Reflections by a Disabled Economist from Ethiopia

by Michael Seifu (rahelmu2000@yahoo.com), February 2004

To start With…

Disability is a context specific issue in as much as there exist several characteristics that cut across political and socioeconomic boundaries. While we broadly share certain remarkable similarities such as the search for independent living, it is also the case that our expectations, reactions, opportunities, and self-rating are very much shaped by our upbringing. Put differently, being a disabled person in a developing country like Ethiopia somewhat differs from being one, say, in Sweden not just because of differentials in supporting environs but in the very way we place ourselves in society. I consider this as a blessing in disguise for it opens up large possibilities to learn from each other more than the cultural hindrances created. As such, using every medium to exchange experiences and knowledge would be vital to all who understand (and preferably accept) the ideals of the philosophy of independent living. In this note I mean to contribute my share towards this end by providing a snap shot of life as a disabled person born and brought up in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Being Disabled …

Consider a society in which religious orthodoxy and traditional norms are so deep-rooted that its level of tolerance in the face of a different reality is next to non-existent. A society where there is no margin for individuality and yet one’s option is to best fit into the whole. A whole which, among other things, equates righteousness with men and women closely observing their predestined roles. A society that for centuries has depended on elementary forms of manual labor in harnessing the vagaries of nature to preserve itself. A society whose equilibrium is undisturbed in as long as it produces enough ‘masculinity.’ A society quite caring and God-fearing in its own way while at the same time doesn’t blink for a second when it comes to enforcing its rules.

Now consider the paths of a new member of society but with some form of disability. Certainly, an instant source of displeasure for the parents and immediate family. Surely, not because they are cruel but they are prepared to take it as a form of punishment by God linked to either their own or ancestral sins. There is also a more pragmatic version. A disabled child is tantamount to one less labor on the farm or one less son-in-law. In any event, for the disabled child it is welcome to life long confinement at home or on the streets. This is what destiny has held for the millions of disabled Ethiopians.

My personal story is different. That is why I am able to recite the plight of Ethiopians with physical disability to you all. I represent a one in millions case of disabled Ethiopians who are fortunate enough to have access to formal education. The recipe for making my type is to become a city kid and born from a family that affords and perhaps more importantly is willing to go all the way. It is an exception that proves the rule. The value of education as a means of empowerment and enhancing independent living is unrivalled. It is more so for people with disabilities who cannot compete in the physical world. In Ethiopia, education is arguably the only highway that connects physical disability with a chance for a relatively dignified life style.

Yet, this is the very treasure of life that the disabled are disproportionately deprived of. And it is not always for economic reasons. Let me share with you a couple of recent experiences. On one occasion I was visiting a local NGO which works to improve the welfare of the disabled. Almost all the young people working there voluntarily were themselves with some disability. Upon some inquiry about the specific activities they are engaged in, I was told that the support largely focuses on providing basic care. Not by choice but it is what the fund providers think best. In fact, the best there is in the form of support is elementary vocational training. I proceeded to find out what policy makers, big international NGOs, etc. think and do. To my dismay, it is the same everywhere. Support to bring about equality in opportunities for the disabled is very little, if any. Nobody seems interested to let countless numbers of disabled kids go to school like the case for their peers. As such the statistics that show strong correlation between poverty and disability shouldn’t surprise us.

All this experience was further endorsed by another encounter I had. It was when I read an article written by one of the country’s vocal economists. He was expressing his views on how to reduce the rampant urban poverty. Rightly he associated it with disability for in Ethiopia the conditional probability of being poor given that he/she is disabled is very high. He then continues to suggest possible solutions. Frighteningly, the solution seems to be to establish feeding and camping facilities at the outskirts of the city. Literally, what he is saying is that the best these people deserve in life is food and roof over their head. Should this worry us? Yes, by all account. It tells us those disabled people in Ethiopia and our brothers and sisters abroad need to bring our destiny into our own hands. These experiences very much dampened my belief in the system. But it also puts me in a position to call upon all to work for empowering the disabled in Ethiopia through providing access to education.