Equal standing

Thursday July 2, 2009




Equal standing
WHEEL POWER WITH ANTHONY THANASAYAN

The disabled deserve the same rights as the able-bodied.

I WAS delighted to be invited to speak on social justice and people with disabilities at a two-day seminar organised by the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur last week.

There were three other speakers. Their focus was on children and the elderly, indigenous communities and foreign or “guest workers” in Malaysia.

In my talk, I pointed out to the audience which was made up of mostly professionals, that it was essential to have a proper understanding of disability before one can start to tackle the issue of social justice. Another key consideration is the person affected by disability.

Judging from the nods from the audience, I was glad that I managed to drive home the point that disability is everyone’s issue. Common diseases like heart attack, cancer and diabetes can lead to handicapping conditions. Disability not only affects us but also our loved ones, friends, colleagues and employers.

Once we understand this, we will be in a better position to discuss the issue of social justice when it comes to Malaysians with disabilities.

This was the main reason why I, as an MBPJ councillor, embarked on a project recently to build a universal design pavement along a 500m stretch of Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

In keeping with international and local standards, the design includes tactile markings on the floor to help the blind get around.

The pavement will also be wheelchair-friendly. Mothers with prams, pregnant women and the elderly will be able to walk on it safely.

The unique design will prevent cars from accessing the special pavement. Street furniture will also be removed for unimpeded access.

If proven successful, the design will be used in all of Petaling Jaya’s pavements.

I was saddened by certain quarters who rushed to criticise the project even before it was completed.

Someone asked if a “proper study” was done to see if there were disabled people in the area. The argument implies that disabled people are only found in a certain part of town. This kind of thinking clearly stereotypes people with disabilities.

I have seen elderly persons with walking sticks going to the local shops, park, church or temple.

And on every occasion they chose to walk on the road and court danger instead of on the pavement.

The reason they avoid the pavements is obvious. It is too high for them to negotiate. The pathway also narrows down suddenly next to large open drains.

I guess the lesson here for all of us is to stop labelling and stereotyping the disabled in our community.

It this attitude that has kept them locked away from society.

Let us never forget that they are people like us. And they are entitled to the same rights and privileges as citizens. The best thing we can do for them is to offer our unflinching support.