The Stereotype against Persons with disabilities



One faithful day i was invited by Hitv in Buea, Cameroon for an interview and i had to travel from Kumba to Buea and back to Kumba that same day.



When i arrived in Buea, i was waiting for a taxi beside the road. Then a woman walked Upto me and stretched forth her hand. I was just staring at her. Then she opened it and held out 200frs which is about $0.3. I was just staring at her.



Then she said, \"take this\"



But I responded, \"No ma'am! I'm not into street begging. I'm waiting for a taxi to take me somewhere.\"



Then she responded, \"I'm sorry my daughter. I see alot of persons with disabilities along the streets, motor parks and markets begging, so I thought you were also here for the same purpose.\"



Me: No ma'am. But all the same thank you for the kind gesture.



Then she put the money in her purse and left.



I had to look around whether people were there watching at us.



When she left, i felt embarrassed. I realized how a few people have rubbed the dignity of persons with disabilities in the mud. Even if we are well dressed, some people still consider us as street beggars.



 



I appreciate her kind heart but then I felt so bad that my standard and self-esteem had been reduced to floor level. Then i saw the more reason we should get persons with disabilities off the streets through engaging them in vocational training centers, businesses or enroll them in schools.



When i finally got a taxi and went to the tv house, i had to focus the topic of discussion on the incident.



Persons with disabilities need more of empowerment. Lets just get them off the streets so that our dignity and self-esteem will be built back to a level where it is supposed to be.

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