XTRASPECIAL
Joseph Nelson D’Souza
His only request to the society is to look at him with respect, not sympathy. Joseph Nelson D’Souza (37) works as UDC in Disaster Management Cell of the Office of the Collector, North Goa District, Panaji. A person with 84 per cent post polio residual paralysis, Joseph enjoys watching movies, listening to music, drafting letters/noting, travelling, playing games like football, cricket, carom and table tennis. He loves to draw and paint too!
“I may walk a different path, but my destination is the same as yours – dignity, love and acceptance. Treat me as equal, not special. Include me, don’t isolate me. When you choose kindness over curiosity, and respect over assumptions, you help build a better world. I wish more people in this world had humanity towards the people with disabilities,” he expresses. A resident of Vasco, this commerce graduate has a very supportive mother and wife. He is blessed with two daughters and a son.
Joseph recalls facing several challenges during school days due to his disability, impacting his left hand but he found ways to overcome that. “I didn’t have many friends and often felt left out during group activities or outdoor games. There were times when teachers or classmates couldn’t fully understand my struggles, which made me feel isolated.”
He shares, “With God in my heart, I chose to forget that I am disabled and stopped letting it define who I am. I tried to interact more, play football, cricket, and carom to bond with friends and feel included.”
Science and technology have brought a revolution in the lives of people with disabilities, including mine, says Joseph who has experienced how helpful even simple technologies can be whether it’s a mobile phone with accessibility features, or educational tools that support his learning.
Joseph’s family is his biggest strength. “Friends, cousins include me in everything, giving me the confidence to come out of my shell. My teachers were patient, kind, and understanding. Without their love, support, and belief in me, I wouldn't be the person I am today,” agrees Joseph.
Persons with disabilities should be placed in the concerned talukas with regards to their work of place as they face lots of hardships in travelling, feels Joseph who always dreamed of driving a car, of being independent and be able to take care of his family, especially during emergencies. This dream became a deep emotional need in 2015, when an incident changed his life forever.
As he remembers, “My wife Fatima was pregnant with our first child. One night she started feeling unwell. We used to rely on rickshaws to visit the doctor, but that night, not even one was available. My mother desperately called multiple rickshaw drivers, but all refused as it was too late. Thankfully, one agreed and arrived quickly. We rushed to the hospital, and that very night, Fatima gave birth to our baby girl. Though it was the happiest moment of my life, the fear and helplessness I felt earlier that night stayed with me,” says Joseph who became determined to get his driving licence and even though he didn’t own a car, he began practicing with a friend’s automatic car.
“In 2015, I applied for a licence at the Transport Department in Vasco but was referred to the Medical Board at Hospicio Hospital, Margao. Unfortunately, the board denied me approval. Not giving up I filed several applications, appeals and approached various authorities, but got no positive response,” recalls Joseph.
Finally, he decided to approach the High Court of Bombay at Goa. To Joseph’s surprise and relief, during the very first hearing, the Court directed the authorities to conduct his driving test under the supervision of a videographer and submit the report. The transport department conducted the test. “I drove with full confidence, and the entire process was recorded. I passed the test, and shortly afterward, I received my driving licence. The case was then disposed of. I became the first person in Goa with a disability to get a driving licence after being denied by the medical board. My case set a precedent and opened the doors for others facing similar denials. It wasn’t just a personal victory; it became a ray of hope for many others.”
After receiving licence, Joseph bought an automatic Maruti Celerio. It was one of the happiest moments of his life. Today, he no longer has to depend on others in times of need.
