Changing Perspectives: Supporting Children with Disabilities in Indonesia
Negative stigmas towards children with disabilities are often found in the most remote areas of Indonesia. Children with disabilities face stigmas not only from their external environment but also frequently from within their own homes. Due to limited understanding of children's rights, both for those with and without disabilities, parents or caregivers often fall into less appropriate parenting style. This lack of knowledge becomes a new barrier for children with disabilities. Their rights are further buried. Access, participation, and empowerment become increasingly difficult to achieve.
Initially, Herlina also faced challenges in caring for her grandson, who has a visual impairment. "My grandson is a child with a disability because he has difficulty with his eyesight. Every time I looked at him, I only felt pity because I felt he was full of limitations. I was also confused about what to do because I had never had the experience or knowledge of caring for a child with disability. Feelings of disbelief and disappointment with God often arose," recounted the 53-year-old grandmother.
As the primary caregiver, Herlina herself was still trapped in feelings of "pity" for her grandson. She couldn't yet see that her grandson also had the same potential as other children. Only his limitations were different, but the opportunities for fulfilling his rights and empowerment were no different from other children.
Herlina's perspective and caregiving for her grandson began to change after she attended a Pengasuhan dengan Cinta training (Parenting with Love training), specifically for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. This training was facilitated by Wahana Visi Indonesia, which serves in Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan. This activity was made possible through a partnership with the Yayasan Benih Pengharapan Indonesia.
"When I was invited by WVI, I was very enthusiastic to participate. In this training, I learned many things, such as positive parenting, children's rights, and child development. I learned that my grandson is a trust from God to me, not a burden. I became someone who not only focused on my grandson's limitations, but I could see many amazing and great things that my grandson had done. He can help me with housework. He can even wash his own clothes. My grandson is not as weak as people think," Herlina stated. This new perspective made Herlina committed to caring for her grandson even better.
"I hope I can apply the training materials in caring for my grandson. I will try my best to do that, and I am sure God will help me and my grandson. Hope is certain. And I wish, there will be regular meetings for parents who have attended this training so we can learn and share with one another. We can support and strengthen each other," Herlina hoped.
Author: Sebastian Rengga (Manager for Bengkayang Area Programme in West Kalimantan)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
