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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 9 December 2015

Says Hans Dalal, who has not let cerebal palsy get in the way of his independence and dreams. The tiger conservationist and founder of PROWL (Preservation of Wild Landscapes) talks about social attitudes, self-reliance and what it takes to bring up confident kids with disability. In conversation with Dr Shital Raval.

You have said that human ignorance is the toughest to beat.

Society is unaware of cerebral palsy and hence more than often mistake it for mental retardation and consider me dumb or crazy. For instance, at an airport, they perpetually insist on an escort and wheelchair to assist me to the plane when I don't need it or ask for it. At public places like a mall, several times mothers pull their children away from me when walking by. It's very annoying! On the other hand, I am spotlighted in the media for my conservation work sometimes only because of my disability. There are many others who are doing much more and better work than me.

What are some of your biggest challenges - from the practical (getting around, transport etc) to the emotional (being accepted, being taken seriously, getting jobs etc).
Nothing really. I can drive and go anywhere, have driven to Ladakh and once drove to Ranthambore by himself. I have always been carefree.

You are a successful professional. Do you feel integrated into society, accepted? 
Not 100%. Even today people who don’t know me don't take me seriously until they see my work. My work inspires confidence among people who have never worked with me before.

What needs to happen in our society to tackle this 'human ignorance' and be a more inclusive society? 

People need to be made aware of the condition, maybe via media or Public Service Announcements.

What can we as individuals do to make a difference in our dealings with people with disabilities? Some dos and don'ts of behaviour.

We need to be more aware of cerebral palsy as a condition. Also, listen to the person and do not assume things. Don't offer help unless the person asks for it.

What lies behind your mental strength and success?

There is a woman behind every man's success. In my case there are two women, my mother and my wife. Both have been driving forces for me to pursue my wishes and ambitions. My wife was the one who encouraged me to start PROWL, my tiger conservation project.

Do you think there should be special services for people with disabilities or does that make them feel more segregated/different?

There should not be any difference as they should be treated the same as everyone. Disability is just intelligence in a stubborn body!

What would your perfect world look like? What would it offer people with disabilities?

It would be like the John Lennon song" Imagine" where we could all live as one.

One piece of advice that you would give a young person in your shoes?

No point in feeling sorry for yourself or going into a shell. Deal with what you have and laugh about it.

Your advice to parents bringing up kids with disabilities. 

Let the child do everything like other kids. Don't discourage them from any activity. My mother once pushed me into the pool because I was so fearful of going into the water. She encouraged me to write a bicycle by being tough on me. So be hard and make your child stronger and fearless.

Your message to the world on International Day for People with Disabilities.

What I would like the world to understand about me... that I am not any different from anyone else.

If I could change one thing about the world, it would be.... for people to be more aware not just about my condition but everything, such as nature and wildlife.

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