Training centre for disabled opens up a whole new world
A positive attitude can work wonders for one’s well-being.
LETCHUMY Krishnan, 25, is one of the most active residents of the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Rawang, Selangor. She cleans, cooks, sews, makes handicraft items and does the weekly grocery.
However, Letchumy, a wheelchair user, wasn’t like this when she was living with her mother in Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam.
Letchumy was born on April 1 at the General Hospital in Klang. She was joined from the head with her twin sister. The surgeons wasted no time in separating the conjoined babies. Sadly, Letchumy’s sister died three months later.
By then Letchumy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her distraught father abandoned her.
“Dad left us when I needed him the most,” Letchumy said.
Letchumy’s mum, however. never gave up on her little girl. With her meagre income from packing drinks at a factory, she continued to support her children. She enrolled Letchumy at a Tamil school near their home. As they had no car, a friend offered to transport her daughter to school. Class attendance, however, was irregular depending on whether there was transport.
Letchumy was able to walk with some support. As a student with a disability, Letchumy was unable to use the school toilet as it did not have disabled-friendly features. She was excused from assembly and sports which she loved so much.
Letchumy stopped schooling after the doctors did an operation to improve her condition. The operation left her worse off when she lost some sensation in her limbs.
Letchumy soon found herself confined to her flat, which was on the third floor. “It was a lonely life. There were no lifts in my flat, so I couldn’t get out and make friends.”
One day, Letchumy and her mother were listening to RTM’s Radio Six, when a special live interview programme with several disabled activists came on.
One of them was Francis Siva, president of ILTC.
“My mum and I couldn’t believe our ears when we heard that disabled people were leading useful lives at the ILTC,” said Letchumy. She enrolled at the centre within two days.
“Suddenly, a whole new world opened up for me,” said Letchumy.
Letchumy learnt to speak English and Bahasa Malaysia. She also learnt to use a computer for the first time.
“I want to focus on starting a new life. My mum is proud of my achievements,” said Letchumy.
Letchumy is looking for employment outside the centre. If you can help, call ILTC at % 03-6091 2531 or e-mail: iltcmalaysia@gmail.com.
1 comment:
very good report of a Disabled by a Disabled.
hope somebody will give this energetic girl a job soon
Post a Comment