Society’s Attitude Toward People with Disabilities

Mr. Mehra believes societal attitudes toward the physically challenged are gradually evolving, but
change remains slow. He divided his observations into three categories:
. Pity and Sympathy: Many people treat physically challenged individuals as objects of pity
rather than equals. While this often leads to acts of kindness, such as offering help, it
reinforces the stereotype of disability as a weakness.
. Ignorance and Insensitivity: There is a general lack of awareness about the needs and
potential of physically challenged individuals. For example, Mr. Mehra recounted incidents
where people took his disability lightly, assuming he did not require or aspire to
independence.
. Positive Change: He acknowledged that awareness campaigns and better representation
in media have started to shift perceptions. Programs like the Divyangjan initiatives and the
prominence of para-athletes have contributed to a more inclusive mindset.
Mr. Mehra summarized, "The root of societal prejudice lies in ignorance. If people understood
that a disability doesn’t define an individual’s worth, we’d be a more inclusive society."

Rehabilitation Centers in India: An Overview

To better understand the support system available for physically challenged individuals, I
researched the condition of rehabilitation centers in India. These centers aim to provide medical,
emotional, and vocational support to help individuals lead a dignified life.
State of Rehabilitation Centers
. Infrastructure and Facilities:
While government-funded centers like the All India Institute of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation (AIIPMR) in Mumbai and NGOs such as the National Institute for
Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) provide quality services, the
overall reach remains limited. Most centers in rural areas lack basic amenities, skilled
professionals, and modern equipment.
. Access and Awareness:
Access to these facilities is a challenge, particularly for people in remote areas. Awareness
about the existence of such centers is also limited, which further reduces their
effectiveness.
. Living Conditions:
In some centers, especially those run by NGOs or small organizations, living conditions are
poor due to inadequate funding. Overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and insufficient staff are
common complaints.
Success Stories and Limitations
Despite the challenges, many rehabilitation centers have helped individuals rebuild their lives.
For instance, the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) has empowered
thousands by providing affordable prosthetics. However, the demand far exceeds the supply,
leaving many individuals without timely assistance.

Comparison with Themes in "On the Face of It"

The story "On the Face of It" by Susan Hill explores similar themes of prejudice and self-worth.
The central character, Mr. Lamb, has a disability that isolates him from society, much like Mr.
Mehra's experiences. Both individuals demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.
. Isolation:
Just as Mr. Lamb is shunned due to his scarred face, Mr. Mehra faced societal exclusion
and a lack of empathy. Both characters, however, resist being defined by their conditions.
. Societal Ignorance:
The attitude of pity and discomfort toward Mr. Lamb mirrors Mr. Mehra's observation of
societal ignorance. People tend to focus on visible disabilities rather than seeing the
person behind them.
 . Overcoming Stigma:
Mr. Lamb's philosophy of finding joy in small things aligns with Mr. Mehra's approach to
life. Mr. Mehra emphasized, "If I wait for society to change, I’ll lose precious time. I’ve
learned to advocate for myself and find strength in my abilities."

Conclusion: The Way Forward

Mr. Mehra’s experiences highlight the need for systemic change in India to support physically
challenged individuals. Society’s attitude must shift from pity to empowerment, fostering
inclusion through education and representation. Government initiatives, NGOs, and the private
sector must collaborate to ensure accessible infrastructure, better rehabilitation centers, and
awareness campaigns.
Drawing from the themes of "On the Face of It," individuals like Mr. Mehra remind us that the
human spirit can overcome immense odds. However, a compassionate and proactive society is
essential to ensure that no one is left behind. In Mr. Mehra's words, "Disability is not a choice,
but acceptance and inclusion are."
Bibliography
. Primary Source:
○ Personal interview with Mr. Arjun Mehra, conducted on [WEDNESDAY 11/122024]
. Books and Literature:
○ Hill, Susan. On the Face of It. A play from the book Horizon (NCERT Class 12
Supplementary Reader). New Delhi: NCERT, 2006.
. Government and Institutional Reports:
○ Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Schemes for
Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan). Retrieved from www.socialjustice.gov.in
○ National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD).
Annual Reports and Initiatives. Retrieved from www.niepmd.tn.nic.in
. NGO and Rehabilitation Center Reports:
○ Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). Empowering Lives
Through Affordable Prosthetics. Retrieved from www.alimco.in
. Research Papers and Articles:
○ Gupta, A. (2020). Accessibility Challenges for People with Disabilities in India: A
Review. Journal of Disability Studies, Vol. 6(3), pp. 12-20.
○ Sharma, P. (2019). Rehabilitation Services in Rural India: Gaps and Opportunities.
Indian Journal of Social Work, Vol. 81(4), pp. 34-47.
. Websites and Online Resources:
○ Times of India. Accessibility Still a Distant Dream for India's Disabled Population.
Published on [Insert Date].
○ NDTV. India’s Disabled: Infrastructure and Inclusion Challenges. Retrieved from
www.ndtv.com
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www.ndtv.com