By a Proud Parent | World Cerebral Palsy Day — 6 October
ISLAMABAD: World Cerebral Palsy Day is an occasion to speak about inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities. But for families living this journey every day, it is also an occasion to celebrate courage, perseverance and the countless achievements that may appear ordinary to others but represent extraordinary determination.
For our family, that journey has a name: Muhammad Abdul Rehman.
Abdul Rehman is a young student with cerebral palsy who has successfully completed Grade 9 and is now studying in Grade 10 at a special education institution under the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE). His journey through school has required determination, patience and continuous support, but every stage has strengthened his resolve to move forward.
A Blessing Entrusted by Allah
We have never regarded Abdul Rehman as a burden. To us, he is a blessing and mercy from Allah Almighty.
Being parents of a child with cerebral palsy undoubtedly brings additional responsibilities. There are concerns about mobility, education, accessibility, health, transportation and future independence. Tasks that other families may take for granted sometimes require careful planning and considerable effort.
But responsibility should never be confused with burden.
Allah entrusts every family with different responsibilities, and our responsibility has been to provide Abdul Rehman with love, education, confidence and every possible opportunity to develop his abilities. His achievements have brought us happiness and taught us lessons in patience, gratitude and resilience that perhaps we would never otherwise have learned.
A Mother’s Unseen Contribution
Behind Abdul Rehman’s progress lies the dedication of both parents, but particular recognition belongs to his mother.
In families raising children with disabilities, mothers often spend the greatest amount of time attending to their children’s everyday needs. From childhood through adolescence, she has remained beside him through his education, routines, difficulties and achievements.
A father may be away from home because of professional responsibilities, but a mother frequently becomes the constant companion in the child’s daily journey. Much of this work happens quietly and receives little public recognition.
Abdul Rehman’s progress therefore represents not only his own determination, but also years of patient and devoted parenting.
Technology Opens Another Door
One particularly encouraging aspect of Abdul Rehman’s personality is his strong interest in information technology and social media.
The digital world fascinates him. He enjoys using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube and takes an active interest in creating, viewing and sharing digital content. In many ways, he has developed the instincts of a young social-media content creator and aspiring influencer.
For a young person whose physical mobility presents challenges, technology can offer something particularly valuable: a space where ideas, creativity and communication can travel without physical barriers.
His family therefore hopes that his enthusiasm for IT will develop beyond a pastime. With proper education, digital-skills training and guidance, we would like to see him excel in information technology, digital media or content creation, turning an existing passion into a pathway towards confidence, independence and perhaps eventually a profession.
Overcoming Barriers, One at a Time
Cerebral palsy does create challenges. Physical accessibility remains a major issue. Educational institutions, transport systems, public buildings and community spaces are still not universally accessible. Even simple participation in everyday activities can sometimes demand extra effort from a person with a physical disability and his family.
Yet disability should never become a reason for lowering expectations.
Abdul Rehman’s completion of Grade 9 and progression into Grade 10 is another milestone in a longer journey. His ambition to explore technology and social media demonstrates that his thoughts are not confined by his physical circumstances. Like every young person, he has interests, dreams and a future that he wants to shape for himself.
The responsibility of society is therefore not to feel sorry for persons with cerebral palsy, but to remove the barriers standing between them and their potential.
They need accessible schools and workplaces, assistive technologies, inclusive education, opportunities for skills development and, above all, recognition of their abilities.
Different Abilities, Brighter Futures
On World Cerebral Palsy Day, Abdul Rehman’s story represents thousands of other young people whose achievements are built upon persistence that often remains invisible to the outside world.
Their stories should not be told merely as stories of disability. They are stories of ability, resilience, family, faith and possibility.
As parents, our greatest wish is not that the world should sympathise with our son. We want the world to give him an opportunity.
An opportunity to learn.
An opportunity to create.
An opportunity to participate.
An opportunity to become independent.
And an opportunity to be recognised for what he can do, rather than what he cannot.
Today, Abdul Rehman is a Grade 10 student with a growing passion for technology and digital media. Tomorrow, with Allah’s blessings, his determination and the right opportunities, that passion may become his profession and his means of making his own contribution to society.
His journey continues.
And for us, he will always remain what he has been from the beginning:
Not a burden, but a blessing. Not a limitation, but a responsibility embraced with love. And above all, a mercy and gift from Allah Almighty.
