From Theresa Chan, Singapore:
Whenever I see a letter in Readers Forum from an American who does not like that overseas readers ask for donations of assistive technology, or from an overseas reader who complains that it is unfair that wealthy nations do not help people overseas, I am uncertain what to say. One wrong word can hurt someone. Please do not be offended or hurt, but I would like to speak my mind.
To Americans, I would say it's wholly true that in developing countries, nearly everyone with a disability is suffering because of the lack of useful items or devices. Most cannot afford them for such reasons as poverty, lack of public help, and governments who are unable to help so many. It's also true that some people tell lies, collect items as gifts, then sell them to get money. When possible, donate such used items as books, magazines, braille products and unwanted computers to agencies who send them overseas. Just be kind and give to those in need. God will bless you.
To disabled people overseas, please listen! America is a wealthy country, but you are misled if you believe that all Americans are rich. Some are unemployed, poor and homeless. You must realize that America is not just people with disabilities, and Americans with disabilities are not America--they are just like me and you, human beings. Unless our families are rich, we all have to earn our living. There are people with disabilities who are unemployed and poor in the United States and around the world. So, please do not say that Americans are so rich that they should help those who are needy. That is unfair. The American government may be rich, but people with disabilities are not.
My advice to both sides is to be honest, sincere, happy and kind to each other.
To Americans, I would say it's wholly true that in developing countries, nearly everyone with a disability is suffering because of the lack of useful items or devices. Most cannot afford them for such reasons as poverty, lack of public help, and governments who are unable to help so many. It's also true that some people tell lies, collect items as gifts, then sell them to get money. When possible, donate such used items as books, magazines, braille products and unwanted computers to agencies who send them overseas. Just be kind and give to those in need. God will bless you.
To disabled people overseas, please listen! America is a wealthy country, but you are misled if you believe that all Americans are rich. Some are unemployed, poor and homeless. You must realize that America is not just people with disabilities, and Americans with disabilities are not America--they are just like me and you, human beings. Unless our families are rich, we all have to earn our living. There are people with disabilities who are unemployed and poor in the United States and around the world. So, please do not say that Americans are so rich that they should help those who are needy. That is unfair. The American government may be rich, but people with disabilities are not.
My advice to both sides is to be honest, sincere, happy and kind to each other.
posted by Matilda Ziegler at
10:44 PM
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