A memorable year
IT’S TIME to say “So long” to another incredible year before welcoming a brand new one this weekend.
Let’s look back at some of the most exciting and memorable moments of this column.
I started the year by writing about the first anniversary of the death of my Rottweiler, Vai, which had succumbed to cancer. He was truly my hero as a personal service dog. Even now, nearly two years after his passing, I still miss him dearly.
Vai was largely responsible for turning my life around – from depression to positive living. He taught me everything I know about disability. Never let anyone put you down in your wheelchair – that was what Vai taught me during his 13 years with me. In his eyes, anyone in a wheelchair was “normal”.
Vai turned out to be the best psychiatrist, rehabilitation specialist and best friend that I ever needed to get on with life.
The year 2010 brought about a couple of noteworthy turn of events.
The first was a protest by a dozen handicapped people earlier this year at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) building in Kuala Lumpur.
We were mad over an incident in which a MACC senior officer directed a mocking remark at a lawyer in a wheelchair.
We were surprised and touched when a swift apology was graciously issued by MACC chief commissioner Datuk Abu Kassim Mohamed in a letter the following day.
More recently, the Ipoh City Council (MBI) offered an apology when its dog catchers accidentally shot dead a therapy dog named “Spunk” which belonged to an elderly woman. The MBI has banned dog-shooting in the city and promised to set up a canine committee to handle the stray dog problem.
In March, psychiatrist Dr Andrew Mohanraj shared with us that although mental illness had been recognised as a disability in 2009, there was still a great need to understand and offer unflinching support to people who have the condition.
One of the first steps in doing so is to educate ourselves about the disease.
In April, the Malaysian Parkinson’s Disease Association signed a global declaration of People with Parkinson’s in front of 200 people, including their caregivers and supporters.
A few weeks ago, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil brought glad tidings when she said she would do everything she could to get people with Parkinson’s (PwP) officially registered as people with disabilities by early next year. This will enable the more than 15,000 PwP to qualify for free medical aid.
Numerous horror stories about buildings which are inaccessible to wheelchair users are featured in this column each year.
The worse was the KL Social Welfare Department on the ninth floor of Grand Seasons Avenue.
The toilets for disabled men and women in separate sections were too small and did not have proper fittings. Shower curtains were used as doors!
It was shocking that the disabled who visit the welfare department had to put up with this for years.
Prompt action was taken when this matter was highlighted in Wheel Power.
I visited the place again just before Christmas. Now the toilets are big enough for wheelchairs and there is a beautiful sliding door to provide privacy. Well done!
Last, but not least, blind golf, anyone?
Yam Tong Woo, 57, who lost his sight following a bacterial infection, shared how he picked up the pieces with the help of his family. Now he’s back to doing what he loves most – playing golf.
Just how on earth does he do it, you may ask. With the help of his wife who is his caddy. Yam was in Singapore during the last Raya holidays to take part in an inaugural golf tournament called the Handa Singapore Classic.
So when people tell you that you can’t do something because you are disabled, don’t you believe it. Just get out there and do it!
Happy 2011, everyone!
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