Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

“My Ability Shouldn’t Be Evaluated By My Disability” ~Robert Emmanuel

By David Oletu (DCM)

Robert Emmanuel’s inspiring story sheds light on the harsh realities faced by children with disabilities: rejection, abandonment, and bullying. Yet, despite these challenges, he proves that abilities transcend physical limitations.

Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

Robert Emmanuel, now 10+ years old, was born on December 24, 2013, without complications. 

However, his life took a dramatic turn at age 3 when an accident left him wheelchair-bound.

Despite this challenge, Emmanuel excelled academically, earning multiple awards. 

He proudly shares his achievements with TheDiadem but also highlights the struggles he faces in school due to his disability.

In primary 2, Emmanuel moved to a new school with no special needs facilities,

and according to him, he was bullied relentlessly by his classmates, who thought him incapable because of his disability.

They’d beat and slap him, assuming he didn’t know anything.

Robert Emmanuel recalls:

“After winning first place in a spelling bee competition in primary 3, they started respecting me, but the bullying continued. My classmates would falsely accuse me of doing things I did not do.”

When asked about teacher intervention, Emmanuel says that whenever he reported incidents, the teachers wouldn’t believe him.

Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

In confirming Emmanuel’s claim, Emmanuel’s mother poignantly shared her arduous journey of securing suitable education for her son,

highlighting systemic barriers and societal stigma.

“Each time I sought admission for Emmanuel, schools uniformly rejected him,” she recounted.

“They would say his presence would stop other parents from enrolling their children in their school.”

His mother, however, told them that his condition wasn’t contagious, but they remained resolute, hiding behind the veil of institutional policy.

Even her workplace, where Emmanuel previously studied before he started facing the physical challenge, suggested he stay home until he regains his legs.

She already knew the school wasn’t ready to accept them anymore with such a response,

so she sought to enroll him in a government school where his older siblings studied.

However, the administrator also rejected him, citing vague risks.

Desperate and determined, she offered to work as a cleaner,

only to be rebuffed and referred to a school that accepts children with special needs in Oko-Oba, Lagos State, Nigeria. 

She, however, explained that the special class curriculum was woefully inadequate for Emmanuel’s exceptional IQ,

having successfully enrolled him at the school for special children,

so, she passionately appealed for integration with non-special needs students to foster academic growth,

but they refused, rigidly citing his special needs status.

Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

At just 4 years old, Emmanuel was the youngest in his special class, often assuming a caretaker role, assisting peers with Down syndrome and other conditions.

“He’d lament about the lack of challenging assignments or meaningful classroom activities,” his mother recalled, her voice tinged with concern.

Emmanuel’s mother continued, “When I took him to the clinic, doctors were impressed at how active he is.

They asked which school he attended and were disappointed to learn it was a special school for children with special needs.

And They scolded me for settling for such a school, given Emmanuel’s exceptional intelligence.

But They advised me to report his school rejections to the Ministry of Education due to his condition.”

From then on, she stopped taking Emmanuel to the special school and enrolled him in another school. 

Determined to ensure his success, she applied to work as an unpaid cleaner at the school.

“However, Emmanuel faced new challenges,” she said.

 “Classmates bullied and slapped him, calling him ‘child of a cleaner.’

I felt like crying, wondering why they were treating Emmanuel like that.

I then told Emmanuel to fight for himself, no matter what.”

1 Corinthians 12:26 KJV

[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
https://bible.com/bible/1/1co.12.26.KJV 

Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

Emmanuel’s mother also confirmed how he was often falsely accused and punished for misdeeds he didn’t commit.

“But when he started winning prizes, they began respecting him,” she noted.

Initially, Emmanuel was ashamed to use his wheelchair. “It took extensive counselling for him to accept it,” she said.

She shared more heartbreaking experiences:

“Security guards and bus conductors would deny us entry or transportation due to Emmanuel’s condition.

Their rude insults brought me to tears.”

Emmanuel’s mother lamented the poor treatment of children with disabilities and urged people to act with compassion.

When asked what drives him to persevere despite the challenges, Emmanuel smiled and said,

‘I inspire myself. I focus on things that make me happy and explore activities I can do.’

“Sports became a passion, particularly basketball, which I realised didn’t require using legs.

My special education teachers encouraged me, teaching me the game, and I embraced it.”

Emmanuel’s resilience shines through in his words:

“I don’t listen to negative words said to me; it’s not my business. I concentrate on my strengths and interests.”

Emmanuel’s mother offered words of encouragement to parents of children with special needs:

“Don’t focus on your child’s condition;

instead, show them love and care. These children can achieve greatness tomorrow.”

She lamented the alarming rate of parents abandoning their special needs children in hospitals due to fear and uncertainty.

“A family friend even suggested I hide Emmanuel, advising me to keep him indoors. But I refused to yield to her advice,” she shared.

Acknowledging the challenges, Emmanuel’s mother emphasised:

“It’s not easy, but parents must prioritise their child’s future. Remember, God is watching.” 

Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

Emmanuel added his own inspiring message:

“To all special children, don’t doubt yourself!

You can be a champion and anything you desire. If you doubt yourself, you can’t be anything. Your ability is stronger than your disability.”

Robert Emmanuel’s inspiring story sheds light on the harsh realities faced by children with disabilities: rejection, abandonment, and bullying.

Yet, despite these challenges, he proves that abilities transcend physical limitations.

His exceptional journey teaches us to look beyond physical appearance,

recognise hidden potential, provide equal opportunities, and offer unwavering support.

As Peace Robert, Emmanuel’s elder sister eloquently puts it:

“Summon courage in anything you do, whether you have a disability or not.

True disability lies not in physical limitations but in failing to create value for oneself.

Know yourself, work towards your dreams, and don’t let people’s words bring you down!”

Also Read: Encouragement For Parents of Children with Disabilities – Diademng (thediademng.org)

Beyond Disability: The Robert Emmanuel’s Story

Robert Emmanuel: https://www.instagram.com/_thatwheelchairboy?igsh=MXR0ajU1cG50ZTB2OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr