S

ome people may see disabilities as a limitation.

But some of those with disabilities show that they can still achieve big things.

Baharuddin, a 38-year-old man with polio who uses a wheelchair, works as an ojek driver.

He says having a disability should not necessarily reduce his goals in life.

“‘Disability’ is only a word. We can do anything if we try. There is nothing to be afraid of,” he said. “I believe that all people have their limitations.”

He said he started working as an ojek driver in 2014 when he lost his job as a street vendor at the National Monument in Central Jakarta after the city administration evicted street vendors from the compound.

Baharuddin, who lives in Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta, said after he modified his motorcycle to make it disabled-friendly, many people asked him to transport them to various destinations.

“I saw this as an opportunity for me to work as an ojek driver to support my family,” said Baharuddin.

He said he earned Rp 3 million (US$2,280) per month as a driver, quite enough to support his wife and two sons, who live in Banten.

Besides working as a driver, Baharuddin also operates a stall selling young coconuts near the East Flood Canal in East Jakarta.

“I’m trying to earn as much money as I can so that I can send my sons to universities,” he said, adding that one of his sons wants to become a policeman and the other a medical doctor.

Wawang Sunarya, a 34-year-old man born without legs, earns his living by making and selling figurines made from recycled plastic bottles and paper.

He says he can earn Rp 1.5 million a month.

“I feel lucky to have this ability to make figurines. I can practice my hobby of drawing and painting,” he said.

He said he had lots of customers after participating in this year’s Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair.

“Most of my customers are young people,” he said, adding that some of his customers ordered tailor-made figurines for their girlfriends or boyfriends and some for wedding souvenirs.

Wawang, who used to work as a cashier in a supermarket, said he needed partners to help him develop his business.

Opportunity for people with disabilities is still lacking in the country and many are still deprived of a proper livelihood.

The government and the House of Representatives recently passed a law on disabled people. The law hopes to ensure better opportunities for people with disabilities.

They have also agreed to establish the National Disabilities Commission (KND), an institution that will have the responsibility of improving the welfare and supporting the rights of people with disabilities. (aha)