Community Based Practice Symposium 2009

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Community Based Practice Symposium 2009: Rehabilitation in Malaysia at Auditorium 1 & 2, Plenary Hall and Lt 3132, Created By Monash University Sunway Campus.

Description: The 1-day symposium showcases the placement activities and health promotion projects carried out by the MBBS Year 2 students with community partners of Monash University Sunway Campus. They also had a panel discussion on Rehabilitation in Malaysia and exhibitions by the community agencies in creating awareness of their functions.

Organised By: School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

ILTC Wishes All Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

ILTC WISHING ALL MUSLIMS SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI…..MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN….

Tuesday September 15, 2009

MPK to tow or clamp cars parked at lots for the disabled
By CHRISTINA TAN

THE Klang Municipal Council (MPK) may clamp and tow cars to stop the misuse of parking bays marked for disabled people.

Council president Mislan Tugiu said many motorists still parked their vehicles at the spaces meant for the disabled despite knowing that this was an offence and they could be fined.

He said the council was studying more effective measures, such as clamping and towing, to curb errant motorists.

It is wrong for motorists to park in a space reserved for the disabled, he said.

Mislan said 3,436 summonses had been issued to motorists for parking at spaces meant for the disabled from January to August.

He said the clamping and towing measures were being studied and would be discussed at the council’s full board meeting soon.

Mislan also warned that the council would revoke the licences of traders found using the disabled parking lots.

The council had received complaints from several disabled groups that they could not use the space meant for them in several commercial areas as traders had occupied the lots.

Mislan said he had ordered his enforcement team to make spot checks to prevent irresponsible people from misusing facilities meant for the disabled.

“The disabled should also display the stikers on their cars for easier identification,” he said.

In a related development, Mislan said the council would form a committee to look into the welfare of the disabled people under the council’s jurisdiction.

He said the committee, to be chaired by him or the councillors, would find ways to improve facilities and infrastructure in the town for the disabled people.

Note: I am sharing what was shared with me

Note: I am sharing what was shared with me.

"இறைவன் மனிதனுக்குச் சொன்னது கீதை, மனிதன் இறைவனுக்குச் சொன்னது திருவாசகம், மனிதன் மனிதனுக்குச் சொன்னது திருக்குறள்"

Special stickers for the disabled in Selangor

Saturday September 12, 2009

Special stickers for the disabled in Selangor
By GEETHA KRISHNAN

SPECIAL stickers for the disabled, enabling them to park their vehicles for free in public car parks all over Selangor, can now be obtained from their respective local authorities.

The state government has printed 500 of these stickers for each local authority in the state.

It is issued free to those with various types of disabilities, nerve disorders, those with children with learning disabilities and those with a combination of several disabilities.

However, the blind and deaf do not qualify.

Kajang municipal councillor Lee Learn Eng clarified that the disabled could approach only one local authority for the special sticker and its validity would expire at the end of 2010.

“There are two types of stickers – one which can be displayed in vehicles, and the other, a mobile sticker for them to use if they intend to travel in other vehicles.

“The stickers have multi-coloured dots visible only under ultra-violet rays to prevent forgery,” he said at a press conference at Menara MPKj on Friday.

“To register for the stickers, we need a photocopy of the individual’s MyKad, OKU Card issued by the Welfare Department, driving licence and two passport-sized photographs.

“If the sticker is lost or misplaced, we will impose a RM30 fine and suspend the sticker privileges for three months,” he added.

Lee said the free parking facility was applicable only to the disabled and not their family members and friends.

Misuse of the stickers will result in the respective local authority issuing parking summonses.
So far, 10 of the special stickers have been issued by the MPKj.

Those intending to apply for the stickers are urged to visit the council’s Community Services Depart-ment on Level 6.

Also present at the press conference were councillors Ong Seng Peng and P. Narayanan.

Get the disabled involved in the scheme

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 09:22:00

‘Get the disabled involved in the scheme’

Submitted by amir azree

disabled Local

S. JEYARAJ, 31, a committee member of the Independent Living and Training Centre, is disabled and wheelchair bound due to an occupational injury.

The accident happened on Jan 3, 2006, when he was working as an engineering technician in Singapore. The incident dislocated his spinal bone and he became paralysed.

“This kind of programme is definitely welcome and will surely benefit the disabled. However such programmes are not something easily conducted and the organisation that runs it must take it seriously,” Jeyaraj said.

According to him, it is important to decide who will be the managers handling the programmes.

“I’m sure the programme will be more successful when the disabled people themselves are involved in running them. They must also carefully choose those who really need such programmes.”

Minister comes under fire for disabled mindset comment

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 09:13:00

Minister comes under fire for disabled mindset comment

Disabled never said they are not interested in work, says Petpositive on new Socso plan

G. Prakash

THANASAYAN: We are disappointed with the minister’s statementHUMAN Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam has come under fire for saying a new Social Security Organisation (Socso) plan will “help change the disabled people’s mindset so they do not to depend solely on their Socso disability pension”.

“We are disappointed with the statement,” Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive) president Anthony Thanasayan said.

“We disabled people never said we are not interested to work, or that we only want to depend on the Socso disability pension. It’s hard for a normal person to look for a job... imagine what the disabled will have to go through,” he said.

Thanasayan said the Socso plan to launch the “Return to Work” rehabilitation programme for the disabled would not be an easy task to accomplish.

However, the minister is of the opinion that the programme would help disabled people regain some of their abilities and also retrain them for new employment opportunities upon recovery.

Added Thanasayan: “The working environment should be conducive for the disabled community. It should be disabled people friendly.”

Crime-on-wheelchair spree ended

Wednesday September 9, 2009



Crime-on-wheelchair spree ended
By WINNIE YEOH

GEORGE TOWN: Being wheelchair-bound was not a deterrent for a 27-year-old man who went on a crime spree, using a rock to smash the side windows of cars and stealing items in the vehicles.

He was caught red-handed at the parking lot of Bellisa Row in Pulau Tikus here at 3.45am on Monday following a tip-off from the public.

Police found in his possession a Kenwood CD player, an equaliser, two screwdrivers, a mobile phone, a charger and some cash.

Penang deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm (I) Datuk Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah said the man had broken into a Perodua Kelisa and a Proton Wira before he was arrested.

“We nabbed him on the spot following information from the public. We have confiscated the stolen goods and also his wheelchair.

“The man, who is single, receives RM150 monthly allowance from the Social Welfare Department. He lives with his sister in Tanjung Bungah,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He said the suspect has records for two previous thefts.

The man has been remanded until today.

The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to seven years, a fine or both upon conviction.

Meaningful Merdeka

Thursday September 3, 2009

Meaningful Merdeka

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

MERDEKA means different things to different people. Whilst many of my friends chose to celebrate with dinners and parties, I wanted to do something special to commemorate the occasion.

And so, there I was in my wheelchair last Sunday on the eve of our nation’s 52nd birthday, strolling along the pavement in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya.

It was very late at night and I was alone with my service dog Biman. I enjoyed the personal freedom. I had the freedom to go from one place to another on a 500m stretch of pavement that was recently constructed for wheelchairs and prams.

I was free to get somewhere without my car. I could go to a church, temple, park and a row of shops that were within the boundaries of the pavement.

This was the first Merdeka that I could do this as the disabled-friendly pathway was not in place last year.

As for my service dog, he provided me with the freedom of knowing that I was safe. No one would want to mess around with a large German Shepherd. Biman III is a fully-trained canine and he is a great help in pulling my wheelchair over the steep parts of the slopes.

As Biman and I stopped to soak in the cool of the evening, I couldn’t help feeling proud of the pavement which to my knowledge is the first of its kind in the country.

Called a universal design pavement, it is a pet project by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to create a barrier-free city for everyone. The pathway will ensure an obstruction-free passage for the disabled and the elderly.

To show how serious the MBPJ is in its disabled-friendly plans for the city, the heads of departments from the engineering and planning units joined me at the site last week.

We walked the length of the pathway and checked every nook and corner to ensure that there were no glitches in the design.

The pathway is scheduled to be launched on International Disabled Day in December.

The need to provide such disabled-friendly designs cannot be overemphasised as the population ages. Medical experts say that along with old age, disability is often inevitable.

Local councils across the country need to be forward thinking in their town planning and start including disabled-friendly facilities that have been stipulated in our building-by laws since a decade ago.

It is often the lack of facilities that make the handicapped a “burden” in our society.

I was shocked to receive a complaint by a leader of an NGO representing the disabled when they visited the Welfare Department in Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, last week.

The NGO which works with rural disabled people took two of its members to the office to apply for financial aid.

When they got there, they could not find any reserved parking for the disabled and had to park about 200m from the building.

The disabled-friendly toilet did not have a door; it only had a torn plastic curtain to serve as a screen. There were no grab bars or wash basin and soap.

When they complained to the person in charge, their concerns was not taken seriously. The excuse given was that the building does not belong to the Welfare Department.

Such attitudes only serve to dampen the Merdeka spirit.

MACC gets wildlife memos

Saturday August 29, 2009

MACC gets wildlife memos

By YENG AI CHUN
KUALA LUMPUR: A group of animal rights activists has submitted documents to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to back their allegations against the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan).

The documents allegedly show Perhilitan deputy director-general Misliah Mohamad Basir endorsing the renewal of special permits for convicted wildlife trafficker Anson Wong.

The endorsement later led to the approval of the special permits by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

Paper trail: This letter about an application to export tigers is among the documents handed over to the MACC.

Malaysian Animal Rights Society president N. Surendran said the documents were dated 1998 to 2003 and were correspondence between Misliah, who was the then Penang Perhilitan director-general, with the head office in Kuala Lumpur.

“During that time, Wong was in prison in the United States for wildlife smuggling. How can the permits be renewed for a man who is in jail for wildlife smuggling?” asked Surendran as he showed the letters bearing Misliah’s signature to reporters.

“We believe the special permits were used as a cover to facilitate wildlife smuggling all over the world. It is embarrassing that Malaysia is helping Wong with his smuggling activities.”

He showed reporters a letter dated March 24, 1998 in which the ministry approved Wong’s request to have a tiger shipped to Higashi Tsukuba Utopia Zoological Garden in Japan.

The group checked and could not find any information on the zoo, and yet Wong now had permits from Perhilitan to keep two tigers.

Surendran called on the ministry to abolish the special permits.

Pet Positive president and PJ councillor Anthony Siva Balan Thanasayan demanded that Misliah be sacked to restore confidence in Perhilitan.

On Aug 14, the group filed reports with the commission, urging it to probe allegations of Perhilitan’s link with Wong made by author Bryan Christy in his book The Lizard King.

On the same day, Misliah dismissed the group’s claims.

She said the signatures on the documents were forged and that Wong had complied with local laws and had the necessary licences.

The others who accompanied Surendran and Anthony were Malaysia Animal Welfare Society president Shenaaz Khan, SPCA Selangor chairman Christine Chin, Independent Living and Training Centre president Francis Siva and two MPs – S. Manikavasagam (Kapar) and M. Manogaran (Teluk Intan).

Flash News: Malaysian First Disabled Senator Sudden Death

First Disabled Senator, Prof Datuk Dr Ismail Md Salleh, who is blind, created history in Malaysia when he became the first disabled person to be appointed a senator died on a flight from China to Singapore. He was 61.

78 Percent Of 10,802 Disabled Found Jobs - Maznah

August 20, 2009 19:48 PM

78 Percent Of 10,802 Disabled Found Jobs - Maznah

By: Ramjit

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan said 78 percent of 10,802 disabled registered with the online Disabled Placement System (SPOKU) have found jobs with the government and private sector.

"Some RM12.5 million of the RM22 million allocated to help the disabled under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) had been given to 328 recipients since 2007," she told reporters after opening a study and work-from-home programme here Thursday.

Maznah said the business encouragement aid scheme for the disabled was a strategy by the government to help develop their business.

The aid was given to those with five types of disability namely physical handicap, blind, deaf, mental and also midgets.

The Welfare Services Department would give RM2,700 to the disabled just starting their business before the aid arrived.

She said those who had proven their business ability would be given grants of RM10,000-RM100,000.

Razali Abdul Hamid, 39, who has a handicapped right hand said he would use the grant of RM20,200 to buy a new machine to increase production of "Zali Deli" at Puduraya bus terminal.Loo Soon Nyong, 39, who is blind said she would use the RM66,300 grant to renovate her 'Blind Touch Massage Services' in Brickfields.

BERNAMA

MP lodges report against mystery letter

MP lodges report against mystery letter

Hazlan ZakariaAug 21, 0911:31am

Kapar member of parliament S Manikavasagam today lodged a police report at the Brickfields police station over the mystery letter which appeared at the Teoh Beng Huat inquest on Wednesday.

UPM DOGATHON™ 16/8/2009 at Bukit Ekspo UPM 6.30am-2pm

UPM DOGATHON™ 16/8/2009 at Bukit Ekspo, UPM 6.30am to 2.oopm

ILTC friends and I joined for this year's Dogathon. This year, UPM break the record by having the most number of volunteers to assist the disabled.

I enjoyed a lot of programmes at Dogathon 2009 which was held in Bukit Ekspo, UPM last weekend.

We managed to visit at the Annual UPM dogathon organized by the Students' Society of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (VETERNAK) and Zoologico Club, UPM.

Dialog with Minister of Welfare on Budget 2010 For Pwd

ILTC members had participated in the Dialog with Y.B. Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga Dan Masyarakat Dengan Persatuan Bukan Kerajaan pada 9 Ogos 2009 at Hotel Hilton, KL Sentral.

Thursday August 6, 2009

Common voice needed
WHEEL POWER By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

The disabled community needs to be seen and heard.

I RECEIVED an interesting e-mail from a new friend I made recently. Daniel Ahmad Sharani who lives in Petaling Jaya, writes: “People often ask me if I was born a quadriplegic. The answer to that question is no,” says Daniel. Showing Support: Daniel Ahmad Sharani holding a playcard in the middle towards the controversial pedestrian pavement along Jalan Gasing is a pilot project for barrier-free access in Petaling Jaya.

“I was a healthy young boy who grew up just like any other normal kid in the neighbourhood.

“I was an energetic kid who participated in numerous recreational activities even though books should have been the order of the day.”

Daniel was actively involved in sports, especially football.

“I enjoyed almost everything I did. I thought life could only get better once I was done with school and all the exams.”

However, Daniel had no idea how his life would change suddenly.

“My active lifestyle came to a halt, hardly a month before my 18th birthday.

“I recall everything vividly,” says Daniel. “That fateful day kicked off perfectly.

Together with my best friend who had just purchased a brand new bike, we had spent quite a bit at the nearby arcade we regularly frequented.

“Both of us were in a jovial mood while shooting balls before proceeding to a different location to meet up with some friends.

“That was when it happened. A lady driver knocked both of us off my friend’s new bike. That accident claimed my friend’s life, and it changed my life forever.”

Daniel, who has riding pillion, sustained spinal injuries which left him paralysed.

It was only after he was discharged from hospital that reality set in.

“It was a very painful reality,” recalls Daniel. “Never in my life had I felt so dejected.

Once I used to think that life was full of promises within my reach. But after the accident I struggled to keep alive.”

The accident kept Daniel down most of the time. Instead of tagging along with his buddies like he used to, most of his time was now spent at home.

The depression affected his family members. Friends who used to laugh with him once soon stopped coming.

It was Daniel’s family membrs who helped him pull through that dark period.

“I am thankful that my family stood by me all the way. They were there for me as a much-needed morale booster.

"Looking back, I wouldn’t trade their love and support for anything. Their role was vital in lifting up my spirit and getting me back on my feet.

“Fortunately, people don’t stare at you as much as they used to in the past. I’ve learnt that it’s all about mental strength.

Once that area is beefed up, you’re game to take on bigger challenges. The outside world can be mean to people with limited physical mobility.

“Generally, rational people are willing to ‘wheel’ with us to make the environment disabled-friendly. It all boils down to upholding our rights and standing up for them.

“Many in the community are not aware of the rights of the disabled. It is the disabled community that needs to get the ball rolling. We have a long way to go. Without a collective voice, it’ll take a longer time before we are heard.

“We need to crank up the decibel a few notches for the authorities to notice our presence and needs,” adds Daniel.

5th Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 15 to 19

Malaysia will be hosting the 5th Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 15 to 19 and which will feature athletes from 11 countries, including Timor Leste.

The government has allocated RM4 million to host the Asean Para Games but don't just be the best hosts but try to become the best contingent.

Meanwhile, Asean Para Sports Federation president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin in a speech at the launch of the Games torch mission relay urged the public to give support and watch the games.

The Rakan Muda youth volunteering squad - Unicefare, is seeking about 40 volunteers for the games and rehearsal will be conducted from Aug 10 to Aug 14.

Those interested and aged between 15 and 25 are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact Azmi at 012-939 8186 or Hasimah at 012-459 8819.

Chew: Not a must to register

Tuesday August 4, 2009



Chew: Not a must to register
By NG CHENG YEE

THE Government has no plans to make registration with the Welfare Department compulsory for disabled people, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said.

She said this was because persons with disabilities must be given informed choice.

“As of March 2009, 256,364 disabled people were registered with the department and the actual figure is expected to be significantly higher,” she said at the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign in Petaling Jaya recently.

However, she said, it was necessary to create awareness among persons with disabilities and their families on the importance of registration and to encourage them to register themselves.

“Persons with disabilities encounter a myriad of physical and social barriers and challenges that impede their participation in society. The society’s attitude, prejudices, beliefs and ignorance create obstacles to inclusion,” she said.

She said the lack of accommodation in employment, education and transportation also presented a serious challenge.

“As a result, persons with disabilities often do not have access to the same opportunities as others, have higher rates of unemployment, live in poverty and are more likely to be socially isolated,” she said.

However, she said Malaysia had put in place the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities to enhance their well-being and ensure that they enjoyed equal rights and full participation in the society.

It’s the disabled who need help, not students

Monday August 3, 2009



It’s the disabled who need help, not student

The Prime Minister announced recently that first year university students are to get 100 units of ASM for free. I can’t help feeling sad and annoyed when I read the report.

I have nothing against college or university students, but why must the Government pamper them so much. To be able to attend university or college usually means one’s future is quite secure in terms of employment.

Compare that with the disabled. Most of them have no chance at all to attend college and may never get a proper job. Shouldn’t they be more deserving of our help? Yet time and again, they are left out when Government “goodies” are handed out.

Not too long ago, the Government announced that college students are entitled to second class wards at Government hospitals whereas the disabled will still have to make do at the crowded third class wards.

And recently, I was told that special pupils can only remain in schools up to when they are 19 years old (reduced from 20 previously) which means they only have an extra two years to sit for PMR and SPM.

After that, their options are limited. So, why the hurry to kick them out of school?

Don’t get me started, but I could go on and on about how the Government seems to lead the way in marginalising the very people who needs assistance most.

CONCERNED MOTHER,

Kuala Lumpur.

A safe haven for the elderly

Friday July 31, 2009

A safe haven for the elderly
By CHARLES FERNANDEZ

FOR some, The Little Sisters of the Poor St. Francis Xavier Home for the elderly in Cheras may seem extravagant.

But in planning the new home, the Catholic Church saw the need to provide facilities, equipment and fittings suitable for the comfort, convenience and safety of the elderly residents.

The home is an epitome of love where nuns go about feeding, washing, bathing, cleaning and tending to the sick to ensure that those who are with them can live out the last years of their lives with dignity and comfort.

These women have been taking care of men and women in their twilight years who have little or no income and no family to take care of them. Caring: Sr Cecelia chatting with centarian Wong as Sr Marie Angela gets ready to take her out for a stroll.

“These people have led a hard life, many are in their twilight years who come from poor families or have no family to care for them,’’ said Sister Cecilia, sister-in-charge of the home.

The home was motivated by Jeanne Jugan who founded the Little Sisters of the Poor one winter evening in 1839 in St. Sevan, France.

She opened her heart and her home to an elderly, blind, paralysed woman who found herself all alone after the death of her sister. Jugan carried Anne Chauvin through the streets of their small town to her apartment and placed her in her own bed.

Soon another old woman followed, then a third and this was how the congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, with its unique mission of hospitality to the elderly was born.

The Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in Kuala Lumpur in 1965 during the feast of St. Francis Xavier.

At the Cheras Home, voluntary doctors and dentists offer their services and many people have also taken an active interest in the residents’ welfare by taking them out for picnics, games or simply coming for a chat.

“We want to bring back to them the dignity that they have lost or have been deprived of. That is why in their new home they each have their own room with attached bathroom for better privacy,’’ added Sr Cecilia.

There are now 67 residents at the home. The oldest is centenarian Wong Lai Yong.

Wong has been at the home for the last 30 years when the Little Sisters of the Poor had their humble beginnings at a 16-room bungalow which once belonged to a Chinese millionaire, in the then Klang Road.

Many are bedridden, the more able ones sit about in the courtyard chatting away while some help the volunteers and nuns with the daily chores of preparing food in the kitchen and laying the tables for meals.

“There is no time to day-dream as there are various activities lined up for the residents each day,’’ said Sr Cecilia.

From Monday to Thursday, residents take part in Bible sharing, on Tuesday there is a 45-minute bowling session conducted by Paul Duane, an American who has volunteered his services beyond bowling lessons, physioteraphy every day and a 90-minute taichi lesson every Saturday.

“There is no feeling of being unwanted and abandoned as there is self-giving love for everyone.

There is a spawn of dedicated volunteers who care for the elderly with love and personal attention,’’ said Sr Cecilia.

Unlike the hundreds of old people who have been left abandoned by their children or next-of-kin in government hospitals and old folks homes throughout the country, the Little Sisters of the Poor has a mission — to provide constant maternal protection to those entrusted under their care.

The home is equipped with air-conditioning, lifts, full kitchen and laundry facilities, a physiotherapy department, doctor’s office and treatment room, pharmacy and dental clinic for the physical needs and comfort of the residents.

The home also has a proper chapel which conducts Sunday services, a separate multi-purpose hall, games room and a hair salon.

The St Francis Xavier’s Home for the elderly is at No. 3 Jalan 5/96, off Jalan Sekuci, Taman Sri Bahtera, 5th Mile Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-9131 1464 ).