Hospital visit

Thursday November 13, 2008

The Star - Online - Lifestyle
Home > Lifestyle > Living

Hospital visit
WHEEL POWER WITH ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Councillors, politicians and government officials should reach out to their constituents who are in hospital.

RECENTLY a friend of mine was alarmed when I told her I was going to the hospital. However, the purpose of my trip was to visit some disabled persons who were admitted there. It was part of my job as a Petaling Jaya city councillor, I explained to my friend.

“Why?” she blurted out. “Surely that’s not part of your duties?”

Her remark had me thinking about our attitude towards visiting the sick in hospital. Why can’t it be part of the responsibility of local councillors, politicians and government officials to reach out to their constituents who are in hospital?

I’m not talking about making visits to individuals during a national disaster, which is common practice.

A private visit is more effective as I discovered during my trip last week.

The hospital had only one disabled-friendly parking lot at the entrance. For an institution where persons with wheelchairs are bound to frequent, this is inadequate. To make matters worse, the slot was occupied by a sleek BMW. I was told that the car belonged to a doctor at the hospital.

I wasn’t surprised. I know of a posh private hospital in Kuala Lumpur that allows its director to park his car in one of the two disabled parking lots at the entrance of the hospital.

This is ridiculous. Directors of institutions – and certainly doctors – who cater and care for sick, elderly and disabled ought to be the last people on earth to need education on how essential disabled-friendly features are for people who need them.

There is no point in providing such facilities if we do not ensure they are utilised accordingly.

I complained to the PR team and they wasted no time in getting the offending vehicle out of the box.

Despite this unpleasant encounter, I learnt a lot by meeting some of the patients at the hospital. I met an active paraplegic who had to lie in bed and on his stomach for a month (or more) because of a pressure sore. There was also another gentleman who dislocated his hip.

Even as they, and several others who are disabled, wait eagerly to be discharged, they are worried about the kind of bill the hospital will slap on them.

It has often been said that disabled persons are entitled to free medical treatment in government hospitals. Ironically, the policy doesn’t apply for admissions.

Something is very wrong here, and it needs to be fixed.

Power of will

Sunday November 9, 2008

The Star - Metro

Power of will
Sunday with T.SELVA

No doubt about it: where there’s a will, there’s a way.

WILLPOWER is a self-discipline energy which every individual possesses. It is not something that is reserved for a few special people only.

To learn to invoke this inner power is vital because every person can improve his or her well-being when the energy is roused.

In self-improvement studies, the hidden strength is regarded as the success tool in all areas of life.

All of us have it and awakening it is important so that we are able to cope with the various challenges because our life is not a bed of roses nor it is full of thorns either.

The ups and downs we experience should be viewed as an art of living because our existence is a lifelong learning process.

We should face all challenges using our strong willpower and without giving up.

I have a high regard for people who have strong willpower, determination and the force to overcome all shortcomings and obstacles in life because they are successful in whatever they undertake.
Mesmerising: The charity performance Awakening showcases talents from the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe.

I am writing this because I was particularly moved and mesmerised last night after watching the charity performance Awakening, which showcased the talents of 27 Chinese performers from the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite being deaf and dumb, the talented dancers had the power to evoke in each of us a deeper understanding of our lives and of the world around us.

They portrayed independence, enhanced our sense of self-worth, and provided an avenue for everyone to learn and develop creative talents and skills.

And, perhaps most importantly, the artistes made the audience at the Plenary Hall in the KL Convention Centre realise that nothing is impossible in life if you have the willpower.

The extraordinary troupe reflected both the capabilities of people with disabilities and the power of will to transcend all barriers in the quest to reach their full potential.

Two friends whom I had invited for the show turned down the invitation saying that the show would make them feel gloomy because they would not be able to handle seeing the handicapped performing.

I felt sad for them because they could have been inspired by the performances and not otherwise because the world-class dancers displayed their superb art just like able people, if not better.

How one perceives a handicapped person is a reflection of one’s own attitude towards them and this is unfair to the impaired people whom I think should be seen with ordinary eyes.

We should be sensitive and respect people who are disabled and also understand their feelings, culture, heritage, and the language unique to deaf people of the world.

The show was unique and dazzling both visually and musically and the Chinese artistes also challenged us to recognise outmoded stereotypes and destructive attitudes that too often hinder people with disabilities in the aim to reach their goals.

They left a lasting impression in the hearts of the spectators to understand and appreciate life and mankind’s diversity as well as the goals and values we share.

I strongly feel that there is a need to integrate the able with the disabled to create better understanding, love and compassion.

People with special needs should not feel imprisoned because of their disability.

They should not feel shy about what they are and they should feel confident and that their disability does not mean they are worth less than other people.

The truth is that everyone can reach high levels if they have the willpower to make a decision, take action, and handle and execute any task until it is accomplished, regardless of inner and outer resistance, discomfort or difficulties.

The will is so powerful that it has the ability to overcome laziness, temptations and negative habits, and to carry out actions, even if they require effort, are unpleasant and tedious or are contrary to one’s habits.

T. Selva, The Star’s Sunday Metro editor, says the handicapped should be seen as a reflection of life as to how fortunate we are.

Tips on tapping into your inner strength

• Play soothing music and calm yourself and stay away from noisy places and disturbing sounds.
• Distance yourself from anger, frustrations, negativity and things that upset you.
• When faced with difficult situations, remind yourself that tough times do not remain but tough people do.
• Maintain a positive attitude no matter how difficult the situation and remain focused and clear.

Special children have a splashing time under new programme

Friday November 7, 2008

Special children have a splashing time under new programme
By JADE CHAN

THE 11 special children from the Malaysian Association of Guardians for the Intellectually Challenged (Magic) had a splashing good time at a local club’s pool as they worked their way to learn the basics of swimming.

Magic administrator Elizabeth Perera explained that they got to know Dr Rekha Ramachandran, who recommended a swimming programme for special children taught by Sridhar.

“Dr Rekha is the Down’s Syndrome Association of Tamilnadu chairperson in Chennai and a parent of a Down’s Syndrome child.

“She met with some parents at Magic and shared the activities her association does, including Sridhar’s swimming programme.

For special children: MAGIC (Malaysian Association of Guardians for the Intellectually Challenged) is a modern resource centre that offers an alternative form of education for intellectually challenged students. It is located in a quiet residential environment in Section 16, PJ

“The children were taught simple step-by-step techniques on how to swim freestyle and coordinate their hand-leg movements. It was also an opportunity for them to exercise and have fun.

“Sridhar felt that some of the children were quick to pick up on their swimming skills and most weren’t afraid of the water.

“They were all very determined and managed to swim within two weeks,” said Perera.

She pointed out that the coach, who was assisted by several volunteers and teachers, had to be very patient and have the ability to work with children of different learning levels.

“The children were sad when the programme ended and are keen to practise what they learnt.

“We will write to the Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam, which allowed us to use their pool for free during our programme, to see if we can continue the swimming lessons with their coach and learn other strokes.”

Magic president Nerin Yusop said that swimming offered a great form of exercise that helped control her daughter’s blood sugar level.

“Sarah, 17, loves it so much that she’s declared it her new hobby. She’s eager to practise swimming and this shall be our new Saturday morning activity,” said Nerin.

Perera herself was thrilled that her daughter, 22-year-old Marie Anne, was able to swim within three days and hopes she would continue swimming to shed some weight. Introduction to swimming: Sridhar (second from right) guiding the children through the swimming programme through a step-by-step method, including how to kick and coordinate their hand-leg movements

Magic is a non-profit organisation conceptualised in 2000 by a group of parents whose own children are intellectually challenged and decided to start a special needs resource centre.

It offers an alternative form of education for students who have been diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Global Delay, autism and learning disabilities.

The swimming programme is part of Magic’s integration programmes and curriculum to cater to the students’ needs.

Other activities include arts and craft, cooking and baking, riding for the disabled, drama and body movements, and school-to-work transition programme.

An intensive life skill programme that covers areas like personal and home maintenance, budgeting and shopping, vocational skills and organised class trips is conducted to provide a more hands-on form of learning.

“Our focus is on independent, social and domestic living skills. A lot of the lessons have to be repeated and conducted through role-playing for the children to understand better,” said Perera.

“The difference with Magic is that the parents are personally involved in their children’s development and education, hence providing a heart and soul to the organisation.

“It takes longer for special children to learn, but with a lot of patience and repetition, they can.”

She advised parents to not underestimate their children’s capabilities and said that given a chance, they can excel in anything they set their minds to.

“Our vision is to have a community group home, similar to the one in Australia. It is a place where special people who are young working adults can live independently within a community.”

For more information, contact Magic at 03-7957 3082 or magiceducationcentre@yahoo.com.

Stipend of RM150 for special children in Johor

Friday November 7, 2008

Stipend of RM150 for special children in Johor

MUAR: Special children in primary and secondary schools in Johor will receive a monthly allowance of RM150, said the Mentri Besar’s special officer Datuk Mohd Ismail Mohd Shah.

Speaking to parents of 63 special children from the Parit Keroma in-community rehabilitation centre, he said that parents should register their children with the state Education Department before December.

“I have been informed that the allowance is in the 2009 Budget and the state needs to know who are eligible for next year’s school term.

“I hope parents will register the children soon as the department has to submit the list before 2009,” he said after treating the children to a Hari Raya meal recently.

Mohd Ismail said parents should realise that children with physical, muscular or mental disorders needed to learn in schools.

They should not prevent their special children from learning and give them every opportunity to go to school, he said.

Mohd Ismail said, besides knowledge, such children needed care and parents as well as relatives should be more committed in helping them.

“I hope that those yet to send their special children to in-community rehabilitation centres will do so now and not feel ashamed of such children.

“The state is providing all the necessary aid and we should play our parts in ensuring they receive the aid,” he added.

Thursday November 6, 2008

Ideal class
WHEEL POWERBY ANTHONY THANASAYAN

RECENTLY I received flak from some parents of learning disabled (LD) children and young adults. They were upset with me for not giving my support as a disabled city councillor (MBPJ) to a centre in Petaling Jaya, where their children were studying.

The trouble is, the centre in question is a business set-up; it is not registered as a non-profit association with the Registrar of Societies, which should be the case.

As a disabled person, I would be the last to go against anything that would benefit the disabled.

Despite the apparent negativity of it all, I believe the issue has raised healthy debate over services provided to the disabled in our country.

Here is a brief checklist that Puan Sariah Amirin and I worked on, which will hopefully be a useful guide for anyone intending to work with people with LD.

Sariah is president of the Dyslexia Association of Malaysia. She also sits on the expert committee on disability in MBPJ.

Understand the basics: There is a wide range of learning disabilities that affect people from birth to adulthood. They encounter significant difficulties in their ability to listen, speak, read, write and reason like other people. However, with proper training, they can study in a regular school setting with a special education teacher. If given a chance, they can even hold jobs.

Know your target group and their needs: Never lump various types of LD groups together. Each category has specific needs. Teachers must possess special education qualifications. The ideal ratio is one teacher to four students.

A roomy environment is essential: Bungalows or corner lot double- or single-storey terraces are best. Children with behavioural issues like attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism can get very upset and claustrophobic with the way furniture is arranged. Thus centres should provide an open space where such children can go to calm down.

Where they study: Classrooms must be equipped with suitable eating areas, outdoor playground, gym (for physiotherapy) and clean and safe toilets. Special diets which are sugar-free or caffeine-free are a must for all LD children.

Further requirements: Students must be assessed for their chronological and mental age to enable proper grouping for effective education. An individual education plan should be structured. This should include the curriculum set by the Education Ministry’s Special Education Department.

In addition to academic achievements for highly-functioning LD students, daily living skills and behaviour management programmes are needed for those with moderate and profound disabilities. Vocational training geared towards job placements should be provided for those 16 and above.

Other prerequisites for setting up an LD centre include having medical professionals – from neurologists to speech therapists – to ensure holistic care for each child. A centre should be operated by a board of directors which includes at least one or more of such experts in the team.

All LD centres must conduct examinations to give every child the same opportunities as non-disabled students.

For more information, contact Puan Sariah Amirin (03-4025 5109).

Centre given three months to comply

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Centre given three months to comply

Sheila Sri Priya

Sariah Amirin (left) and Derek Fernandez

PETALING JAYA: Kiaros, a learning disability centre, has been given three months to submit supporting documents for operating in its current residential premises in SS1.

The decision was made by PJ City Council secretary Puasa Md. Taib during a meeting held between the council and the management of the centre for children with learning disabilities.

Sariah Amirin, President of Dyslexia Association of Malaysia, mentioned a list of criteria that a centre needs to meet before approval or accreditation is given.

Among the criteria are proper learning tools, a suitable evaluation system before and after joining the programme, a special doctor to attend to immediate needs of the children, smart partnership with NGOs or other welfare related departments.

The centre, which has been operating in the past eight years without any form of approval by the city council, was ordered to stop its operation.

Councillors Mak Khuin Weng, Tiew Way Keng and Derek Fernandez said that there may be not enough suitable centres for children with learning disabilities and urged Kiaros and the council to work closely and legalise matters soon.

The centre's head Rev. Rudy Lui said: "We want to abide by the law and will cooperate with the city council by providing proper documentation of the centre."Let's take it from here and work towards legalising this centre in the rightful manner."

We will compile our approval documents from the fire and health department and submit them to the council."

All Petaling Jaya Residents Association Coalition head Liew Wei Beng said: "We will assist the organisation and work closely with them. Parents who send their children to the centre have approached us and highlighted their plight.

"They are happy to send their children to the centre and are satisfied with the services offered."

Reaching Out Club of Sri KDU Secondary School donated Two Units of Motobikes

Reaching Out Club of Sri KDU Secondary School donated 2 units of Three Wheeler Motorbikes to Marry Franchis and Honasekaran from ILTC members Oct 21, 2008.

I as the President of ILTC would like to wish my heartful thanks to the Organizing Committees of this event. Keep up your good and meaningful work for the needys always

Below you can see some photo's of the cheerful event.

Reaching out

Sunday November 2, 2008

News Home > Education

Reaching out

FOR Marry Franchis and Honasekaran, Oct 21 will be forever etched in their memories as a momentous day because that morning, they were given motorbikes, courtesy of the Reaching Out Club of Sri KDU Secondary School (Sri KDU).

However, these were no ordinary machines – they were Honda EX-5 motorbikes modified for the use of the disabled and presented to the young men as a symbol of friendship.

Marry and Honasekaran are members of the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC), an organisation which aims to change the way people with disabilities view themselves as well as the way the community responds to their needs.

One of the bikes donated by Sri KDU Secondary School.

Honasekaran, 20, was involved in an accident four years ago which left him paralysed from the waist down.

Marry, 28, was born with cerebral palsy and is also a paraplegic.

What is admirable about these young men is their courage to face the challenges of life.

They are determined to be independent despite their disabilities and needed a vehicle to be more mobile.

Through a chance meeting with the founder of ILTC, the Reaching Out Club came up with the idea of raising funds to purchase the motorbikes for Marry and Honasekaran.

For more than six months, enthusiastic members organised various activities to raise funds to buy the bikes.

Parents, staff and students did their bit to make this commitment a reality and by October, had managed to raise a total of RM11,500.

The bikes were modified and sent to Puspakom for inspection and approval.

Marry and Honasekaran have plans to start a small business. They realise that the way forward is for them to take fuller control of their lives.

They have resolved to be independent and work hard to realise their potential.

A fine example

Thursday October 30, 2008

The Star - Wheel Power

A fine example
WHEEL POWERBY ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Well-organised event a model for future programmes.

I HAD a super time on Sunday. And apparently so did more than 30 other Malaysians with disabilities and their caregivers. We were all at the Sri Jugra Hall in Kuala Langat, Selangor, attending a Deepavali gathering hosted by the district council (MDKL).

I was there as the main speaker in my capacity as a disabled councillor for the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). There were two other speakers – Gurdip Kaur, the councillor with disability for the Selayang local council, and Francis Siva, a tetraplegic who is president of the self-help NGO called Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang, Selangor.

We were invited to instil confidence among local residents, but as it turned out, we were the ones who were truly inspired. Kudos to Kuala Langat councillor Janarthani Arumugam who put the whole event together.

Here are some of the exemplary things that they achieved.

1. Excellent turnout: Only two invitees did not show up. The organisers were meticulous with their homework. Their personal visits to their guests weeks before the event to encourage them to attend paid off.

2. People with disabilities were the focus and priority: The majority of people in the hall were those with physical and developmental handicaps. The speeches highlighted the capabilities of Malaysians with handicaps.

3. The disabled were active participants: In addition to the three of us, the organisers picked a local disabled woman with muscular dystrophy to present a session. Even though her talk and video presentation lasted only a few minutes, I am glad that the MDKL thought that it was important to include her.

4. There was great sensitivity to the disabled: Even though there was a stage, the organisers conducted everything off the platform. Words such as “normal”, “unfortunate/fortunate”, and “tragedy” were not uttered as these are offensive to many handicapped people.

5. Caregivers and parents were recognised: The best part of the whole event for me was watching the smiles on the faces of the parents going up to the front to accept the RM50 Deepavali ang pows for their children.

Each of their children’s names was read out loud – and in full – as they were wheeled, carried or helped forward. The children also seemed excited, although some of them did not fully understand what was going on.

For many, this was an opportunity to meet other disabled persons. Realising that they are not alone in their struggles must be wonderful encouragement.

The able-bodied VIPs who were presenting the gifts made it a point to shake each recipient’s hand.

In addition, wheelchairs were given free to the needy. Those who didn’t have one were promised the next available wheelchair that was donated.

MDKL president Mohd Ahir Zawawi said he would look into getting a van for the disabled community in his district and work towards making the Sri Jugra Hall and other buildings accessible to the disabled.

At the event, I saw that there were many other things that the disabled still needed. These ranged from shoes to moisturising cream. They also need regular transportation to a government specialist.

For more information, call Janarthani at 016-436 2301 .

A fine example

On 26th October 2008 we (Ms. Rina, Mr. Anthony & Myself) were all at the Sri Jugra Hall in Kuala Langat, Selangor, attended a Deepavali gathering hosted by the district council (MDKL).

As below you can see a few photos of the event.

Good Day For ILTC's Member

On 23rd October 2008 a group of Kiyota high school, Sapparo, Japan arrived at ILTC with special gift of 4 best wheelchairs towards disabled members.
I take this opportunity to thank Ryosuke Muramatsu, the coordinator of Go! Fly! Wheelchairs.
We also had a good time with them which sharing our daily activities and our objectives. We hope the information given by us would be sufficient for them.We hope and welcome again the student of Kiyota High School in next year.

Rotary club presents vocational service awards to top individuals

Wednesday October 29, 2008

Rotary club presents vocational service awards to top individuals
By STUART MICHAEL

FOUR people including a disabled couple received the Vocational Service Award from the Rotary Club of Damansara at a function in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday.

The recipients were Dr Hartini Zainudin, Tamil Selvi Velloo, Gurdip Kaur and her husband Francis Sivasangararao.

Rotary Club of Damansara Vocational Service Award director Johan Nicholason said, every year since the club was set up 28 years ago, it honoured people who deserved the recognition.
In appreciation: Usha (left) presenting the awards to Gurdip and her husband Francis at the event in Kuala Lumpur recently

“Many people do charity work without thinking about their welfare and money they spend. They do it because of their passion and this is what the award is all about,” he said.

“Some are not appreciated in the community and we want to show them they are appreciated by our club,’’ said Nicholason, who presented the awards together with Rotary Club of Damansara president Usha Rajasingam.

Dr Hartini, a consultant at Pusat Jagaan Nur Salam and Rumah Jagaan Kanak Kanak at Chow Kit in Kuala Lumpur, has worked with the half-way-house on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week basis at the crisis centre for underprivileged, abused and deprived children.

Selvi, a nurse at University of Malaysia Medical Centre (UMMC) and a committee member of the Breast Cancer Association of Kuala Lumpur, was recognised for her care for cancer patients at UMMC.

Selvi was awarded the Piala Cemerlang by UMMC in 2002 for her service.

Gurdip and Francis are a couple who were disabled due to spinal injuries.

Gurdip was disabled in a fall in 1993 and Francis in a car accident in 1986.

Both overcame the odds and started helping fellow disabled persons by setting up the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang nine years ago.

Gurdip was awarded the Disabled Woman Worker of the Year Award in 2003 by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Francis was awarded the Disabled Man Worker of the Year Award in 2005 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Both of these events werre organised by Perkeso.

"Many people do charity work without thinking about their welfare and the money they spend" - JOHAN NICHOLASON

Gurdip is a councillor with Selayang Municipal Council and is determined to help disabled people and the public to solve their many woes in Rawang.

Francis, who founded the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan in 1996, has been educating the public on the needs and aspirations of disabled people.

Konsert Deepavali 2008

KONSERT DEEPAVALI 2008

ANJURAN

KOMUNITI INDIA RAWANG - 23 OKTOBER 2008

20 ILTC members were invited to participate at this event.

On the day all the members present were provide good dinner and hampers with a super entertainment.

At the event 3 ILTC members also preformed wheelchair dance to entertained the crowd.

Parents defend learning centre

Thursday October 23, 2008


Parents defend learning centre
By TAN KARR WEI

A GROUP of parents, whose children have learning disabilities have hit out at remarks made by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Anthony Thanasayan.

During the last full board meeting, Thanasayan had announced that the council would act on a learning centre for children with disabilities for misuse of building.

He had visited the centre located in SS1, Petaling Jaya, and according to him, some of the children had only mild learning disabilities and should be going to a regular school.

He also commented that the teachers did not have experience working with the children and that the centre did not have the right facilities.

Help us: Some of the parents with the students at the learning centre.

“We want to ask the councillors if they have looked after children with special needs. They may look normal but you don’t know when they would throw a tantrum.

“Of course, we would be happy if our child can get one-to-one attention from teachers but there are no facilities out there,” said Monique Goh, whose 23-year-old son still attends the centre.

Goh and about 10 other parents organised a press conference with the help of the Petaling Jaya Selangor Residents Association (APAC) to voice their support for the centre.

Asella Hew, 46, said that her 16-year-old dyslexic son Matthew Chan attended a regular primary school from Standard One to Six.

“Every year, I had to tell the teachers about his condition. However, with every passing year, his learning ability was still poor. When I started sending him to this centre, he got better. Now, he looks forward to attending school because he has friends that he can relate to,” said Hew.

She hoped that the authorities could look into their plight as there weren’t many resources.

According to Reverend Rudy Liu who runs the centre, they have tried applying to the Education Ministry but were advised to apply through the Welfare Depart-ment because there were students as old as 23 years old.

“The Welfare Department said we could operate as long as we can get approval from the fire and health departments and the MBPJ for our premises,” said Liu.

He said the fire and health departments had already given their approval.

“We are appealing to the MBPJ to look into our plight. If there’s something we’re not doing right, they should assist us. We’re not doing anything illegal. Our operation hours are only from 9am to 3pm,” said Liu.

According to APAC chairman Liew Wei Beng, MBPJ was concerned about the legality of the centre and whether it was accredited.

“There are not many centres providing such facilities so the council could help to find an alternative place if they can’t legalise the place,” said Liew at the meeting.

China disabled art troupe to perform in Malaysia

Thursday October 23, 2008




China disabled art troupe to perform in Malaysia

THE China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe who recently performed at the Beijing Olympics Games 2008 and Paralympic Games , will be in Malaysia on Nov 8 and 9.

This charity show will showcase blind and mute performers from China and our very own Malaysian disabled young adult performers from Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor, DeafBeat from YMCA Kuala Lumpur, the Independent Living and Training Centre and the Creative Stars.

They will perform at the KLCC Convention Centre, Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur.


Mesmerising: The China’s Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe will perform next month.

The theme of the performance is ‘Realisation to our fullest potential.”

The net proceeds will go to the operating expenses of Amriteswari Foundation of Malaysia’s three community centres in Puchong, Semenyih and Penang. It will also go towards the construction of a new block of building for SJK (C) Chen Moh in Petaling Jaya Old Town.

Tickets, priced between RM60 and RM248, are available from our official ticketing agent, Ticket Pro at 03-7880 7999 or visit http://www.ticketpro.com.my/ or http://www.amriteswarifoundation.org/ or http://www.chenmoh.edu.my/.

Abby’s dream

Thursday October 23, 2008

Lifestyle

Abby’s dream
Wheel Power: By Anthony Thanasayan

A young lady with muscular dystrophy shows her amazing zest for life.

WITH the Festival of Lights around the corner, I was delighted to receive a touching e-mail from Janarthani Arumugam, local councillor for the Kuala Langat District in Selangor.

She writes: “I agree with you that much needs to be done for people with disabilities whom I regard as people with plenty of potential and abilities. A fine example is my newfound friend U. Nyanambigai, or Abby, as she is affectionately known.”

Abby, 24, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was a child. Her sister Meghala, 22, and brother, Gopi, 20, too have muscular dystrophy.

Muscular dystrophy is a serious condition in which the muscles become progressively weak. Their parents are non-disabled.

The family live in a dilapidated house. Abby and her siblings sleep on a large wooden platform. Because of their weak backs, they often lie on their sides.

“It was their need for special wheelchairs to help them live a little more independently that I got to meet Abby and her siblings,” says Janarthani.

Gopi is the only one with some income. He issues receipts at the local temple, and earns about RM300 a month. Abby was recently nominated for the Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award 2008 by the Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) based in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

“I nominated this inspiring individual for her amazing willpower and tenacity to live an independent life,” says Janarthani. “Abby managed to get an education despite the debilitating circumstances surrounding her.”

Janarthani went on to explain how Abby enlisted the help of a neighbour who owned a van to send Meghala and Gopi to school.

Abby managed to get an internship in the local Waterworks Department during the last semester of her studies. Her mother wheels Abby to the office and back.

The office is located 1km from their home. The trip is made more difficult by the wheelchair’s worn-out wheels and the terrible road condition.

“Her office is also not very disabled friendly,” says Janarthani.

Abby has to wait till she gets home to use the bathroom every day.

“Such conditions can demoralise any young person. Despite this, Abby perseveres which is what I find most admirable about her.”

Abby is passionate about art and computer graphics. Her dream is to study art and design to become independent and support her siblings and parents.

Among Abby’s Deepavali wishes are:

To have suitable wheelchairs and medical cushions for herself and her siblings.

To get a scholarship for further studies.

To get the highest votes via SMS for AYA’s Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award 2008

To support Abby, please type: AYAY5. Then send it to 36828.

Each SMS will be charged 80 sen. All votes must be submitted before 11.59pm on Nov 2.

For more information, please call Janarthani (016-436 2301).

Government urged to train and hire more disabled people

Tuesday October 21, 2008

Government urged to train and hire more disabled people
Reports by LEE YUK PENG, ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN and LISA GOH

EMPLOYMENT opportunities in Government agencies for the disabled was limited as only the welfare department was hiring them, said Nancy Shukri (BN - Batang Sadong).

She said other Government departments did not hire the disabled as recruitment was carried out by the Public Services Department at the federal level and not at state.

“Even if the state departments or agencies recruited the disabled, the number is small,” she said, adding that support from non-governmental organisations and individuals was needed to help the disabled secure jobs.

Nancy also said that the Semarahan Rehabilitation Centre that provides rehabilitation and vocational training for the disabled was under utilised.

The capacity at the centre was 100 persons but it had only 33 so far, she said, adding that training provided at the centre was not on par with that of the National Vocational Training Council.

“I suggest the Government upgrade the centre so that it will be able to help the disabled get jobs easily.

“It can be done if the centre is equipped with facilities for the disabled and the word disabled is added to its name,” she said, urging the private sector to provide job opportunities to trainees from the Semarahan Rehabilitation Centre.

Nancy said there were some 48,084 disabled people in Sarawak of which 11,646 were in Kuching.

Deepavali Greetings From President of Independent Living & Training Centre.

Deepavali Greetings From President of Independent Living & Training Centre.

Dear Friends,

Wishing everyone a very happy diwali !!!!!!!

May this festival of light brings joy & happiness to you & your family.

From,

Mr. Francis Siva

President

Independent Living & Training Centre

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."