Paralympian Curtis McGrath spoke to Kritka Dua about the ways to fight bullies and empowering the disabled
living with a disability is burdensome — the thought of not fitting in with the rest of the world and having to sit on the sidelines watching others perform can break the spirit of most. And in such a context, it becomes important to empower the neglected. To cater to the same, Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program team hosted an event to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities. It included Australian Paralympian champion and motivational speaker, Curtis McGrath. It marked the culmination of the Australian Government's #Development4All campaign. It was attended by several Indian and Australian counterparts working on disability rights and empowerment. Indian Paralympian Deepa Malik, Khel Ratna awardee Devendra Jhajharia, senior government officials and experts were some of the eminent names who attended it. A photo exhibition that showcased the range of activities and initiatives which the Australian Government has supported across India to create enabling spaces for differently-abled was also put up. The programme is a December 3 is celebrated as an International Day of Disabled Persons.
McGrath is a former Australian soldier and a gold medalist at the Rio Paralympics games, 2016 in sprint kayak. He identifies himself as an Anzac, (a person from Australia or New Zealand especially from the armed forces) who was brought up in Australia and New Zealand before he settled down in the former at the age of 18 to join the Australian Defence Force. However, he had to change course in 2012 when he stepped on a homemade landmine whilst serving with the Australian Defence Force in Afghanistan. “In August 2012, I stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and lost both my legs instantly. Then, I guided my mates on how to apply the lifesaving tourniquets and administer the correct morphine doses. Twenty minutes after the bomb had gone off; I told them that they would see me in Paralympics.” His incredible strength of mind made him cross all the hurdles on his way and also move beyond the society’s expectations of what he was capable of. He kept his promise as 18 months after the landmine detonated, he was off to Russia for his first World Championship. He surprised everyone, including himself by winning the 200 metre Vl2 Outrigger Canoe event with the world’s fastest time. McGrath paddles in two distinct boats and he is currently the reigning World Champion in his class in both.
On empowering the differently-abled he said, “There is a need to utilise support networks which are present. For a differently-abled person, it’s more about understanding his or her disability and the way it can be moulded in the right direction to achieve something bigger than themselves. They should not see it as a roadblock or lose hope, instead make the most out of it and do things which they are capable to do. Also, the change will begin with support from people providing a helping hand towards disabled.” They should have a constant source of income to be self-dependent and a loving partner to lead a normal life.
He applauded the sincere efforts of the Australian embassy who are working with National Disability Organisation in India with an aim to promote inclusion, create enabling spaces and to make all of us understand that people with disabilities can contribute substantially to the society. The embassy is utilising the sources available at hand to lend a helping hand, enrich their lives and include them in mainstream space with dignity.
He also spoke about the steps that the Indian government can take to promote inclusion of people like him. “There should be a good understanding of all kinds of disabilities as each has a different set of requirements. Their need and demands should be addressed by the government and should be given equal opportunity and treatment to wholeheartedly incorporate them in the society.”
India doesn’t have a lot of enabling spaces for the differently-abled and more of these should be created. He mentioned, “Ramps for wheelchairs at various locales including airports, railway stations, offices and institutions should be made and provision of lift should also be there. Separate toilets in keeping with medical conditions are also essential. lemon Tree Hotel is a good example of a hospitality establishment which has tried to create an inclusive atmosphere.”
People with disabilities often have to fight against social discrimination. Name calling — cripple or spastic, ill-treatment and bullying. are common McGrath emphasised, “The bully needs to change and so does the society as a whole. It is essential to put a stop to name calling and bullying. It would be nice if people are warm, accepting and welcoming towards them.” Added he, “They should have an open mind and understand the medical condition of the diffrently-abled. I feel that there is a lack of sensitivity and empathy in the society. However, they should not feel alone and fight off the bullies.”
Diffrently-abled are often undermined; they can do a lot of things if they put their mind to it. “I have met many differently-abled people in my life and try to instill positivity in their mind. They can be employed through a desk job — their legs might be inactive but their minds are a powerful tool. So, I believe that they can do and think outside the normality. Each one of us can do something special and have an equal chance at success.” leading by an example, he recently learnt how to run again on his running blades. That’s not all, he has signed up to compete in events to raise money for the charity. McGrath shared that he feels fortunate to have been invited to the eminent event by the Australian Embassy as he always wanted to a part of platform to share his deep insight into these issues since he is a member of the clan.