http://pathway.org.in/let-them-live-with-dignity/
Britany Barnes
By Britany Barnes
Pathway, Chennai is a place where a work of powerful love is being done, unbeknownst to many in the world. Several students with disabilities attend special education classes there, as well as participating in vocational classes and even paid work by creating beautiful works of art—from jewelry to nativity sets. No matter the severity or type of disability, all staff expect something great from every student. High expectations have made all the difference at this magical place. Many times throughout my tour of the facilities, I found myself choked up at the special work being done by very special people, both staff and students.
What was most charming about Pathway, Chennai and Chandra was the attitude of “ability,” rather than “disability.” Chandra never used negative words like “dis” or “unable” to describe the students skills, nor did she praise them like little children; she simply spoke of them as they are, human beings making a contribution to the world. She explained the importance of giving the world a more accurate view of what people with special needs are capable of and how they are indeed assets to the world. It is not her desire to yield sympathy of any kind from the public, only a better understanding of our responsibility to care for and love all people and value the contributions they make, despite obstacles their disabilities might make.
I felt a powerful jolt while sitting in the room with Chandra viewing the students’ final work all in glass cases when Chandra held her index finger up and said with a sincere expression, “Let them live with dignity.” What is most profound about her statement is the word “let,” which implies that there lies a responsibility for all mankind to pave the way for a change in thought, a change in action, a massive change in well-set norms. It’s time we let all kinds of people in our world live with dignity by first loving them, and next learning to understand and appreciate what they have to give. Chandra, Prasad, and all the people at Pathway are embracing that responsibility by dedicating their lives and hearts to this great work, and they do it with a sense of dignity, love, and the most humble gratitude.
