Wheelchair ramps on buses

2008/10/16

Wheelchair ramps on buses

GEORGE TOWN: RapidPenang buses are set to be more disabled-friendly with the move to install wheelchair ramps on board its 140 new buses.

The installation of the wheelchair ramps is expected to be completed by early next year.
RapidPenang chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the disabled-friendly buses would be delivered in batches from March.

“The ramps will ensure that the disabled can commute on public transport,” said Azhar.

Grants for disabled

2008/10/15

Grants for disabled

MORE than 7,000 disabled people are working in the private sector while 581 are with the government. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, in a written reply to Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Serdang), said the disabled were encouraged to start businesses. She said those interested could apply for a "launching grant" of RM2,700. "The Welfare Department has given out RM42,400 in grants up to March, helping some 17 disabled people."

More awareness, please

Thursday October 16, 2008




More awareness, please
WHEEL POWERBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

We have to be sensitive to the needs of the disabled.

IT HAS been more than three months since I was appointed MBPJ Councillor. There are 24 of us in the team and I am the only one with a disability.

Despite my physical difference, I am happy to say that I have not been regarded as a lesser person in any way. During my visits, I have always been assured of help, should I need any.

Disability seems to be nothing new at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya headquarters. No one fixes awkward stares at me, not even members of the public who drop by daily.

As a councillor, I take the opportunity to ask them if they are all right, whether their visit to the MBPJ had solved their problems.

Perhaps if all of us saw our interdependence on each other, there would be less discrimination in the world today.

As human beings we should learn to respect one another regardless of our backgrounds. By getting in touch with our vulnerability (we could find ourselves in a dependent situation one day), we are more likely to accept others in unique situations.

I was referred to a case where an elderly disabled man required a wheelchair ramp in his posh condominium in Petaling Jaya. He had forwarded his request to the residents’ association more than a year, but nothing was done about it.

The association gave several reasons for their inaction. One was that there was already a ramp in the basement. They also said there was no space at the entrance of the building.

The most shocking excuse they gave was that the ramp would “spoil the beauty of their condo”.

I made a visit with the MBPJ team to check out the venue.

There was ample space for a ramp if they remove a flower pot. The ramp at the basement was too dangerous for the elderly man to use. If he had a fall, there would be no one to help him.

Besides, it is most undignified to create separate entrances for disabled persons.

The elderly man’s wife was also frail even though she is able to walk. How could one expect her to help her husband at the basement ramp?

The developer of the condo was marvellous. He agreed to build a ramp to help the couple out. The residents’ association finally came to their senses and gave the green light for the ramp. It was built last week. There was a problem though: apparently a second grab bar was not included in the ramp.

This week the MBPJ team and I will visit the condo again to ensure that everything is built accordingly.

Although the ramp was initiated for the elderly resident in the condo, the feature was built for the benefit of all the residents should any of them - God forbid - become disabled one day.
The whole episode was a timely lesson for everyone involved.

Disabled seek fuel subsidy

Wednesday October 15, 2008




Disabled seek fuel subsidy
By FAZLEENA AZIZPhotos by RAYMOND OOI

A MEMORANDUM on providing fuel subsidies for people with disabilities who use vehicles was sent in by the Disabled Persons’ Integrated Family Services (Kioku) group.

It was handed over by Kioku secretary Chris S. Kali Thasan to its adviser, MIC vice-president Datuk Veerasingam Suppiah, at its 10th family day and Deepa-Raya gathering in Lake Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, recently.

The family day was launched by Human Resources Ministry deputy-secretary general Mohd Azman Abd Mubin.

Chris said the subsidy was needed due to the increase of petrol prices.
“It is an added burden for us, who already have a hard time getting jobs.

“Taxis have increased prices and charge RM3 extra for wheelchairs.

Taking a chance: Special People Association of Teluk Intan, Perak, president Kennedy Hong (sea ted) trying his luck at one of the games.

“Many taxi drivers refuse people with disabilities and use their gas tanks as a excuse.
“Perhaps with subsidies, we can get cars to move around.

“Taxi drivers should be aware about people with disabilities and the Government should act on it.

“At Kioku, we motivate people with disabilities to start their own businesses.

“The Social Security Organi-sation has helped them get business licences and we appreciate this,” he said.

Chris hoped that people with disabilities would be given alternatives instead of sympathy.

Accepting the memorandum, Veerasingam said it would be forwarded to Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad.Seeking aid: Chris (left) handing over the memorandum to Veerasingam

“The oil subsidy needs to be looked into so that it will not be misused.

“Taxis should be disabled-friendly and help people with disabilities without asking more money,” he said.

He aded that the Government was aware of the community’s needs.

At the family day, 2,000 people with disabilities took part in telematches and other events organised by ExxonMobil employees.

ExxonMobil contributed 10 wheelchairs and made logistical arrangements to transport participants from Kulim, Penang, Ipoh, Teluk Intan and Petaling Jaya to the event.

A demonstration on how the public can assist a disabled or wheelchair-bound person into a taxi and a performance by local band Rock Unite was among the activities..

According to Supiah Selamat, 49, from Sungai Buloh, the event was a great opportunity to meet old friends.

“This is great way for us to gather and is good for mind and body.

“Only at events like this can people like us get together at one place,” Supiah said.

ExxonMobil general counsel Puan Sri Junaidah Mohd Said said the event was a great opportunity to give back to the community.

We are happy to lend support to Kioku and hope our contributions will create greater awareness on the needs of the disabled,” said Junaidah.

Chris said it was the first time Kioku had a corporate sponsor like ExxonMobil for their event.

This is our 10th year and we are grateful to ExxonMobil and others.

“These activities are important to motivate and support the disabled so that they do not feel isolated or marginalised,” Chris said after the launch.