Pressing issues for the disabled

Thursday September 27, 2012

 

Pressing issues for the disabled

DESPITE being involved in the business of creating awareness of disability for several decades now, there are days when I feel down and wonder how effective it has all been.

How much, for instance, do people who do not have any disabilities understand what it feels like for those of us who do? From the man in the street to folks who actually work with the Government in trying to solve our problems, it is not unusual to come across people who haven’t a clue what life is like for those who use a wheelchair or a white cane, or live in a world of silence.

Last Friday, several of us in wheelchairs got together to get our voices heard.

We held a press conference in Petaling Jaya. Our audience? The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, better known as Suhakam.

Suhakam was kind enough to come over to our venue instead of having us go to theirs. However, getting a bunch of people in wheelchairs together is not the simplest thing on earth.

We had to spend time looking for a few vehicles that could accommodate wheelchairs. Then we needed to place at least one able-bodied helper to one wheelchair user.

There was also the issue of disabled-friendly toilets. Being able to sit up for long hours was another issue, especially for those with pressure sores in their buttocks.

Since the issue at stake was important in helping the disabled to achieve a better quality of life, we turned up despite the odds.

The press conference called for several basic things:

A significant improvement in current healthcare services

We heard that although healthcare for handicapped Malaysians is said to be free in government hospitals, this was not entirely true in a number of cases. Disabled patients who seek treatment for pressure and bedsores have been told to buy medication, plasters and even cotton gauze swabs at outside pharmacies.

The disabled strongly feel that nurses from nearby government hospitals should make home visits for wound dressings and other medical assistance as is done overseas.

This is very helpful for those who do not have transport or anyone to send them to hospital.

At the press conference, we also learnt of instances where patients were sent home while recovering from their sores, and they were forced to do the dressings at home. These “early discharge” cases came about because there were not enough beds for new patients.

Trained caregivers for profoundly disabled Malaysians

The Government needs to come out with a clear policy on how to care for the aging disabled population, especially since Malaysia is expected to reach ageing nation status by 2035. Caregivers should undergo special training. Levy and other fees should be waived for caregivers for the disabled.

The situation can become critical when loved ones who play the role of caregiver, pass away. Poorer communities should also have access to such services. Steps should be taken to focus on disabled persons in the community rather than any move to institutionalise people.

Special financial aid for all disabled Malaysians

A flat rate of RM500 should be given to all disabled Malaysians, regardless of their handicap or employment status. This should be given in addition to whatever financial benefits some might be receiving.

The money will go a long way in helping the handicapped deal with the rise in living costs, repair of assistive devices, transportation costs and caregiver expenses.

Pensions of government servants should include all categories of disabilities

The blind and deaf should qualify to receive their parent’s pension benefits after they have passed on. Currently, only certain categories of disabilities qualify to receive such pensions.

The hour-long press conference ended with the group handing over the memorandum to Suhakam Commissioner James Nayagam who promised to pursue the points raised, with the Government.

The group also hoped that tomorrow’s 2013 budget speech will cover some of these issues.