Saturday December 11, 2010

Advocating change for PWDs

By S. INDRAMALAR
indra@thestar.com.my

IF THERE is one thing Norani Haji Mohd Hashim could wish for, it would be that people with disabilities (PWD) have better access to infrastructure and services.

As the Deputy Director-General (Operation) for the Department of Social Welfare, Norani is an advocate for the disabled, a role to which she is fully committed, no matter how fraught it is with challenges.

“If I were to put myself in their shoes, I’d want to be able to walk out of my home and get around like any other person. I’d want to be able to walk, drive and move about freely. I’d like to be able to watch a movie or go shopping with ease.

“At the moment, accessibility for PWDs is just not there. The moment they step out of their homes, there are so many hazards. It’s just not fair to them,” said Norani.

Accessibility is one of the two themes of this year’s national level celebrations of the International Day Of Persons With Disabilities. The other theme is employment.

“Accessibility and employment are two key aspects of our initiative to integrate persons with disabilities into mainstream society. Improvements in these areas will enable PWDs to become independent,and by default productive citizens as well.

“Many PWDs, because they are given the means and opportunities, are able to support themselves, their families and contribute to the communities they live in. This is what we are aiming for – inclusion and integration of all people, regardless of their abilities.”

The national-level celebrations will take place today in Malacca and will be officiated by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

“Although there are laws and regulations to ensure accessibility for PWDs in public buildings, outdoors and in all new housing projects, enforcement is lacking,” said Norani. State local authorities have to play a more active role in enforcing the existing laws.

“The local authorities in every state must take charge because they are the body that issues licences and approvals. If they are strict, then developers will have to comply and provide for PWDs in all development projects.

“By right, all new buildings are supposed to follow the universal design principals. The provisions are there but the implementation isn’t. This is where the local authorities must step in,” said Norani.

She was referring to the amendment to the Uniform Building Bylaws in 1990 which makes it compulsory for buildings to provide access and facilities for the disabled.

Existing buildings were given three years to make modifications to comply with the bylaw.

In July, Malaysia ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“This means we are obliged by law to ensure that PWDs have equal access in terms of access in/to public facilities, amenities, buildings, public transport and so on.

“We have to work fast because we have to present a report on our progress to the UN in two years,” said the deputy director-general.

Though there is much to be done, Norani acknowledged that things are changing. The number of companies that are willing to employ PWDs is increasing and the perception of PWDs in society has also changed.

“People are not awkward or shy when they talk about PWDs. They are accepted in society now more than ever,” she noted.

Today’s celebrations is to pay tribute to PWDs and recognise their contribution to society. There will be awards for outstanding PWDs who have courageously triumphed over their disabilities and also certificates for care providers who have worked tirelessly for the disabled.

One of the highlights of the event is an exhibition showcasing the handiwork and products of PWDs.

The exhibition will also highlight programmes run by government agencies, non-governmental organisations and service providers for PWDs, and suggest areas in which the corporate sector can play a part.

There will also be a registration drive to encourage PWDs to register with the Department of Social Welfare.

“A lot of PWDs and their parents are not aware of the services that are available to them. These services include employment assistance and also the access to early rehabilitation programmes.

“In Malaysia, it isn’t compulsory for PWDs to register with the department. But we encourage them to because to be eligible for our services, they have to be registered. That is a criteria,” said Norani.

There are presently about 330,000 PWDs registered with the Department. This, says Norani, is only a small percentage of the total number of PWDs in the country.

“The World Health Organisation estimates that PWDs make up five to 10% of the population of every country. This is a general estimation. The categorisation of PWDs differ ... some countries categorise old people as PWDs as well. In Malaysia, PWDs are divided into seven categories,” said Norani.

The seven categories of disabilities are visual impairment, physical disability, deafness, speech impairment, mental disability, learning disability and multiple disabilities.

“Once they register with us, they will be assessed by experts to determine if they qualify and into which category they best fit,” said Norani.

She explained that Malacca was chosen as the venue of this year’s celebrations for several reasons.

“We really wanted to reach the masses and reach out to PWDs everywhere. The celebrations will be held at Fashion City (at the Melaka International Trade Centre grounds) which is accessible to everyone. Also, this is a tribute to Malacca, which was was recently declared a developed state.”

Norani concluded: “We also wanted to see whether, as a developed state, it would be able to provide for PWDs.