What it means to have a disability in Indonesia

Balinese traditional beliefs are that physical and mental disabilities are a result of karma from a previous life, so being a handicapped person means being the reincarnation and punishment for having been a bad person in a previous life. Thus, people with disabilities are most often treated with scorn and ridicule. There is little awareness in Indonesia for the special needs of the disabled. Wheelchair ramps and van lifts are non-existent. There is no accommodation for handicapped children in schools and almost half of the handicapped children never go to school at all.  Tragically, most handicapped persons usually never go outside.

Handicapped children and adults are not seen as normal people who have the same needs as everybody else - to be mobile, to get education, to meet friends, to socialize, to get married, to engage in sports, travel, get a job, etc.  Most resign themselves to their fate of being the invisible and unwanted people.

Needs of people with disabilities in Indonesia

• Medical care for disabilities and complications.
• Wheelchairs and other physical aids. Many people have never even seen a wheelchair.
• Facilities that are more accessible for disabled people.
• Increased awareness in the local community of the problems of disabled people.
• Education:  Almost half of all disabled persons never go to school.  They need to learn to read and write.
• Mobility to expand their lives.  Many disabled persons have never left their homes in their entire lives.
• Disabled people need to become more independent through job training and support.