A fine example

Thursday October 30, 2008

The Star - Wheel Power

A fine example
WHEEL POWERBY ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Well-organised event a model for future programmes.

I HAD a super time on Sunday. And apparently so did more than 30 other Malaysians with disabilities and their caregivers. We were all at the Sri Jugra Hall in Kuala Langat, Selangor, attending a Deepavali gathering hosted by the district council (MDKL).

I was there as the main speaker in my capacity as a disabled councillor for the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). There were two other speakers – Gurdip Kaur, the councillor with disability for the Selayang local council, and Francis Siva, a tetraplegic who is president of the self-help NGO called Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang, Selangor.

We were invited to instil confidence among local residents, but as it turned out, we were the ones who were truly inspired. Kudos to Kuala Langat councillor Janarthani Arumugam who put the whole event together.

Here are some of the exemplary things that they achieved.

1. Excellent turnout: Only two invitees did not show up. The organisers were meticulous with their homework. Their personal visits to their guests weeks before the event to encourage them to attend paid off.

2. People with disabilities were the focus and priority: The majority of people in the hall were those with physical and developmental handicaps. The speeches highlighted the capabilities of Malaysians with handicaps.

3. The disabled were active participants: In addition to the three of us, the organisers picked a local disabled woman with muscular dystrophy to present a session. Even though her talk and video presentation lasted only a few minutes, I am glad that the MDKL thought that it was important to include her.

4. There was great sensitivity to the disabled: Even though there was a stage, the organisers conducted everything off the platform. Words such as “normal”, “unfortunate/fortunate”, and “tragedy” were not uttered as these are offensive to many handicapped people.

5. Caregivers and parents were recognised: The best part of the whole event for me was watching the smiles on the faces of the parents going up to the front to accept the RM50 Deepavali ang pows for their children.

Each of their children’s names was read out loud – and in full – as they were wheeled, carried or helped forward. The children also seemed excited, although some of them did not fully understand what was going on.

For many, this was an opportunity to meet other disabled persons. Realising that they are not alone in their struggles must be wonderful encouragement.

The able-bodied VIPs who were presenting the gifts made it a point to shake each recipient’s hand.

In addition, wheelchairs were given free to the needy. Those who didn’t have one were promised the next available wheelchair that was donated.

MDKL president Mohd Ahir Zawawi said he would look into getting a van for the disabled community in his district and work towards making the Sri Jugra Hall and other buildings accessible to the disabled.

At the event, I saw that there were many other things that the disabled still needed. These ranged from shoes to moisturising cream. They also need regular transportation to a government specialist.

For more information, call Janarthani at 016-436 2301 .