Every human being possesses invisible powers that enable him to use his physical and psychological capabilities. But what is important is that every person discovers these powers before it is too late. Perhaps one does not realize that when one loses one’s senses or limbs that compensation for the loss usually occurs. Such a person may even excel in areas where a normal person cannot.
On a recent visit to Zurich, I heard of a restaurant where all the staff are blind, even the chefs and waiters. I could not imagine such a thing so I was very anxious to see it for myself. I was amazed when I entered the restaurant. I found it well organized, elegant, tidy and very pleasant though a bit dark and mysterious. That someone actually came to take me by the hand to guide me to be seated was a moving experience. There is a relaxing feeling because no one can see you, therefore you can wear whatever you like and eat whatever you like on condition that you speak in a quiet voice.
As for the food, you would not know it except by smell and taste. The only thing that will delight you more than the food is the organized movement of the waiters and supervisors. You will not hear the sound of a single plate being broken or see someone bumping into someone else. The only people who can see are the customers. And when it comes to paying the bill, do not even think of trying to trick the cashier because he is blind. He knows everything. Just as I left that beautiful place, a question popped in my mind: “How do those blind people manage to do that?”
After I left, I came upon a place called “Ladies First,” a women-only hotel. The entire staff is female and only female customers are accepted. In the beginning I thought that the hotel must belong to investors from the Gulf, but when I asked, I found that it belonged to a group of Swiss businesswomen who wanted to provide a private and secure place where women who have psychological problems with the other sex can find relaxation.
What is interesting is that all of the staff working in the hotel — restaurant, front desk, female cleaning company workers — have mental or psychological problems. Despite that, the hotel is wonderfully tidy and beautiful to an extent I have never before encountered. Everything looks normal and relaxed and a guest does not feel that she is at a hotel but in the comfort of her own home.
The decision taken by the hotel administration was a wise one, despite its being a challenge. The administration believed in the people and that belief was justified. And though the staff of the hotel suffer from mental and psychological problems, they have proved themselves.
Christopher Reeve, the actor who played Superman, has not let his disability stop him. In fact, he is now a symbol of dedication and inspires the people around him.
The question is: When will we make use of the talents of the disabled in the Arab world and use their capabilities for society?