I live in Montreal, Canada, a city where French is the primary language. Interestingly, the name Oscar is derived from a French word that means “bones” and “body” a fitting name for my new friend, a skeleton model that has become an essential part of my learning journey.
I am Suleman Arshad, a visually challenged individual originally from Pakistan. Growing up in a developing country as a blind person, I faced many obstacles. Every step of the way, I had to prove to society that I was capable of achieving something. But the challenge wasn’t just in doing things, it was in making people believe that I could do them. Many people in my country, and in many parts of the world, assume that disabled individuals, especially blind people, are limited to certain fields.
Can a Blind Person Study Science?
When I was in Pakistan, I often heard stories about blind individuals abroad excelling in various fields, including science. I always wondered, How is that possible? I had been taught that blind people could only study specific subjects arts, literature, or music but science seemed out of reach. The way society framed it, subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics were too visual and too complicated for a blind student to grasp.
However, my perspective changed when I came to Montreal and enrolled in a short course where I had to study the human body, including bones and muscles. To support my learning, I bought a skeleton model, Oscar. With his help, I can now understand the structure and function of bones and muscles in a way I never imagined before.
Learning Through Accessibility
Studying the human body using a skeleton model has made me realize that science is not as inaccessible as I was led to believe. The real challenge is not the subject itself but the way it is taught. In inclusive environments, where teaching methods accommodate diverse learning needs, blind students can study any subject including science.
The accessibility of education in a country like Canada makes a huge difference. If I had tried to learn this in Pakistan, I might have been told, No, this is not for you. But here, I am given the tools, resources, and support to succeed.
This is why accessibility in education is so important. A well-designed, inclusive learning environment gives students a sense of belonging and the confidence to explore new subjects. If we want to empower people with disabilities, we must ensure that educational institutions provide accessible materials, adaptive teaching methods, and open-minded educators.
A Message to Educators
If my words reach teachers no matter where they are or what subject they teach I have one request: Keep an open mind. If you have a student with a disability, take the time to learn how to teach them. Today, there are countless resources available online Google, YouTube, AI-powered tools that can help you make education more inclusive. All it takes is the willingness to learn.
For people like me, who have any kind of disability, there are moments of doubt. We sometimes wonder if society is right are certain subjects really not meant for us? But the truth is, we live in an era of technology, where AI and innovative tools have broken down barriers. With the right mentorship and self-belief, we can achieve what once seemed impossible.
So, to my fellow disabled individuals: Don’t limit yourself based on society’s expectations. With determination, technology, and the right support, you can explore any field, including science. And to educators: Your willingness to adapt and learn can change a student’s life.
As I continue my journey, I am grateful for Oscar, my skeleton model, who has not only helped me learn about bones and muscles but has also reinforced a powerful lesson: When given the right tools, we can overcome any barrier and achieve great things.