Kartunet - Women with disabilities are often faced with doubt and stigma from society, especially concerning their ability to build a household and raise children. In fact, Law Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities (Article 8) has explicitly guaranteed the privacy rights of persons with disabilities, which include the right to form a family and have offspring through legal marriage.
The inspiring story of Mrs. Wacih Kurniasih, a mother who has been blind since birth, is clear proof that maternal instinct and independence can overcome all physical disability barriers. Together with her husband (Dr. Didi Tarsidi), she successfully raised two sighted sons, and now she has been blessed with five grandchildren.
It Started with Parental Trust
Mrs. Wacih's independence is inseparable from her parents' role in her childhood. Born in Sumedang, her parents chose not to hide her disability but instead encouraged her to be independent. At the age of seven, with many prayers and tears, her parents sent Mrs. Wacih to SLB Wyata Guna in Bandung. This brave decision became the foundation of her independence in life, leading her to pursue higher education and start a family.
Parenting with Touch and Collaboration
Concerns about how to care for a baby often haunt blind women. However, Mrs. Wacih proved that it could be learned. The most touching moment for her was when she held her newborn baby and counted its intact fingers. Through nurse guidance and hands-on practice, she learned how to bathe, breastfeed, and dress her child.
This parenting approach was also supported by extraordinary cooperation from her husband. They complemented each other, for instance, when her husband had his own initiative and method for tidying up baby diapers. Since both worked, they did employ a domestic assistant during the day, but upon returning from work, childcare was fully taken over by both of them.
Instilling Honesty and Leading by Example
In raising her children, Mrs. Wacih held a strong principle: never show unnecessary weakness or dependence. If something could still be done independently, she would do it herself without always asking her children for help. She preferred to educate through example (leading by example) rather than merely giving prohibitions or theories.
She also taught her children the importance of being honest and not hiding her disability. As a result, her children grew into empathetic individuals, proactively helping without being asked, and felt no shame at all about having a blind parent. This was evident during report card distribution at school; her children refused to have anyone else represent them and insisted that Mrs. Wacih herself be present to collect their report cards.
Becoming a Confidante and Building a Safe Space
As a mother who could not visually observe her children's activities outside the home, Mrs. Wacih built closeness through quality time after school. She always encouraged her children to talk about anything that happened at school, whether pleasant events or bad experiences (such as if anyone bothered them). Through these stories, she could understand her children's condition, detect potential bullying or stigma, and provide appropriate guidance without making the children feel judged.
Conclusion: Love Doesn't Mean Spoiling
For Mrs. Wacih, being a mother is a lifelong task. Loving children doesn't always mean spoiling them or granting every request, but rather providing an example, educating, and protecting. Especially in today's digital era where smartphones and technology are easily accessible, a mother's role in constantly monitoring and setting healthy boundaries for children becomes even more essential. Visual impairment is, in fact, not an obstacle to pouring out complete love and building a quality future generation. (DPM)
References:
- Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 8 of 2016 concerning Persons with Disabilities.
- "Special Mother's Day Webinar 2025 (DPP Pertuni)" (YouTube).