“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” – Colin Powell
‘Wings of Hope’ is one such dream that culminated owing to our perseverance in our endeavour to work persistently for the Special Needs community, or the People of Determination, as we like to call them.
‘People of Determination’ (PoD) is a term used to describe people who need assistance because of a disability or disorder that limits their intellectual and/or physical abilities. The said disability may be due to genetic reasons, or by birth, or develop later in a person’s life due to a disease or accident, affecting the educational or psychological abilities to the extent that limits the possibility of meeting the normal requirements of daily life. The term ‘People of Determination’ was coined by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister as well as the ruler of Dubai in 2016, to ensure a dignified way of addressing the Special Needs community, and it is since then, being widely used across the world for referring honourably to the community.
When I started conceptualizing this book, I was certain that the book must offer some guidance, or a way forward to assist the parents or caregivers of the Special Needs people. In the absence of sufficient resources and lack of awareness in the society, we often see these families struggling while facing the challenges with their children. There is a need for more empathy, understanding and compassion on the part of larger sections of the society towards PoD families. We must do our bit in order to make the environment more conducive, acceptable, welcoming, and inclusive for these special children, who only deserve love, care and respect like the rest of us. This book is a venture in that direction.
‘Wings of Hope’ has been divided into five sections for ease of reference.
The section on ‘Developmental Modalities’ outlines the behavioural aspects and ways of managing the same.
We have taken interviews of some experts in the field and presented them for guidance under ‘Expert Opinion’.
The caregivers undergo tremendous trials and tribulations in their journey of nurturing a Special Needs person. They devise their own ways and support systems to engage the child, to nurture them, to help them grow and be independent. There is immense learning in each journey and the same has been wonderfully articulated by our team of talented writers for the benefit of other community members in the section ‘Caregivers’ Views’.
There are also a number of NGOs working tirelessly in this field, and their efforts cannot be overlooked. While we couldn’t cover all, we have tried to present the audacious tales of a few of them who are doing a commendable job in this arena, and we hope that some families might benefit from their contribution. Our section on ‘Initiatives’ highlights their work.
While PoD families undergo a plethora of emotions, their pain is not hidden from the poets of today. The ‘Poetry’ section of the book includes profound verses from not only the parents/ friends of PoD, but also from the members of society who deeply feel for them without having any personal experiences.
Vandana Bhasin
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