AINA ATIRAH

 A Little Story From Leo

    Leo was my name, and I am one of those persons who has never been able to walk on my own legs like the rest of the population. I must use a wheelchair because my immobility limits my movement. My pasttime had been painting as a way to express my feelings. I have lived with my wonderful parents for 18 years in a place that was run-down and appeared to be out of date. I wonder if I should seek a job to take over my parents' obligation to work and generate money as they become older and helpless.

    I was seated in the wheelchair next to the window as fluffy clouds floated lazily across the clear blue sky. I was reflecting and suddenly I had flashbacks of the times in high school when everyone had blotted me out. For them, I was a burden. There was a great day, where I tried to stand out my talent in painting by joining the Art Competition. However, the teacher prioritize normal student to be the participants. In front of the other students, she made fun of me and asked, "Is a person without legs like you excellent at drawing?" I still remembered that incident. My face starts to flush red. That was an awful thing had happened to me.

    I went into each store and inquired about openings. Unfortunately, none of the stores want to hire me and would rather say there isn't a position available than accept me when they see I use a wheelchair. I was struggling not to cry in the middle of an empty street. I continue to persevere. "What if I try to sell all of my paintings?" suddenly popping in my thoughts. I frantically tried to sell my paintings to every pedestrian that walked by for almost three hours, but no one was interested in buying. Before I could see anything, I could hear the pouring rain approaching. My heart was flooded with disappointment.

    Suddenly, a tall man in a fancy outfit came gently toward me. He presented me with a clear umbrella. I smiled and said, "Do you want to buy my painting?" as I thanked him with watery eyes. “How can I not buy a good picture as well as this,” he exclaimed as he gawked at my drawing and praised it. I sighed in satisfaction, "Thank God there are still people like him".

CAUSE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 

IN ACCESSING HEALTH CARE

        Disability is the presence of any condition that makes it harder for a person to engage in specific activities or enjoy equal access in a particular society. At some point in their lives, a lot of people will experience a disability. Some people's disabilities are transient in their lives, while others may be afflicted for the rest of their lives. In fact, these disabled individuals may encounter several difficulties, including difficulties accessing healthcare. Cost of care, unfavourable staff attitudes and behaviours, and communication issues can all be barriers to receiving medical care for people with disabilities.

        A significant contributing factor is the high expense of healthcare. It is unaffordable for many disabled people. Particularly in rural places where no one with a disability can obtain what they require. When something is more desperately needed, purchasing it will cost more money. In addition, everyone believes that if you don't have the money, nobody will assist you. So, they consequently decide against receiving medical attention at a hospital.

        A small number of employees have negative attitudes and behaviours toward people with disabilities, which brings us to our second point. Some of them will debate whether or not a person with a disability is deserving of treatment. When employees solely provide excellent service to normal people who do not have disabilities, this condition might be described as "favouritism." Because they know they won't receive the greatest medical care, people with disabilities are consequently more willing to become ill.

        Communication issues are another factor that hinders persons with disabilities from accessing healthcare. People with disabilities frequently struggle to communicate their needs, put words to what they are feeling, read signs, avoid being misunderstood, or be heard. People with disabilities, such as the blind, may experience difficulty if their doctor sends them a letter or text confirming their next appointment. Additionally, it might be challenging for to read and comprehend the writings of contemporary doctors even though that person does not have vision problems.

        In conclusion, just like everyone else, people with disabilities have a right to the highest degree of health that is reasonably feasible. Everyone, especially health care professionals, should be able to handle someone with a disability. Last but not least, government should offer free medical care that people with impairments can easily obtain. Give disabled persons your full attention and actively involve them in discussions and choices about their healthcare. We should not leave them behind.


REFERENCES

Barriers and enablers to communication with people with intellectual disability. Trinity College Dublin. https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/health-assessment/0/steps/42780


Afia Ali, Katrina Scior, [...], and Angela Hassiotis, 2013, Discrimination and Other Barriers to Accessing Health Care: Perspectives of Patients with Mild and Moderate Intellectual Disability and Their Carers. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741324/


Youtube Videos, Persons with Disabilities Share Their Experiences of Accessing Health Services. https://youtu.be/TKzgi5jmgQM