Helping others is one of the greatest gifts you can give

Helping others is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Masterskill Student were doing their pratical at ILTC and make a difference in the centre — things happen because of volunteers. Giving back, you just see how important volunteering is and how much it helps you as well as the community. It gives you a sense that you’re doing something good.

Thums-up for the Plaza Masalam

Thumbs-up for the Plaza Masalam

Accessibility for the Disabled - I have noticed Two Accessible Parking spaces located just right next to enterence. Plaza Masalam is located near Tengku Ampuan Zabedah 9/19, Shah Alam near Kayangan.

Ponnai Virumbum.....

Naan Kaanum Ulangangal

Kanmaniye Kathal Enbathu

beautiful song... I feel like flying..
this is real music which touches the soul...
I realy lovE YOu for giving such a nice song

Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai

Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai

Ai Mere Bete

Beautiful song, Kishoreda, you will live in our hearts for ever

Selangor to set up advisory councils

Thursday May 6, 2010

Selangor to set up advisory councils
By ELAN PERUMAL
elan@thestar.com.my

ALL local authorities in Selangor will come under the scrutiny of advisory councils that will check the decisions they make.

The advisory councils are expected to function as independent bodies in the best interest of the people.

State local government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said 12 advisory councils would be created and they would be working very closely with the respective local authorities.

He said the move was aimed at improving the overall performance of the local authorities.

He said members of the advisory councils would comprise volunteers from NGOs and professionals.

“They will be intellects who have ideas about how the local authorities should effectively function. These people will represent the core group from the 10 municipal councils and two city council areas,’’ he told StarMetro in an interview.

Although they would not be involved in day-to-day operations and the decision-making process, Liu said their presence was expected to make a big impact on the functioning of the local councils.

He said the councils would be holding regular meetings with the local authorities where advise would be offered to the local authorities.

“The advistory councils do not have the authority to change decisions at their level but they can advise the councils to do so if they find that a particular decision on an issue was not appropriate.

“The council can advise the local authorities to make amendments when a particular decision had gone seriously wrong and is affecting the image of the local councils.

“They are supposed to be critical and make the local authorities know where they have gone wrong and what should be done to rectify mistakes,’’ he said.

Liu added that advice from the proposed councils could also be sought by the local authorities on issues that they were not so familiar or comfortable with.

He said the function of the advisory councils would be very unique and the local authorities and the ratepayers would be the biggest benefactors.

Liu said the state realised that the introduction of these councils was necessary in view of increasing public expectations on the performance of the local authorities.

“We feel that the local authorities can offer a much improved service to ratepayers and this proposal is aimed at lifting them to a different level.

“The state will continue to find ways to ensure that the people’s interest are protected at the local level and ensure that decisions made by the local authorities will benefit the public,’’ he added.

Meeting with YB. Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat

Yesterday, my fellow advocates Mr. Anthony Thanasayan, Mr. Anthony Stanley and I were invited for a meeting with the YB. Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat who is the Minister of Transport on discussion the facilities for the disabled at all airports in Malaysia. He was listening to our problems and he said yesterday there was still room for improvement in the facilities provided for the physically-challenged.

Transport Ministry Drawing Up Module To Help Physically Impaired At Airports

May 04, 2010 21:25 PM

Transport Ministry Drawing Up Module To Help Physically Impaired At Airports

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Transport Ministry is to help coordinate the drawing up of a training module to help the physically impaired at airports based on assistance and guidelines from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said Tuesday.

He said the ministry would look into the need to place more wheelchairs and other equipment at airports, including at aerobridges, to provide a more effective and efficient environment for the physically impaired.

The minister said airlines were given the option of using these equipment depending on several factors, among them their financial position.

"I will discuss with the airline operators but I have to know their problems, and what factors prohibited them from using the facilities," he said.

Ong said the time had come to provide standard procedures to handle the needs and wants of the physically impaired so that airline staff were adept at resolving problems associated with the physically impaired.

"We are moving in the direction where standard operating procedures (SOP) are necessary to handle the needs of the physically impaired. As such, the training module is very beneficial to help us attain a benchmark," he said.

"Staff, whether from Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) or airlines, should be adequately exposed to efforts to handle or entertain the physically impaired.

"This is a specialised field where not only experience but also knowledge is required," he said.

Ong said the government would ensure that the views and opinions of the physically impaired were evaluated and studied before the construction of any project, especially at airports and other public transportation terminals.

"The other day, when I went to look at the progress of work on the integrated public transportation terminal projects in Gombak and Bandar Tasik Selatan, I brought along representatives from the NGOs for the physically impaired to give their views and proposals on facilities for these special people," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Government to improve airport facilities for the disabled

Wednesday May 5, 2010

Government to improve airport facilities for the disabled
PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry will take a “close look” at the facilities for the disabled at airports for improvements to be made.

Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said there was always room for improvement when it came to providing facilities and assistance to the disabled, adding that the training of airline staff and airport personnel in this area was also being planned.

The minister, who held a two-hour discussion with NGOs representing the disabled yesterday, said the Government was committed to providing facilities to every Malaysian.

“Several issues were raised during our discussion and I will see how, together with the relevant authorities, we can improve services at airports and that provided by airline companies.

“We have also taken their views into account and will consider them when we construct airports in the future.

“There is always room for improvement when it comes to providing facilities for the people, including the disabled,” he told reporters yesterday.

Also present were ministry officials and representatives from the Department of Civil Aviation, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Firefly.

Ong said other matters raised were the availability of wheelchairs and ambulifts in airports and the use of aerobridges by airlines, which at present had a choice of whether to use the facility or not.

Lots for the disabled to trade at farmers’ market

Tuesday May 4, 2010

Lots for the disabled to trade at farmers’ market

JOHOR BARU: Disabled people who want to try their hands in business can apply for licences to trade at pasar tani nationwide.

Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) chairman Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin said the organisation was planning to give those who were disabled a chance to learn about trading.

“The opening of special trading lots for them will be a good portal for the disabled to be more independent and make a living for themselves.

“By giving them a place to trade, they will also have the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and trading,” he said.

Service first: Recipients of the Fama Long Service Award posing for a group photograph with Badruddin after the ceremony in Johor Baru.

He was speaking to pressmen after presenting the Fama Long Service Award, which recognises those who have been working in the organisation for between 20 and 30 years. The ceremony was held at a hotel here yesterday.

Badruddin also warned those who were using foreign labour in their businesses to stop doing so.

“Recently, one trader was caught using foreign labour while trading in one of the pasar tani and that is against the Fama contract.

“I advise those who are still using foreign help to stop at once because if caught, their licences will be revoked,” he said.

He encouraged traders to employ local workers to help them at their stalls at the pasar tani.

“This way, the workers can learn the ups and downs of the trade and hopefully one day, they themselves will have their own business too,” he said.

He disclosed that Fama aimed to increase the number of pasar tani in the country to 400.

“There are 364 pasar tani to-date with a total of 17,300 traders. We aim to open another 36 by the end of this year,” he said.

He added that the agency was targetting 20,000 people to be involved in pasar tani activities by the end of the year

Fundraising Activities for ILTC

OUR SPECIAL ONES which was held at the Mid Valley Mega Mall in Kuala Lumpur recently organized and presented by D’ Organiser (M) Sdn Bhd with one objective to promote an understanding of disability issues and to create public awareness by bringing forward the difficulties encountered by our special ones together bringing in the latest technology of products and aids.

MEMORANDUM OF PROTEST

TAN SRI MUSA HASSAN
KETUA POLIS NEGARA
POLIS DIRAJA MALAYSIA

Thursday, April 22, 2010

MEMORANDUM OF PROTEST

On 4.3.2010, Mr. Karuppannan S/O Veeramalai is wheelchair-bound was harshly assaulted and verbal attacked by KTMB Commuter Driver due to a verbal confrontation for disabled parking lot. He had made a police report at Subang Jaya (No. Report : Subang Jaya/001864/10) against KTMB Commuter Driver to get protection.

In fact, after the incident happened on March 4, the police have not got back to us. We want justice to be served.

There have been no action to be taken against attacker who treated the disabled unlawfully attacked since and this is unacceptable on human dignity and discrimination against a disabled person.

We Disabled community in Malaysia has always worked towards helping all disabled persons achieve independence and to lead a fulfilled and complete life. The Disabled have never asked for pity or sympathy. We only ask for equal opportunities to fully participate in the life of our nation, just like able-bodied citizens.

However, we the Disabled cannot and will not tolerate, in assaulted, insults and mockery directed or in directed at them; these kinds of behaviour are nothing but an attempt to isolate and relegate the disabled to the fringes of society.

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, DEMAND:

A) TO CALL FOR SERIOUS ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST THE COMMUTER DRIVER AT STATION KTMB SUBANG JAYA FOR ATTACKING THE MR. KARUPPANNAN AND ALSO ATTEMPTING TO INJURE A DISABLED PERSON.

B) TO CALL UPON THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE TO INVESTIGATE AGAINST THE UNLAWFUL ACT OF THE KTMB OFFICERS AGAINST THE DISABLED.

C) TO DEMAND THAT THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF ALL DISABLED PERSONS MUST BE RESPECTED AND PROTECTED, INCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE TO MAKE A LIVING AT ALL TIMES.

The disabled are targeted by criminals

CRIMINALS are coming up with more devious ways to rob unsuspecting victims. What is more troubling is that they have no qualms about targeting the disabled and the elderly.

It is regrettable that the handicapped are becoming targets of criminals because we are considered easy prey,

Here are some of the suggestions made by the ILTC:

• The crime fighting force +
• Should be better educated about the needs of the handicapped.
• Set up special hotlines for the disabled and the elderly so that they can get immediate response when they are in trouble.

• When the police make their rounds in the neighbourhood, they should take a special interest in homes where people with disabilities live, especially those who live alone.

ENDORSED BY:

1) INDEPENDENT LIVING & TRAINING CENTRE (ILTC)

2) MALAYSIAN ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY ASSOCIATION (Petpositive)

Handing over of Memorandum of Protest

ILTC disabled activist hand over a Memorandum of Protest to TAN SRI MUSA HASSAN, KETUA POLIS NEGARA on Thursday 22/04/2010 at 10.00am at the office Bukit Aman Police Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur.

The memorandum is pertaining to a violent against physical disabled person - unlawful attacked Mr. Karuppannan s/o Veeramalai (wheelchair bound) by KTMB commuter driver at station KTMB Subang Jaya.

Senior citizen injured by faulty escalator

Senior citizen injured by faulty escalator



A senior citizen fell at an escalator located in KOMTAR. He suffered a head injury. While investigating the cause of the accident, CJ Jimmy Leow found that the escalator hand rail was faulty. The hand rail stopped while the escalator was moving. A maintenance staff said that they have requested PDC to repair the said problem but the approval did not come. The maintenance staff mentioned that he submitted the request about 2 months ago. A shopper said that such accident has occurred several times. CJ Jimmy Leow contacted Ng Wei Aik, Adun Komtar to get some clarification. Ng said that he was told by another reporter of this incident, and he promised to look into this matter. Video by Jimmy Leow Beng Hock, Citizen Journalist ... Read More... as told by another reporter of this incident, and he promised to look into this matter. Video by Jimmy Leow Beng Hock, Citizen Journalist

Article - Tamil Nesan

OKU MINTA KPN SIASAT KES LELAKI TENDANG KERUSI RODA

VIMARSANAM

Destitute in Bukit Beruntung

Poverty hit families continue to look for ways to make ends meet even as political parties pump money into the constituency to garner support.

Malaysiakini visited two Indian families in Bukit Beruntung to see how they are coping with life.

A 19-year old youth N Anbalagan is paralysed from waist down since birth has never stepped his foot into a school.

"I would love to study but my disabilities prohibits me from doing so," he said when met at his home in Taman Sentosa, Bukit Beruntung.

Reported by K Pragalath

Airlines Urged To Waive Wheelchair Charge

Airlines Urged To Waive Wheelchair Charge

PETALING JAYA, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Transport Ministry has urged airlines to waive the wheelchair charge during flights.

Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said he would be meeting the airlines and associations for the disabled (OKU) to discuss the matter.

"Airlines should be sensitive to the plight of OKU by improving facilities," he told reporters after visiting Sungai Buloh KTM commuter station here on Thursday.

Ong said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) would build 53 portable ramps worth RM106,000 at commuter stations for the benefit of OKU.

Four portable ramps would be at KL Sentral station while 49 others would be placed at other stations.

KTMB is spending RM10 million on building infrastructure for OKU at stations in Bandar Tasik Selatan, Serdang, Shah Alam, Rawang and Sungai Buloh.

-- BERNAMA

OUR SPECIAL ONES

OUR SPECIAL ONES

23rd - 25th April 2010
Mid Valley Exhibition Centre
Level 3, Hall 3, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

OUR SPECIAL ONES will be organized and presented by D’ Organiser (M) Sdn Bhd with one objective to promote an understanding of disability issues and to create public awareness by bringing forward the difficulties encountered by our special ones together bringing in the latest technology of products and aids.

OUR SPECIAL ONES will bring together all with Development Disability (eg. Autism, Down Syndrome), Mobility and Physical Impairments, Spinal Cord Disability, Brain Disability, Vision Disability, Hearing Disability, Cognitive or Learning Disabilities, Mental Disabilities and Psychological Disorders.

OUR SPECIAL ONES will bring in international as well as local exhibitors and associations to showcase their products and services offering practical solutions to aid and improve an independent lifestyle of the disabled.

OUR SPECIAL ONES will also be supported by various Organisations and Governmental Bodies and various sponsors to bring OUR SPECIAL ONES to another level which in return will create OUR SPECIAL ONES to be an annual event.

OUR SPECIAL ONES will be targeted at the general visitors, locally, regionally and internationally. This will be a great unity among our families of Malaysia as 1Malaysia to join hands and allow OUR SPECIAL ONES to appreciate and experience meaning of acceptance and also to help them face different types of barriers from participation in school, adapting to work life as well as social activities.

Our special Ones will be an eye opener for everyone, as the event will be first of its kind and this has never been done within Malaysia or around the region.

“Through education and increased public awareness, we can foster understanding, acceptance and appreciation with autism” Dr. Richard Burton, the Health and Human Services Director

Our Special Thanks for Your Support for

OUR SPECIAL ONES

Flashback: Images From the ILTC's Folder

Flashback: Images From the ILTC's Folder A meeting for exchanging of our views.

April 12, 2010 00:29 AM

Malaysia Signs Global Declaration On Parkinson's Disease

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia became a signatory of the Global Declaration on Parkinson's disease today, reaffirming the government's commitment towards the sufferers.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the government was fully aware of the sufferings of the Parkinson's community.

"Awareness programmes which highlight the plight of Parkinson's disease patients is an important first step towards improving care and support for them.

"I hope the signing of the Global Declaration on Parkinson's disease today and celebration of World Parkinson's Day 2010 will signify the beginning of a better tomorrow for the Malaysian Parkinson's community," he said after signing the declaration, here, Sunday night.

Also present were the CEO of Yayasan Budi Penyayang Datuk Lela Mohd Ali, expert on Parkinson's brain surgery and consultant neurosurgeon Prof Tipu Aziz and Negeri Sembilan Parkinson's Society president Gharizah Hashim.

Liow said, with the signing of the declaration, Malaysia had now joined 14 other countries such as Australia, India, Canada, Switzerland and the United States which had signed the declaration.

The declaration calls on global leaders and healthcare providers to take strong and decisive action in implementing effective management of strategies to enable patients to live a better life.

Liow in his speech said patients in the country had access to appropriate care and treatment at both government and private hospitals.

"Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that mainly affects elderly people. It leads to slowness of movement, uncontrollable trembling of the hands and body stiffness.

"There is presently no treatment that can either cure or slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease and patients have to endure physical and mental disabilities for their entire live," he said.

At a press conference later, Liow said it was estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 Malaysians suffered from Parkinson's disease.

He said the figure was expected to rise to 25,000 to 30,000 by 2020 and at least 1,500 new cases occurred each year.

"In terms of specialist manpower, the currently proposed norm for Malaysia is one neurologist for every 250,000 people.

"With an estimated population of 28 million in 2009, we need 112 neurologists. But presently we have only 52 in the country," he said.

-- BERNAMA

22-year-old with growth disability and hypertension can’t get aid

Monday April 12, 2010

22-year-old with growth disability and hypertension can’t get aid

SEREMBAN: Twenty-two-year-old S. Avinesh Singh’s looks belie his age.

Suffering from growth disorder, the youth with Russell-Silver Syndrome barely weighs 25kg and is less than a metre tall.

In addition to being both speech and hearing impaired, Avinesh, who is born with only one kidney, has hypertension and had undergone several surgeries since birth.

Seeking help: Arumugam carrying Avinesh with Premjit beside him.

And, despite being inflicted with these ailments, he has been denied aid by the state Welfare Department.

“I was told that they would look into my son’s appeal but nothing positive came out of it,” said single mother J. Premjit Kaur, 53, who suffers from asthma and psychiatric problems.

Premjit’s sister, Nirmal Kaur, 49, said their siblings had got together to provide help to the family for the time being.

“I was shocked when a department officer told me that since Premjit was already getting RM100 in aid, her son was not eligible,” she said, adding that she first submitted an application for Avinesh in 2004.

Her nephew, she said, was also required to go to Universiti Malaya Medical Centre regularly for check-ups.

“Both mother and son are in genuine need of aid,” added Nirmal.

Rahang assemblyman K. Arumugam said the department should have a standard set of rules when it came to approving aid.

“I was told that the department will give RM300 to a disabled person, who is gainfully employed and earning RM1,000 and above. Those earning less will get RM200.

“But what about people who are unable to work at all?” he asked

Flash News - Reply Letter From UNDP Malaysia

Flash News - Reply Letter From UNDP Malaysia

ILTC & PETPOSITIVE MEETING WITH JKMM

A COUPLE WEEKS AGO ILTC & PETPOSITIVE HAD SERIOUS DISCUSSION OVER THE ISSUE OF JKM ALLOWANCE FORFEITED AFTER 21 DAYS AT BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL
For your infomation, the payment procedure adopted by the Department is in line with Treasury Instruction that all monthly payments must be completed within 21 days. This financial procedure ensures accountability of public funds said by Datuk Meme Zainal Rashid Director General JKMM.
The issue was raised out by Mr. Anthony Stanislaus.
Who are unable to collect their welfare aid from the bank because of old age and disability. In such cases, they can appoint a permanent representative to collect the money on their behalf. In cases where the welfare payment is not claimed within 21 days and refunded due to unavoidable reasons such as sickness and hospitalisation, the recipient can informed the JKM Department and arrears payment can be made.

During the meeting, we had strongly rejected and demand to change the procedure in the regulation.

JKM Wilayah senior officers made a claim that, they will come back to us within 3 months better solution.

Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur Central 14th Chess Competition for the Disabled

NOTE: Please Note, if any of disabled person is interested to participate in the 14th Chess Competition for the Disabled - kindly contact Lion Lim Yee Chiang, Organising Chairman at 012-379 7486.

ILTC's Complaint To UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia