Results for: Disability

April is Autism Awareness Month. For parents of children with autism, it’s a time to reflect on the challenges and joys of raising a child with this disability. My son is a talented golfer, and his success on the golf course has been a source of both joy and heartache. He has achieved great things on the golf course, but his social limitations have made it difficult for him to fully participate in the social aspects of the sport. As a parent, I have felt both grateful and sad. Grateful that my son has been able to achieve so much, and sad that he will never experience the kind of independent life that I have. I am a mother with dual citizenship in two vastly different countries: the world of the disabled and the world of the typical. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Despite facing cruel online attacks questioning her suitability as a parent, Haiyan, a 31-year-old disabled mother in China, has remained resilient and positive. She shares her rural life on social media, showcasing her interactions with her five-year-old daughter. Despite her condition, Haiyan insists that she provides for and educates her child well. Her story has garnered support and admiration online, highlighting the strength and determination of mothers who face challenges.

Former NFL player Steve Gleason, diagnosed with ALS in 2011, has found a new way to express his creativity through AI-generated art. His series ‘Resilient Spirit’ showcases vibrant, symbolic images that explore themes of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Academics with disabilities face significant challenges in South African universities, including inaccessible physical environments and difficulty conducting research. The government’s policy on disability in higher education is insufficient and doesn’t consider different categories of disabilities. Universities need to make a total overhaul of their environments to make them genuinely inclusive for everyone, including academics with disabilities.