Challenges for the Physically Challenged

Living in Pakistan can be quite a test for physically challenged people in wheelchairs. The reason is that Pakistan is not wheelchair friendly at all; there are no ramps or lifts available in most public places, bathrooms are not adapted and transport is not easily available either.

Living up to and facing the Challenges

As Pakistan is my home I have gotten used to facing all types of challenges but at times it can be very frustrating and annoying. I have become a motivational speaker and visit various schools, universities and corporate offices to give lectures. I can tell you from first-hand experiences that getting to these venues is no easy task! I recall going to one of the leading business schools of Karachi to deliver a lecture. On arriving there I found out that there was no ramp or lift available. My lecture was on the 2nd floor and my chair had to be lifted by helpers. To say the least, this was not an enjoyable experience for me. During my lecture I made sure to emphasize the point that the building was not wheelchair friendly. Now, I always find out beforehand if the building where I will be giving my lecture is wheelchair friendly.

Restaurants should be more accessible to wheelchair users

Similarly I face problems when going to restaurants that have stairs and do not cater for physically challenged people. My chair has to be lifted at such restaurants, which is quite a nerve wrecking experience. Once I remember being invited for dinner at a restaurant which was in a basement. As there was no lift, I refused to go there. Similarly, it was impossible for me to go to a leading café in Karachi because of the non availability of a lift and I missed out on all the fun. Most leading cinemas of Karachi are also not accessible for the physically challenged. It requires great effort and determination for people in wheelchairs to go anywhere. We can also not rule out the risk of injury when a wheelchair is being lifted or carried.

Could this be one of the main reasons why we do not see people with disabilities in public places?

Why is our society so ignorant about the problems faced by disabled people

One important thing which I forbgot to mentiyon is the lack of toilets for the disabled in public places. Even in the leading hotels in Karachi we do not find a wheelchair friendly toilet which causes a lot of discomfort for me. I am lucky to own a car and have helpers with me to take me to all kinds of places. What about disabled people who don’t have this help?

In addition, I have noticed that people tend to stare at a person in a wheelchair when he goes out in public. This makes the person in the wheelchair feel very unwelcome as if he is not a part of society.

On the other hand when I travel to England it is totally wheelchair friendly and I do not have to think about this problem at all. Their public transport, including buses and taxis, have ramps thus making it easy for the physically challenged people to travel. I can go on and on to highlight the various advantages as shops, cinemas and restaurants all cater fully for people with all types of disabilities.

I feel that the main difference between England and Pakistan is the attitude of the people and the way they think about physically challenged people and how they show their feelings. People in England appear to be very caring and more humane in every way. In Pakistan, like I wrote earlier, people tend to stare at you.

On the other hand, I do feel that people have started to understand the rights of the disabled society of Pakistan. Recently Pakistan has signed the UN Convention for protecting the rights of the disabled society . I do believe that is a step in the right direction.

Equal opportunities must be provided to disabled people

There are many organizations working for the rights of disabled people. The media has also played a very important role by giving coverage to disabled people including my interview on various television channels. It is a very important step to highlight the point of view of people with disabilities. Through such efforts we can hope to follow in the footsteps of a country like England and make Pakistan a wheelchair friendly country where physically challenged people have the same opportunities as those without wheel chairs.

” In the midst of winter, I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer".

Challenges for the Physically Challenged

Living in Pakistan can be quite a test for physically challenged people in wheelchairs. The reason is that Pakistan is not wheelchair friendly at all; there are no ramps or lifts available in most public places, bathrooms are not adapted and transport is not easily available either.

Living up to and facing the Challenges

As Pakistan is my home I have gotten used to facing all types of challenges but at times it can be very frustrating and annoying. I have become a motivational speaker and visit various schools, universities and corporate offices to give lectures. I can tell you from first-hand experiences that getting to these venues is no easy task! I recall going to one of the leading business schools of Karachi to deliver a lecture. On arriving there I found out that there was no ramp or lift available. My lecture was on the 2nd floor and my chair had to be lifted by helpers. To say the least, this was not an enjoyable experience for me. During my lecture I made sure to emphasize the point that the building was not wheelchair friendly. Now, I always find out beforehand if the building where I will be giving my lecture is wheelchair friendly.

Restaurants should be more accessible to wheelchair users

Similarly I face problems when going to restaurants that have stairs and do not cater for physically challenged people. My chair has to be lifted at such restaurants, which is quite a nerve wrecking experience. Once I remember being invited for dinner at a restaurant which was in a basement. As there was no lift, I refused to go there. Similarly, it was impossible for me to go to a leading café in Karachi because of the non availability of a lift and I missed out on all the fun. Most leading cinemas of Karachi are also not accessible for the physically challenged. It requires great effort and determination for people in wheelchairs to go anywhere. We can also not rule out the risk of injury when a wheelchair is being lifted or carried.

Could this be one of the main reasons why we do not see people with disabilities in public places?

Why is our society so ignorant about the problems faced by disabled people

One important thing which I forbgot to mentiyon is the lack of toilets for the disabled in public places. Even in the leading hotels in Karachi we do not find a wheelchair friendly toilet which causes a lot of discomfort for me. I am lucky to own a car and have helpers with me to take me to all kinds of places. What about disabled people who don’t have this help?

In addition, I have noticed that people tend to stare at a person in a wheelchair when he goes out in public. This makes the person in the wheelchair feel very unwelcome as if he is not a part of society.

On the other hand when I travel to England it is totally wheelchair friendly and I do not have to think about this problem at all. Their public transport, including buses and taxis, have ramps thus making it easy for the physically challenged people to travel. I can go on and on to highlight the various advantages as shops, cinemas and restaurants all cater fully for people with all types of disabilities.

I feel that the main difference between England and Pakistan is the attitude of the people and the way they think about physically challenged people and how they show their feelings. People in England appear to be very caring and more humane in every way. In Pakistan, like I wrote earlier, people tend to stare at you.

On the other hand, I do feel that people have started to understand the rights of the disabled society of Pakistan. Recently Pakistan has signed the UN Convention for protecting the rights of the disabled society . I do believe that is a step in the right direction.

Equal opportunities must be provided to disabled people

There are many organizations working for the rights of disabled people. The media has also played a very important role by giving coverage to disabled people including my interview on various television channels. It is a very important step to highlight the point of view of people with disabilities. Through such efforts we can hope to follow in the footsteps of a country like England and make Pakistan a wheelchair friendly country where physically challenged people have the same opportunities as those without wheel chairs.

” In the midst of winter, I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer".

Challenges for the Physically Challenged

Living in Pakistan can be quite a test for physically challenged people in wheelchairs. The reason is that Pakistan is not wheelchair friendly at all; there are no ramps or lifts available in most public places, bathrooms are not adapted and transport is not easily available either.

Living up to and facing the Challenges

As Pakistan is my home I have gotten used to facing all types of challenges but at times it can be very frustrating and annoying. I have become a motivational speaker and visit various schools, universities and corporate offices to give lectures. I can tell you from first-hand experiences that getting to these venues is no easy task! I recall going to one of the leading business schools of Karachi to deliver a lecture. On arriving there I found out that there was no ramp or lift available. My lecture was on the 2nd floor and my chair had to be lifted by helpers. To say the least, this was not an enjoyable experience for me. During my lecture I made sure to emphasize the point that the building was not wheelchair friendly. Now, I always find out beforehand if the building where I will be giving my lecture is wheelchair friendly.

Restaurants should be more accessible to wheelchair users

Similarly I face problems when going to restaurants that have stairs and do not cater for physically challenged people. My chair has to be lifted at such restaurants, which is quite a nerve wrecking experience. Once I remember being invited for dinner at a restaurant which was in a basement. As there was no lift, I refused to go there. Similarly, it was impossible for me to go to a leading café in Karachi because of the non availability of a lift and I missed out on all the fun. Most leading cinemas of Karachi are also not accessible for the physically challenged. It requires great effort and determination for people in wheelchairs to go anywhere. We can also not rule out the risk of injury when a wheelchair is being lifted or carried.

Could this be one of the main reasons why we do not see people with disabilities in public places?

Why is our society so ignorant about the problems faced by disabled people

One important thing which I forbgot to mentiyon is the lack of toilets for the disabled in public places. Even in the leading hotels in Karachi we do not find a wheelchair friendly toilet which causes a lot of discomfort for me. I am lucky to own a car and have helpers with me to take me to all kinds of places. What about disabled people who don’t have this help?

In addition, I have noticed that people tend to stare at a person in a wheelchair when he goes out in public. This makes the person in the wheelchair feel very unwelcome as if he is not a part of society.

On the other hand when I travel to England it is totally wheelchair friendly and I do not have to think about this problem at all. Their public transport, including buses and taxis, have ramps thus making it easy for the physically challenged people to travel. I can go on and on to highlight the various advantages as shops, cinemas and restaurants all cater fully for people with all types of disabilities.

I feel that the main difference between England and Pakistan is the attitude of the people and the way they think about physically challenged people and how they show their feelings. People in England appear to be very caring and more humane in every way. In Pakistan, like I wrote earlier, people tend to stare at you.

On the other hand, I do feel that people have started to understand the rights of the disabled society of Pakistan. Recently Pakistan has signed the UN Convention for protecting the rights of the disabled society . I do believe that is a step in the right direction.

Equal opportunities must be provided to disabled people

There are many organizations working for the rights of disabled people. The media has also played a very important role by giving coverage to disabled people including my interview on various television channels. It is a very important step to highlight the point of view of people with disabilities. Through such efforts we can hope to follow in the footsteps of a country like England and make Pakistan a wheelchair friendly country where physically challenged people have the same opportunities as those without wheel chairs.

” In the midst of winter, I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer".

England- wheelchair friendly country

England for me is like a second home as I go there every year for my annual medical checkup. I am familiar with all the famous shops and sight seeing sites in London. I love going there and the main reason for my liking is England being so wheelchair friendly and catering to all types of disabilities.

What a contrast to Pakistan

I remember going to England in 2007 after a gap of about 10 years and there being a feeling of apprehension. The reason being that it was the first time I was going to England, since being transferred in a wheelchair. There were numerous things running through my mind as to how I would survive over there and would I be able to enjoy there. These thoughts were quickly banished from my mind once I arrived in London and saw all their facilities. It was such a refreshing change from back home where the facilities leave a lot to be desired.

Arriving at Heathrow Airport was the beginning of how much England catered to the physically challenged people. They had a separate walk away space for the people in a wheelchair to come down from the terminal. Having one look at the city of London made me realize that I was in for a great time and all my apprehensions were laid to rest.

London like I said is totally wheelchair friendly and you find a number of physically challenged people on the streets, in restaurants or at cinemas. I remember going to watch a movie in London and being taken through a special entrance which had no stairs. It is the amount of concern and interest they show in protecting the rights of disabled people. These are the things which make me look forward to visiting England every year.

Everything made so comforting in England

The one thing which stands out above all is their public transport. Almost all their buses have got rams at their entrance and traveling in a bus is such a joy. I have the good fortune of my father knowing a taxi driver for a long time and he is such a great guy. In his taxi he has got a ram which makes it so easy for me to come into the taxi. I have really become friendly with him and he is so caring. Last year I and my friend went sightseeing all over London in his taxi. One of the highlights of my visit this year was going to Wimbledon with him. We took a tour of Wimbledon with an official. During this tour we were shown the various courts of Wimbledon, the famous Henman hill and the media room. During our last stop which was at the centre court, the official told us that it was only because of me being in a wheelchair were we allowed to come to the centre court. We were right at the centre court and it was such a special feeling. The place to sit for the disabled during the matches was right behind the centre court and the view was spectacular. At that moment I could not help but feeling privileged and how much the people at Wimbledon cared for the physically challenged people. Even all the officials at the Wimbledon shop and the museum were so friendly and went out of their way to do things for me.
It is such a blessing and an advantage to know that Brian (the taxi driver) will be there in London whenever I visit to show me around.

People going out of their way to do things

I went to various other places including Madame Tussads and various shops including HMV, Nike Town and Marks and Spencer. Everywhere I found out that the people were extremely caring and friendly towards me. All the shops in London had lifts which made it accessible to go to the upper floors without a problem. I remember going to HMV and I had to get a cd from the second floor. An official of HMV came up to me and offered to go up and get the compact disc for me. This really made me feel so happy and welcome at HMV and wanting to go there again and again.

Exotic parks

Now I will come to the parks in London, which are so exotic and breath taking. The two most famous parks are Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Any type of person for instance physically challenged or with any other disability can go for a walk there and soak the beautiful atmosphere in. The view is so beautiful and scenic and you can easily spend a few hours there. There is so much peace and tranquility over there. I remember going with my dad to Kensington Gardens and spending a few hours over there. One could see so many physically challenged people enjoy themselves there. That is another advantage of living in England and having so many different parks for physically challenged people to go and enjoy life.

Caring attitude of the people

I feel that the reason for England being so wheelchair friendly lies in the attitude of the people towards physically challenged people In England we see people very helpful towards a person in a wheelchair. I would like give my own example where I was going with my parents and suddenly after hitting a gutter, I almost fell from my chair. At that point a man dressed in a suit helped me in my chair. The point I am trying to make is that people over there are very caring and more humane in every way. The people there consider the disabled community to be a important part of the society. It is a rule to have at least one person with a disability working in the office as to test what he is capable of doing and achieving.

I would say that the bottom line here lies in what the mind set of a person is. One cannot even think of constructing a building in England or Europe for that matter without it being accessible to the physically challenged. As England is wheelchair friendly as I explained, it will always remain my favorite vacation place and I will look forward to going there every year.

England- wheelchair friendly country

England for me is like a second home as I go there every year for my annual medical checkup. I am familiar with all the famous shops and sight seeing sites in London. I love going there and the main reason for my liking is England being so wheelchair friendly and catering to all types of disabilities.

What a contrast to Pakistan

I remember going to England in 2007 after a gap of about 10 years and there being a feeling of apprehension. The reason being that it was the first time I was going to England, since being transferred in a wheelchair. There were numerous things running through my mind as to how I would survive over there and would I be able to enjoy there. These thoughts were quickly banished from my mind once I arrived in London and saw all their facilities. It was such a refreshing change from back home where the facilities leave a lot to be desired.

Arriving at Heathrow Airport was the beginning of how much England catered to the physically challenged people. They had a separate walk away space for the people in a wheelchair to come down from the terminal. Having one look at the city of London made me realize that I was in for a great time and all my apprehensions were laid to rest.

London like I said is totally wheelchair friendly and you find a number of physically challenged people on the streets, in restaurants or at cinemas. I remember going to watch a movie in London and being taken through a special entrance which had no stairs. It is the amount of concern and interest they show in protecting the rights of disabled people. These are the things which make me look forward to visiting England every year.

Everything made so comforting in England

The one thing which stands out above all is their public transport. Almost all their buses have got rams at their entrance and traveling in a bus is such a joy. I have the good fortune of my father knowing a taxi driver for a long time and he is such a great guy. In his taxi he has got a ram which makes it so easy for me to come into the taxi. I have really become friendly with him and he is so caring. Last year I and my friend went sightseeing all over London in his taxi. One of the highlights of my visit this year was going to Wimbledon with him. We took a tour of Wimbledon with an official. During this tour we were shown the various courts of Wimbledon, the famous Henman hill and the media room. During our last stop which was at the centre court, the official told us that it was only because of me being in a wheelchair were we allowed to come to the centre court. We were right at the centre court and it was such a special feeling. The place to sit for the disabled during the matches was right behind the centre court and the view was spectacular. At that moment I could not help but feeling privileged and how much the people at Wimbledon cared for the physically challenged people. Even all the officials at the Wimbledon shop and the museum were so friendly and went out of their way to do things for me.
It is such a blessing and an advantage to know that Brian (the taxi driver) will be there in London whenever I visit to show me around.

People going out of their way to do things

I went to various other places including Madame Tussads and various shops including HMV, Nike Town and Marks and Spencer. Everywhere I found out that the people were extremely caring and friendly towards me. All the shops in London had lifts which made it accessible to go to the upper floors without a problem. I remember going to HMV and I had to get a cd from the second floor. An official of HMV came up to me and offered to go up and get the compact disc for me. This really made me feel so happy and welcome at HMV and wanting to go there again and again.

Exotic parks

Now I will come to the parks in London, which are so exotic and breath taking. The two most famous parks are Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Any type of person for instance physically challenged or with any other disability can go for a walk there and soak the beautiful atmosphere in. The view is so beautiful and scenic and you can easily spend a few hours there. There is so much peace and tranquility over there. I remember going with my dad to Kensington Gardens and spending a few hours over there. One could see so many physically challenged people enjoy themselves there. That is another advantage of living in England and having so many different parks for physically challenged people to go and enjoy life.

Caring attitude of the people

I feel that the reason for England being so wheelchair friendly lies in the attitude of the people towards physically challenged people In England we see people very helpful towards a person in a wheelchair. I would like give my own example where I was going with my parents and suddenly after hitting a gutter, I almost fell from my chair. At that point a man dressed in a suit helped me in my chair. The point I am trying to make is that people over there are very caring and more humane in every way. The people there consider the disabled community to be a important part of the society. It is a rule to have at least one person with a disability working in the office as to test what he is capable of doing and achieving.

I would say that the bottom line here lies in what the mind set of a person is. One cannot even think of constructing a building in England or Europe for that matter without it being accessible to the physically challenged. As England is wheelchair friendly as I explained, it will always remain my favorite vacation place and I will look forward to going there every year.

England- wheelchair friendly country

England for me is like a second home as I go there every year for my annual medical checkup. I am familiar with all the famous shops and sight seeing sites in London. I love going there and the main reason for my liking is England being so wheelchair friendly and catering to all types of disabilities.

What a contrast to Pakistan

I remember going to England in 2007 after a gap of about 10 years and there being a feeling of apprehension. The reason being that it was the first time I was going to England, since being transferred in a wheelchair. There were numerous things running through my mind as to how I would survive over there and would I be able to enjoy there. These thoughts were quickly banished from my mind once I arrived in London and saw all their facilities. It was such a refreshing change from back home where the facilities leave a lot to be desired.

Arriving at Heathrow Airport was the beginning of how much England catered to the physically challenged people. They had a separate walk away space for the people in a wheelchair to come down from the terminal. Having one look at the city of London made me realize that I was in for a great time and all my apprehensions were laid to rest.

London like I said is totally wheelchair friendly and you find a number of physically challenged people on the streets, in restaurants or at cinemas. I remember going to watch a movie in London and being taken through a special entrance which had no stairs. It is the amount of concern and interest they show in protecting the rights of disabled people. These are the things which make me look forward to visiting England every year.

Everything made so comforting in England

The one thing which stands out above all is their public transport. Almost all their buses have got rams at their entrance and traveling in a bus is such a joy. I have the good fortune of my father knowing a taxi driver for a long time and he is such a great guy. In his taxi he has got a ram which makes it so easy for me to come into the taxi. I have really become friendly with him and he is so caring. Last year I and my friend went sightseeing all over London in his taxi. One of the highlights of my visit this year was going to Wimbledon with him. We took a tour of Wimbledon with an official. During this tour we were shown the various courts of Wimbledon, the famous Henman hill and the media room. During our last stop which was at the centre court, the official told us that it was only because of me being in a wheelchair were we allowed to come to the centre court. We were right at the centre court and it was such a special feeling. The place to sit for the disabled during the matches was right behind the centre court and the view was spectacular. At that moment I could not help but feeling privileged and how much the people at Wimbledon cared for the physically challenged people. Even all the officials at the Wimbledon shop and the museum were so friendly and went out of their way to do things for me.
It is such a blessing and an advantage to know that Brian (the taxi driver) will be there in London whenever I visit to show me around.

People going out of their way to do things

I went to various other places including Madame Tussads and various shops including HMV, Nike Town and Marks and Spencer. Everywhere I found out that the people were extremely caring and friendly towards me. All the shops in London had lifts which made it accessible to go to the upper floors without a problem. I remember going to HMV and I had to get a cd from the second floor. An official of HMV came up to me and offered to go up and get the compact disc for me. This really made me feel so happy and welcome at HMV and wanting to go there again and again.

Exotic parks

Now I will come to the parks in London, which are so exotic and breath taking. The two most famous parks are Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Any type of person for instance physically challenged or with any other disability can go for a walk there and soak the beautiful atmosphere in. The view is so beautiful and scenic and you can easily spend a few hours there. There is so much peace and tranquility over there. I remember going with my dad to Kensington Gardens and spending a few hours over there. One could see so many physically challenged people enjoy themselves there. That is another advantage of living in England and having so many different parks for physically challenged people to go and enjoy life.

Caring attitude of the people

I feel that the reason for England being so wheelchair friendly lies in the attitude of the people towards physically challenged people In England we see people very helpful towards a person in a wheelchair. I would like give my own example where I was going with my parents and suddenly after hitting a gutter, I almost fell from my chair. At that point a man dressed in a suit helped me in my chair. The point I am trying to make is that people over there are very caring and more humane in every way. The people there consider the disabled community to be a important part of the society. It is a rule to have at least one person with a disability working in the office as to test what he is capable of doing and achieving.

I would say that the bottom line here lies in what the mind set of a person is. One cannot even think of constructing a building in England or Europe for that matter without it being accessible to the physically challenged. As England is wheelchair friendly as I explained, it will always remain my favorite vacation place and I will look forward to going there every year.

The paradox of our time in history is that...

• We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers
• Wider freeways, but narrow view points
• We spend more, but have less
• We buy more, but enjoy less
• We have bigger houses and smaller families
• More conveniences, but less time
• We have more degrees, but less sense
• More knowledge, but less judgment
• More experts, less solutions
• More medicine, but less wellness
• We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values
• We talk too much, love too seldom and hate too
• We've learned how to make a living, but not a life
• We've added years to life, not life to years

Just Think About It!