I learned about Zarina Hasan through one of my friends. I saw a picture of the young woman poring over a life-size painting that featured a colorful bouquet of flowers. The picture drew my attention largely due to the fact that the lady had a very peculiar stance as she deposited paint upon her canvas. The reason became very clear as I soon as I read the accompanying passage about her struggle.
Without wasting another moment, I contacted her and requested an interview.
Zarina’s response was heartwarming. The manner in which she answered my questionnaire featured what could very well be described as a unique sort of script. The majority of her words appeared to merge with one another – a silent representation of the way she views the world around her. I am not sure I will ever find the words to accurately describe my reaction other than saying that I felt very grateful to her. Unknowingly, she had given me the opportunity to read the way she does and in doing so she emphasized the need to tailor our world in such a way that those who are visually challenged can follow along as well.
“I have always followed mynheart andvtrusted my instincts,” wrote Miss Hasan.
It is not so difficult for the rest of us to decipher what she means by that, is it? That being said, the challenge lies very much at her end. But it doesn’t seem to intimidate her at all. As it turns out, Miss Hasan actually thrives on a good challenge.
“The harder the jigsaw puzzle, the more enjoyable it is for me to solve it!” she exclaimed.
Zarina Hasan grew up just like the rest of us. She had big dreams and wanted to conquer the world.
“I was very young… not more than ten years old, I believe, when I decided I wanted to become an astronaut after watching a documentary about the planet Mars. So, I wrote to NASA and expressed my desire to fly into the outer-space someday.”
The folks at NASA surprised her with a detailed response!
“You can probably imagine my excitement when I received a letter from the wonderful people who work there,” smiled Miss Hasan. “They explained that I had to complete a certain number of flight miles before I could be considered for the training program.”
At the time, NASA did not have a juvenile program.
“I battled motion sickness back then but hoped to grow out of it. After all, astronauts cannot afford to become limited by something like that.”
Over time, the dream phased out. However, the desire to indulge in some sort of scientific field continued to appeal to Zarina.
“I was interested in so many diverse subjects. I enjoyed history, architecture, literature, geology, astronomy… the list was endless. At the base of it all, however, lied the undying desire to study science.”
Zarina eventually decided to pursue a degree in medicine and went on to specialize in Virology.
At the onset of her career as a scientist, she ran into a very big an unexpected obstacle. Zarina was diagnosed with Juvenile Open-Angle Glaucoma – a very rare aggressive condition that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve and can lead to blindness.
Although devastated, Miss Hasan was not about to give up.
“I did all that I possibly could to find answers. I wanted to save my vision or at least slow down the loss. Until it became apparent that nothing could be done, I fought my battle on two fronts: I fought to save my sight and at the same time focused on preparing myself for the worst.”
Despite having big plans, she decided to come to terms with her fate.
“I closed the book on the life that I had known all along, the one I had been training for. It wasn’t easy… but I knew I had to embrace a very different way of life. That being said, I did not turn my back on life. I clung to it for as long as I could. I did not simply want to survive… I wanted to thrive. I wanted to live and continue to evolve.”
Zarina turned her weaknesses into her strengths. She decided to redefine her boundaries and focus on her abilities instead of dreading and dwelling upon the impending change.
“I was adamant that I will not allow my disability to define me. I will not feel sorry for myself!”
Today, Zarina is an artist, an avid adventurer, and a humanitarian. She has travelled far beyond her lifelong dream of becoming a scientist by refusing to limit herself. One could very well say that she’s beaten a virtual motion sickness of sorts and reached far past the space that she had defined for herself as a child.
Zarina’s young children are proud of the fact that their mother is adjusting so well.
“My sons are growing up happy and confident.”
They can see their mother unabashedly stepping across every crack and obstacle that comes her way. There is no hiccup that will stop her. To her boys, their entire world has become limitless.
That being said, there is a heavy responsibility that befalls upon society – the need to accommodate the visually impaired. The role of the government in streamlining operations and bringing down barriers that handicap society cannot be underestimated.
“Attention to detail is missing,” stressed Miss Hasan. “Laws benefiting those who are limited in sight need to be formulated and enforced.”
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has set a goal for 2030 whereby the world will be made fully inclusive of persons with disabilities.
“There is a shift in attitudes, I’ll be honest,” stated Miss Hasan. “But speaking of Pakistan in particular, there is a long way to go to accomplish the goal set by the UN. We need to progress beyond good intentions and kind words in order to make a pliable difference in terms of inclusion. The focus should be on opening a world of possibilities for the disabled. The government should provide support to those who are considered ‘limited’ so that these individuals can feel empowered enough to contribute to society. The thrust should be for inclusion, not marginalization.”
Government institutions, in general, need to be improved. According to Miss Hasan, inadequate funding, mismanagement of resources, and tedious procedures all contribute towards the failure to accommodate people with disabilities.
“If there is a physical structure… a building meant to accommodate the disabled, for example, then you will not find trained staff who can make the premises functional. People with disabilities are either segregated or cooped up together. There is no specific attention given to their unique communication needs.”
The education sector is particularly neglected in this regard.
“Education for the blind is primarily based on books read out to them. During an examination at school, the response to questions by a blind student is penned down by a writer assigned to them who records their answers on their behalf. Although the intent may not be tainted, the written response (more often than not) is influenced by the inferences derived by the writer and not the blind student.”
Zarina Hasan is a patriot through and through. That fact became apparent when I asked her if she would consider moving to a country where she could live a fuller life.
“My roots are far too deeply embedded here in Pakistan,” she responded. “I cannot imagine myself settling down elsewhere. But there is no denying the fact that countries in the West are better prepared to handle inclusion and upholding the human rights of people with disabilities. Pakistan, in comparison, is nowhere near attaining the goal set forth by the UN.”
Zarina Hasan relies on audiobooks, primarily, to enhance her knowledge.
“My learning of Braille is rudimentary at best,” she shared. “It would be feasible to have printed material accessible to myself and many others who struggle with their vision. Speaking for myself, I lost my sight at an advanced stage which did not allow me to learn Braille. I ended up grappling with the constant sea of printed matter that was no longer legible to me. I can say with conviction that audiobooks proved to be very useful.”
When she isn’t reading, Miss Hasan likes to indulge in creating beautiful masterpieces.
“Being creative and innovative helps me circumvent obstacles,” she smiled. “Creating art allows me to reconnect with my soul. I must emphasize the fact that disability knows no bounds. One must not allow themselves to stop experiencing life simply because the medium of movement has become restricted. I still indulge in the things I love. I still travel. I still experience the world around me.”
Miss Hasan is blessed with a great group of friends and family who cheer on her.
“I realized early on that if I lay down the rules myself in terms of interacting with people and choosing to surround myself with positive folks, I’ll be in a better state of mind. My belief is that if one values their own dignity and integrity then others will respect them despite the perceived limitations.”
Zarina refuses to view herself through the perspective of someone else.
“For me, my integrity is paramount. I do not want to be cornered and live a silent existence simply because society views my disability as something that is far larger than me. My skills and talents define me. However, I learned a long time ago that it is okay to ask for help. Fear of rejection should not hold anyone back from reaching out. … Having said that, I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends. More often than not, they forget that I am visually impaired.”
Speaking to Zarina Hasan serves as a reminder that we need to revise our attitudes towards those who live with disabilities. The government needs to take very solid steps to develop infrastructure and programs that better serve the needs of those who are facing limitations. However, there is an important lesson to be learned here. What we see and perceive are visions far more limited compared to what those with actual limitations see and perceive.
“The mind needs to be valued,” emphasized Zarina. “The spirit is not restricted by any sort of limitations placed upon it. People with disabilities can very well be productive members of society. Accept them. Welcome them. Support them. Appreciate and value them!”
To follow Zarina’s journey, please like her Facebook page Sight Beyond Sight
Zarghunaafridi says
A true inspiration. Thank you Zarina for making this world a more beautiful place by adding colours to the blank canvas.
Your spirit of living life to the fullest no matter what life brings , is a true lesson for everyone.
Seema I. says
Thank you for your comment. Indeed, she’s an inspiration to many.
Iris says
What a great story. What a strong woman! I recently broke my ankle. It was such a rough season, but it taught me to see people with disabilities in a completely new light.
Seema Khan says
Thank you for your comment. Yes! Getting to know Zarina and learning about her struggle made me appreciate my life a lot more. She truly is an inspiration.
Michele C says
What a story of resilience. I admire her strength and determination in the face of a very scary, life changing diagnosis.
Seema Khan says
Indeed. Her strength and positive spirit are heartwarming. Thank you for your comment.