Pakistan falls way behind when it comes to the specially-abled persons, be it a kid or an adult, we have a long way to go and learn! A girl shared what happened with her nephew in Giga Mall Rawalpindi when her sister took him to Fun City there:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164740601946112?s=19
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164747015020544?s=19
What her sister heard next, shocked her:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164748994686976?s=19
But she didn’t go down without a fight with the team leader:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164752002064384?s=19
And even though her nephew was allowed to play that day, her sister raised a ton of questions regarding the policy:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164753985953792?s=19
And how instead of promoting inclusion, we’re promoting exclusion of the specially-abled lot:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164756099837953?s=19
She further shared how hurtful the experience was:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164758150844416?s=19
And urged that people share her experience to raise awareness:
https://twitter.com/mariawaleed/status/1173164760512258048?s=19
As the thread was being retweeted, a lot of people came forward to support her:
Ur son should never made to feel this way. I'm sorry this happened and I will do my best to change this mindset
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) September 15, 2019
People shared how the community in general was getting less inclusive:
https://twitter.com/ChupShaa/status/1173292815931125761?s=19
Others came forward to share how they often find themselves in the same situation:
I'm so sorry u had to go through this. I have a 5 year old nephew he's autistic and he's non verbal too..Sometimes we face such issues too, and it breaks my heart so bad. He's such a loving and caring child
— Amethyst (@I_nyctophile) September 15, 2019
People found it to be tragic:
Tragic that we live in such ignorance, apathy. So pleased you stood your ground. All children deserve the best. No exclusions.
— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) September 15, 2019
People blamed it on the general lack of empathy that our society has:
https://twitter.com/girllitasf/status/1173292431829282817?s=19
She was assured that matters will be looked into by NOWPDP, a disability inclusion initiative:
Dear Maria and @NOWPDP
I ll be visiting Giga Mal soon and will definitely ask them who made this pathetic policy to exclude a child to practice his or her right to play. Stay strong and thanks for sharing the incident— ✨فرح✨ (@Blunt_Realistic) September 15, 2019
People had questions about the inclusiveness of the society:
https://twitter.com/NOWPDP/status/1173233479934517248?s=19
People suggested that necessary steps be taken by the DC:
@DCRawalpindi Autism is a very sensitive issue for both parents and children alike. It would be great if the DC Office can work towards creating awareness within commercial establishments to be sensitive to these problems.
— Syed M. Saad Ahsan (@saadahsan) September 15, 2019
People expressed how these kids were victimized by exclusion:
You are absolutely right. Instead of inclusion, the different are victimized by exclusion under the guise of their protection. The problem lies with our society. I assume none of the other parents had sided with you, in condemning the exclusion policy and demanding inclusion.
— Ergophile (@RstyClinomaniac) September 15, 2019
People also shared how parents need to teach empathy to their kids:
My sister has a differently abled child in her class and she has observed that the so called 'normal' are extremely mean to him when teachers aren't looking. Parents need to teach empathy.
— Lalaaaa Factor (@LRUrooj) September 15, 2019
Some thought ignorance was the real issue:
Unfortunately, most people who have no on-spectrum kid in family or friends fail to understand and appreciate the need to provide a space for such kids in normal setting. Ignorance, rather than apathy is more the issue.
— Ghulam Rasul Imtiaz (@cgrasul) September 15, 2019
People were lauding her for fighting against it:
While it’s really heart breaking, still it’s good that such issues are being highlighted. Hats off to u for correcting a wrong.
— Junaid Ahmad (@koolicon) September 15, 2019
Some shared how the world is tok cruel for these little gems:
https://twitter.com/7ellipsism/status/1173312147687972866?s=19
You go, girl!
Thanks for sharing this and for standing up to the fun city management. You let your child know he's no less than any other kid!!
— Saad (@saadm_) September 15, 2019
People urged that basic manners be taught to everyone hired:
Customer dealing/ ethics must be inculcated/ taught before hiring a guy/girl
— محمد عثمان (@RajputChauhan03) September 16, 2019
Agreed, kids are kids:
Well at times parents live through the smiles of their kids …. autistic or special or normal ….. every child should be allowed without discrimination …. kids are kids
— Free palestine (@kurrdd) September 15, 2019
People were calling out the management for their disgusting policies:
@FunCityPK you need to change such policies and encourage children to participate and enjoy like any other child. Infact you should give complimentary rides to children with autism. @mariawaleed stay strong and give confidence to your sister and child
— hassan (@hassana22782362) September 15, 2019
Sending lots of love and prayers to the mother and her son, no child should ever be made to feel that way. Here’s to raising awareness and hoping that we become a more inclusive society. What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments below!