While raising disabled kids may be tough, a mother holds them close to her heart.

MOST of us have read stories about inspiring individuals who have to cope with a disabled child in the family. But what if you have two special needs kids to care for, as well as a mother who is a wheelchair-user?

Last week, I received an e-mail from Inderjit Kaur who shared her experience.

“Sometimes when you think about it, it’s like living in a virtual battlefield every single day of our lives,” wrote Inderjit, 56, a UK-trained registered nurse.

Always loved: Roshan and Zara taking a break in Cameron Highlands with their mum, Inderjit Kaur.

Inderjit stopped working shortly after discovering that two of her four children have learning disabilities.

“Though I’ve had my share of blood, sweat and tears in raising them, they are – and remain – my two special angels,” said Inderjit, referring to her son, Roshan, 22, and daughter, Zara, 11, who live with her and her hubby, Tar Singh, in their Subang Jaya home in Selangor.

Roshan is a high-functioning autistic person, while Zara’s mental development was affected following some complications at birth.

“Despite their disabilities, both Roshan and Zara have learnt a lot from an inclusive education setting where children with learning disabilities are encouraged to attend regular schools,” Inderjit explained.

“Whilst they may not have done as much at the academic level, they have progressed well in the area of discipline and independence, skills which are especially important for special needs kids.”

Inderjit is very happy that Roshan is mixing pretty well with the other students in school as well as the neighbourhood kids.

Zara, who used to be a timid child, has also integrated well with the non-disabled kids and is now quite confident.

“While credit goes to the special education classes, mindsets need to be changed, too,” Inderjit pointed out.

“We need to see more inclusive education in regular schools and more public awareness about people with learning disabilities.

“Everyone, especially teachers, should realise that when it comes to special needs kids, there is more to life than having straight As.”

At home, Zara and Roshan are treated like normal kids. Inderjit underscored the importance of treating special kids just like normal kids.

However, parents need to be mindful of the fact that special kids are vulnerable in some ways. Roshan, for instance, was traumatised when he was bullied in primary school. It took him a long time to recover.

Zara now attends a special centre which exposes her to some academic work and lots of activities like swimming, pottery, baking, artwork and trekking.

These physical and outdoor activities provide a great opportunity for special needs kids to improve themselves.

“The full-day programmes give parents a much-needed and welcome break from our daily routine. Zara obviously enjoys being around friends her age.”

Inderjit is thankful for the support that they get from relatives and friends.

“Roshan and Zara look forward to family holidays,” said Inderjit.

“They love plane rides and we’ve taken them to Thailand and the Gold Coast in Australia.

“As for my mum who turns 76 this year, I’ve been helping her with some physiotherapy since she had a fall two years ago and now uses a walker and wheelchair.”

Inderjit admits that their journey has been painful at times, but she is quick to count their blessings through support from friends and family, a faithful maid of 16 years, and their faith in God.

Inderjit is also happy that they have a dog, Wolfy, to keep Roshan and Zara company. Wolfy was rescued from the pound.

“My wish for Mother’s Day this Sunday is for the setting up of assisted living community homes where people with learning disabilities can live independently when their parents are no longer around,” added Inderjit.

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