Time to heighten plight of the disabled

Thursday December 4, 2008

Time to heighten plight of the disabled

THE International Day for the Disabled fell on Dec 3 and I wonder how many of us were aware of this.

Malaysians treat the disabled with a curious combination of either disrespect or as morbid objects of curiosity. We still have a long way to go to accept the disabled as useful contributors to society.

In the west, the disabled are taught and encouraged to live independently, with self-respect and integrity. Over here, people are more curious than helpful, with scores of nosey bystanders whenever the disabled dare venture out for everyday chores or visits.

We still have much to learn from the West when it comes to empowering our disabled community.

First of all, we have to heighten the plight of the disabled to the general public. As a community, the disabled can and do make a useful contribution to society, the economy and social issues.

However, many individuals, companies and politicians are not willing to extend full rights to the disabled.

Legislation of laws which will ease the daily life of the disabled are slow to pass. In simple terms, the disabled are treated as second-class citizens.

Job opportunities are still not being made available to the disabled in either the public or private sector, buildings do not incorporate features to help the disabled, transport facilities for the disabled are lacking. Even the provision of special handicap parking badges have recently been turned down.

Most taxis refuse to take a wheelchair users. Even hotels, especially those that are state-run, do not have proper functioning facilities for the disabled.

For instance, cobbled paths that lead to the rooms or ramps that have a steep incline make it impossible for wheelchair users. The devil is in the detail and it is the detail that is sorely lacking at most places.

Our society, maybe even our culture, tends to exclude the disabled from normal life. Politicians only pay lip service to helping the disabled. Some MPs have made unflattering remarks about the disabled rather than treat them with the dignity and the respect they deserve.

If we are serious about being a fully fledged developed nation, then it is time we made a serious effort to promote the interests and well-being of the disabled.

Secondly, politicians should legislate aggressively to help empower the disabled to include them in the mainstream of society. Individuals, companies and organisations could also involve themselves in the development of ideas to counteract the negative perception of society towards the disabled.

Schools should be encouraged to have an after-school activity that makes our children aware that the disabled have the right to live, work and be educated alongside us.

International Day for the Disabled should be a time for us to show our respect, pride and admiration for the disabled in our society.

MARIAM MOKHTAR,

Ipoh.