In defence of ability in disability

Mephibosheth was the grandson of King Saul. At a very tender age of 5, tragedy befell him when his nurse, fleeing a raging battle on Mount Gilboa that killed Daddy Jonathan and grandfather Saul, tripped and dropped Mephibosheth, breaking steadying bones on his lower extremities. Young Mephibosheth was left with a permanent disability that prevented him from walking.

King David succeeded King Saul as head of the kingdom. The new king sought after the lame young man hiding out in faraway remote Lo-debar. David did not ignore him but identified the virtue and ability in the disabled young man. He invited him to eat with royals in the palace, granting him a place of honour that many today will not ordinarily accord to anyone suffering disability. This Bible story is a testament to that salient fact of life that there still exists an entrenched ability deserving of honour in a man or woman with disability.

It’s been proven many times over that in the weakened bones and muscles of people with disabilities lie strong skills, gritty gifts, and amplifying abilities. Resting in the reins of men, women, and children suffering from one form of disability or another are profound aptitudes.

Readers, I believe that what certainly further disables the disabled in our society is the nonchalant attitude of many people who pull back from giving this population a chance at showing the world what is in them despite their limitations.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was America’s 32nd President in tough times. While he ran the nation as Commander-in-Chief, he did so with a physical disability. In 1921, FDR was struck with polio, which left him paralysed from the waist down. Despite his physical challenges, he led the country through some of its most difficult times, including the Great Depression and World War II. He served four terms as president, the longest of any U.S. president, and implemented key reforms like Social Security and the New Deal, which provided support to millions of Americans during the Great Depression. FDR is often regarded as one of the greatest U.S. presidents due to his leadership in times of national crisis. His ability to maintain power and inspire confidence despite his disability is a remarkable part of his legacy. Who said ability is not entwined in disability? This is why we must all rise in defence of ability in disability.

Spaniard Robert Hensel was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida, a condition where part of the spinal column does not form correctly during pregnancy, leaving the spinal cord and nerves exposed. Hensel is credited with the phrase, “Know me for my ability, not my disability.” Hensel uses this phrase to promote a shift in societal perspectives toward people with disabilities, encouraging greater acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation of the diverse capabilities within the community. Individuals should be recognised for their strengths and potential rather than defined by their physical or mental challenges. Hensel became a Guinness World Record holder when he set the record for the longest non-stop wheelie in a wheelchair, covering 6.178 miles. To his credit, Hensel also became a prolific poet with over 900 poems that emphasise perseverance, hope, and resilience. Today, his accomplishments even as a man with physical limitations speak for themselves all around the world. If anyone told you that there is no ability in disability, tell them they are wrong.
Society often marginalises people with disabilities, subjecting them to neglect and abandonment. In many cultures, there are lingering misconceptions that individuals with disabilities are less capable, overly dependent, or even a “burden.” These stereotypes contribute to social isolation, set low expectations, and limit opportunities for growth. This reinforces the idea of disability as a limitation rather than recognising it as a different form of ability. Therefore, when individuals or organisations work to create inclusive environments that empower people with disabilities—helping to boost their self-esteem and uncover their untapped potential—it is important to acknowledge and celebrate their efforts.
A few weeks ago in Lagos, young Nigerians with disabilities got a boost during a unified sports event organised by a foundation championed by a friend, Dr. Busola George, who lives here in the US. In line with the mission of the foundation started by her late mother, Elen Olusola Caulrick (EOC), Dr. George hosted the first EOC Foundation Annual Unified Sports event at the Igbobi College Sports Facility. The event aims to bring together individuals with and without disabilities on the same team, fostering an inclusive culture that values and celebrates all individuals. The foundation also targets the promotion of understanding, building of friendships, and shifting negative public perceptions toward persons with disabilities. This event was a big boost to the morale of teeming disabled in our community. Immense joy and excitement were splashed on their faces as they showed off their sporting skills despite their limitations.

Stretching a hand of help to people with disabilities will not drop down from an imagined cumulus but from the collective responsibility of men and women with indubitable hearts of compassion toward fellow created beings. In an environment where only 18 out of Nigeria’s 36 states have sketchy, ineffective programmes lined up for disabled Nigerians, this move by Dr. Busola deserves a loud applause. It is encouraging when we hear about Nigerians setting aside precious time and resources to create comfort for the needy and helpless. Dr. Busola’s foundation is driven by the ambition to provide educational support to children with special needs through ongoing financial assistance and talent shows for students with special needs in Lagos State schools.

Such selfless effort by Nigerians gets necessary nods of approval, especially when the government becomes part of it. It was what was observed at the Unified Sports event when Lagos State First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu showed up to publicly advocate for greater inclusion of children with special needs through sports at the inaugural event. “By encouraging interaction and understanding among people of all abilities, we are taking meaningful strides towards a society where everyone is equally valued,” Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said.

The disabled population needs equipped schools with the latest resources to cater for the unique learning needs of individuals with disabilities. They need training centres that’ll provide vocational empowerment and life skills to promote independence and employment opportunities. It will also not be far-fetched if safe and nurturing living spaces aimed at supporting individuals who require ongoing assistance and care are put in place. These and more are what the EOC foundation and Dr. Busola hope to achieve in the near future.

In 2018, the federal government in Abuja took a progressive step with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. The Act provides for full integration of persons with disabilities into society and establishes and vests a commission with the responsibilities for their education, health care, social, economic, and civil rights. Unfortunately, the full implementation of this Act is yet to see the light of day. I hope that what I have highlighted in this week’s treatise will be received as a wake-up call to those who consciously or unconsciously neglect and ignore millions of disabled citizens living among us. I also hope that this week’s charge will be perceived as a necessary and timely nudge to men and women of might and means who I hereby adjure to step up in defence of this less privileged population. We must rise in their defence so that the innate talents lurking inside of them can be showcased for the world to see.