Disabled, but not unable

EXTRAORDINARY: Three people have not let their disabilities stop them from taking charge of their lives, writes

LIFE may not seem perfect for three disabled people when others look at them. But that’s not how they see themselves.

Instead, the three — a young man born without legs, another who became blind 10 years ago and a woman who was born deaf — are living life to the fullest.

They may have disabilities, but that has not stopped them from taking charge of their lives and being as independent as any person with a sense of responsibility.

When met recently, they spoke of the challenges they face every day, but none of them talk about their disabilities as an excuse for their shortcomings.

The work they do are the same as what other people with normal physical abilities do.

Their calloused hands and deftness in what they do speak volumes about their abilities and that makes them extraordinary.

NASIPAPAU,29

Life took a drastic turn for Nasip some 10 years ago when he became blind.

He began losing his sight in his late teens. Despite everything he did to prepare himself for the inevitable, it was a fate that was hard to swallow.

“I could shoot well with my lastik (slingshot), ride bicycles and even motorcycles. I had a very normal childhood until everything became dark.

“It was very depressing at first, but I turned to my faith in God and somehow, with guidance from friends, family and counselling from government departments, I knew life is too short for me to feel sorry for myself.

“Over the years, I tried learning

NORHAYATI SAHIRON, 27

When asked in writing if she enjoys working at a five-star resort in Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Norhayati replied: “Ya!”

Her wide smile when showing her answer, followed by a flurry of hand movements, told of her pride in her work.

She was at the time part of a team that cleans 30,000kg of laundry every week at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort.

They wash, brush, rinse, press and fold in a special area at the basement of the seaside resort.

Born deaf, she grew up in Ranau, but moved to Penampang where she had special education at SMK skills I could do without my sight, such as making handcrafts, breeding chicken and planting vegetables, as well as learn braille.”

It was not until about five years ago when he was introduced to reflexology in a course organised by the Human Resource Development Department.

“With help from the welfare authorities, I registered for a course in Sandakan and became a qualified reflexologist.

“In the last three years or so, I have worked with friends or served clients by making house visits,” said Nasip, a Murut from the interior district of Tenom.

He has also worked in Keningau doing the same thing, before moving to Kota Kinabalu in the middle of last year to join a group of blind reflexologists at Bahang, learning sign language and acquiring some skills.

“After school, I worked at a hair salon in Ranau.”

Five years ago, she applied to work at the resort and was trained in an in-house programme to be part of the laundry team, handling the hot iron press for sheets.

Recently married to another deaf individual, Aizeq Shah Rizal, 25, Norhayati has since left the resort, pursuing a different career.

She hints that if it was not doing laundry, she would probably try to learn how to become a chef.

If it is anything to go by, her achievements are a strong indicator that she can handle any challenge that comes her way.