Tuesday, May 06, 2008

ILTC's Hope For Malaysian Disabled's Better Future

Frustration is the best word to describe what the disabled are undergoing now.

Independent Living & Training Centre (ILTC) strongly feel that, disabled isolated from the society because, with the country developing rapidly, much has yet to be done for the disabled, including providing a better environment, accessibility and proper facilities.

We believe the new Government to deliver on its promise of a “barrier-free” environment to cater to the needs of the disabled.

ILTC honestly feel that, it is difficult for a disabled person to go to some shopping complexes as there are no toilets for them or, even if there were, are locked most of the time.

“We had to control our bladder for three hours once as there were no toilets available, imagine the discomfort that we had to endure.

“We are humans, too, who need to eat, sleep, use the toilet and visit places, and imagine such a basic facility is not available.

Another example is the KLIA Express, which has only room for one disabled person. “Many times, mywife and me have to decide who should take the train first to the airport as both of us cannot travel together due to the limited space availability.

Last year, Former Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil called for a “barrier-free” environment to cater to the needs of the disabled, with Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen adding that the Government would come up with a long-term plan to provide disabled-friendly public transportation.