By Lee Jon-young, publisher-chairman of Diplomacy Journal

True communication between people begins with a desire to understand differences, and when it comes to people with disabilities, we need to have the courage to put aside our prejudices and preconceived notions.

Many of us tend to unconsciously distance ourselves from people with disabilities when we encounter them. But we need to remember that what they're looking for is not special consideration, but simply an everyday attitude of equal respect. Treating people with disabilities the same as everyone else and engaging in natural, casual conversation is the beginning of true communication.

Disabilities come in many forms. Mental disabilities are often understood to be genetic, but they are also deeply influenced by the environment and social factors. This means that with education, dialog, and environmental support, there is a lot of potential for improvement.

Countries must also look at the issue on people with disabilities as a collective responsibility, not an individual issue. Providing citizens with disabilities with opportunities for education and independence is more than just welfare; it's a commitment to human dignity and rights.

The inspiring life stories of people with physical disabilities are a great inspiration to us. From an athlete who ran a marathon with a prosthetic leg, to a man who throws the first ball in an opening game of a major league baseball with his feet and no arms, to a young man born without arms or legs who became a public speaker - their lives speak to us. “Disability is not a limitation, but another beginning.”

We must now ask the question. What is our society doing for people with disabilities? And how open is our view of disability?

It's important to create a social infrastructure for people with disabilities. Sidewalks and elevators for wheelchairs, Braille signage, and increased access to information are basic infrastructure that make their daily lives possible. At the same time, non-discriminatory attitudes and perceptions are an even more important foundation.

People with disabilities are not people to be segregated according to some special criteria, but full-fledged members of the society in which we live, and the true value of their well-being is realized only when their potential meets our understanding.

True communication doesn't come from talking too much, it comes from being open and accepting, and it starts with changing the way we look at people with disabilities and our own perceptions.

After all, a happy society is one that respects differences and reaches out to live together. With a warm gaze and an open heart, disability will no longer be a barrier, but a stepping stone to coexistence.