AS we observed the day of the disabled yesterday we primarily went through a process of selfdefinition and imaging. How society treats it's lesser endowed souls identifies its ranges of compassion and self-belief. In Bangladesh, where even the fully able in the conventional sense have to endure a rough ride, the disabled are always at the lesser end of understanding and attention. Such days help to change attitudes and ideas and in the end generate a better brand of society that is able to do the extra mile to ensure equal access of all.

In Bangladesh as in most traditional societies, the disabled are outsiders. In societies, where being in the mainstream is often necessary for survival, the disadvantage can therefore be imagined. But advocacy for special treatment has also been on for some time and organized concern has finally begun to happen. One of the pillars of that is the national policy on the disabled that lets other activities flow from it.

A key progress has been the definition and categorization of the disabled and survey that has put a number on the problem. It has assumed, as is done according to international practices, that 10 per cent of the total population is disabled and therefore deserves extra attention. On the basis of that calculation, activities have been planned. Disability runs from the physically disabled to those who are not of the mainstream mentally. But together they constitute a multi-million strong population.

But a point that is often missed is the mental structure of those who are unable to comprehend the special needs and abilities of the conventionally disabled. It has been proven everywhere that the disabled are not only capable of leading productive lives but if not ignored can contribute significantly to society, materially and otherwise. But for that to happen we need to have an open mind. Sadly, the disability of our own prejudices is often overlooked.

The government and a number of NGOs have taken plans to mainstream the disabled into productive activities. Rehabilitation laws and policies have been put in place and some degree of acceptance has begun to manifest itself. But our position must go beyond annual expression of concerns, must go beyond the welfare approach. Its when we recognize that they are part of us and able to serve the community as much as we so-called able are that the ten per cent leftouts will become part of the hundred per cent. That must be the goal.