See my son's abilities, but don't ignore his disabilities

I agree wholeheartedly with Mr Justin Lee ("Let's get off the 'euphemism treadmill'"; last Friday) that we should not ignore someone's disability and also not overly praise their abilities.

My son is 29 years old and has the mental age and physical build of a 10-year-old. I have no qualms about people labelling him "disabled".

He is musically inclined and will sing popular songs with self-composed lyrics of everyday things. He is my go-to person when I have problems with the TV remote controls.

To some people, he is considered "accomplished" and "talented".

At the same time, he is intellectually and physically challenged in many ways and cannot do many things.

I would like people to treat him as a "normal" person, but, at the same time, remember that he is disabled.

I appreciate it very much if he is offered a seat on the train or bus. I would thank the stranger who gives him a smile, instead of an unapproving look, when my son talks.

It is not ambiguous when people with disabilities ask the public not to ignore their disabilities, yet, at the same time, respect their wishes if they want to do things by themselves.

Betty Ho Peck Woon (Ms)

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 13, 2016, with the headline See my son's abilities, but don't ignore his disabilities. Subscribe