The term from the UAE for disabled people embodies Catholicism

There’s something quietly powerful about the phrase “people of determination.” It’s used in the United Arab Emirates to describe those with disabilities — and it’s a term that invites us to pause, rethink, and look beyond limitations.

Instead of focusing on what someone can’t do, it highlights the inner strength, perseverance, and sheer will that so many people show each and every day. And when you think about it, isn’t that what we all need a little more of?

We often live in a world where labels stick easily, sometimes too easily. But this phrase — people of determination — gently shifts the narrative. It reminds us that behind every diagnosis or condition is a whole person, with hopes, talents, dreams, and stories.

And yes, life isn’t always easy. There are very real challenges to face — physical barriers, social misunderstandings, systems that aren’t built with inclusivity in mind. But amid those challenges, there’s often an extraordinary level of grit and grace. People who don’t give up. Families who fight every day for accessibility, dignity, and inclusion. Communities learning how to do better.

It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect — it’s about acknowledging the struggle and honoring the courage it takes to keep going.

This perception of those who don't fit society's molds also makes us address what actually is strength. We usually think of strength as something big and bold — lifting heavy weights, charging up mountains, leading the charge. But often, strength looks much quieter: navigating a noisy world with sensory sensitivities, entering a room where you might be misunderstood, learning to speak in a way others don’t expect.

It’s the kind of strength that doesn't make headlines but leaves a lasting impression.

Pope Francis often spoke of building a Church that is truly inclusive — one that reflects the open arms of Christ. This is not a matter of pity or mere accommodation. It is about belonging. True inclusion means ensuring that every person is not only present, but also participating, contributing, and celebrated.

And while practical challenges certainly exist, the heart of the matter is relational: Are we listening? Are we making space? Are we recognizing the presence of Christ in our brothers and sisters who navigate the world differently?

Whether it’s in a classroom, a workplace, a pew, or a playground — people thrive when they’re seen and included. And true inclusion isn’t just about opening a door. It’s about making sure someone feels welcome once they walk in. It’s about creating spaces that reflect the variety of human experience — not just accommodating difference, but celebrating it.

Simple changes — like adding captions to videos, designing ramps into public buildings, or rethinking how we communicate — can have a huge impact. But even more powerful is the shift that happens when we start to see differently: not through the lens of limitation, but through the lens of determination.

Part of seeing things through this different lens is enabling these determined people. For families and communities, it often starts with small things: Using language that puts the person first (e.g., “a child with autism” rather than “an autistic child”); listening more than we speak; asking how we can support instead of assuming what’s needed; and, making space for voices we don’t usually hear.

These shifts may seem small, but they help build a world where everyone belongs — and that makes all the difference.

While not all of us experience disability directly, we all have the opportunity to be part of a more compassionate and inclusive world. That might mean showing patience, standing up for accessibility, or simply being a friend. It might mean inviting someone in instead of assuming they’d rather sit things out.

And along the way, we often discover that we’re not just helping — we’re learning. About resilience. About perspective. About joy found in the everyday.

People of determination may face obstacles that many of us will never fully understand. But the courage, creativity, and love they bring into the world is something we can all look up to.

Perhaps the question we’re left with isn’t how do we include people with disabilities?—but rather, how do we make sure we’re worthy of walking beside them?