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Before you start sobbing for and pitying the disabled, learn more about them and be inspired.
By Yeo Jing Wei
The fast pace of life in Singapore puts increasing pressure on many people and makes some more self-consumed unconsciously. The need to remind Singaporeans to pull back and appreciate life more has become more pressing than ever, if we do not want to head towards a dysfunctional society.
There are others who face far more difficult circumstances but who relentlessly overcome these difficulties to lead more fulfilling lives. My Special Journey (生命无缺 ) and Life Story, two recent series of drama-documentaries shown on Channel U and Channel 5 respectively, gave especially useful insights to the lives of these inspiring people.
My Special Journey documented the tough but enlightening lives of persons with special needs. In each of its 6 episodes, it focused on people of different disability groups – cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome, physically disability, hearing impaired and visually impaired.
In similar fashion, Life Story chronicles lives of more prominent special needs people. They include Chen Wei Lian (of Project Superstar), Lim Ah Lian (amputee with leprosy who became a renowned artist) and Abigail Chay who braved all criticism, and had a sex operation to become a woman.
These shows aim not only to evoke strong emotions, but also to allow better understanding of people with special needs. From these meaningful shows, one can witness, and emulate their perseverance and inner strength.
Though My Special Journey has just ended its run, Life Story still airs every Tuesday at 9.00pm on Channel 5. Catch the show this Tuesday!