Extraordinary Shairid Walks on His Own Despite Disability
Born with an Underdeveloped Spine and Legs
Muhammad Shairid Hadif was born with an underdeveloped spine and legs. Doctors predicted he might never walk on his own. However, the youngest of five siblings proved everyone wrong when he learnt to stand on his own at just two years old, and move forward with the use of his hands.
A Video That Went Viral
The preschooler’s story caught the attention of internet users in February when a video of the boy’s first day at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Waha, Kota Tinggi, Johor went viral.
A Mother’s Pride
His mother, Siti Azah Mohd Jinal, 38, described the moment as deeply emotional, as she never expected that Shairid, who has faced numerous health issues since infancy, could be so independent and adapt so easily in school.
From a Baby to a Preschooler
When he was a baby, he couldn’t move his legs at all. But by six months old, he could move his toes, and by the age of two, he could stand. Recalling his first day at school, Azah said she initially considered enrolling Shairid in the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), but teachers informed her that her son’s intelligence quotient (IQ) was within the normal range.
A Normal IQ and a Regular Class
"The PPKI teacher said his IQ was normal and that he should join a regular class, so I enrolled him at SK Bukit Waha. Thankfully, he was accepted," she said.
A New Experience of School
And so began Shairid’s first experience of school, of socialising with others and learning just like all the other children were. Azah said this renewed her confidence in her son’s ability to be independent.
A Single Mother’s Efforts
As a single mother, Azah said she has never wanted her son to be pitied because of his physical condition, and that’s why she took pains to raise him to be independent like other kids.
A Teacher’s Perspective
Meanwhile, SK Bukit Waha preschool teacher Haizul Hakeem Katemin said that although this was his first experience teaching a student with disabilities, Shairid was easy to manage as the boy preferred to do things on his own.
Classmates’ Reaction
Haizul said Shairid’s classmates warmed up to him within three weeks, even though at first, they were confused about why he looked different from them, and asked about his condition.
Conclusion
Muhammad Shairid Hadif’s story is a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome his physical challenges. His mother’s efforts to raise him to be independent and his teacher’s support have enabled him to thrive in a regular class.
FAQs
Q: What is Shairid’s condition?
A: Shairid was born with an underdeveloped spine and legs.
Q: What were the doctors’ predictions about Shairid’s ability to walk?
A: Doctors predicted that Shairid might never walk on his own.
Q: How did Shairid learn to stand on his own?
A: Shairid learned to stand on his own at just two years old, and move forward with the use of his hands.
Q: What is Shairid’s current situation in school?
A: Shairid is currently attending a regular class at SK Bukit Waha, with the support of his teacher and classmates.