Abling The Disabled In Selangor

The Malaysian Insider Published: 28 September 2014  | Updated: 28 September 2014 3:26 PM           
 

Congratulations are in order to our brand new Selangor Menteri Besar, Mohamed Azmin Ali, who officially starts work tomorrow with his new team.

All eyes will be eagerly watching them over the next weeks and months to see what positive changes they will bring to the people of Selangor.

No one more hawk-eyed, in particular, than people with disabilities who have largely been forced to live in the fringes of our society since our country's independence.
      
Pakatan Rakyat scored a major keystroke for the cause of disabled
persons' rights when they took over Selangor from Barisan Nasional in 2008.

This happened when they included several persons with disabilities as local councillors into the municipalities.

This work of genius not only significantly launched them ahead of
everything that BN had been trying hard to do for the handicapped in the country, but it also, for the first time, put Malaysians with
disabilities in the decision-making process of what went on in the
cities and local towns of Selangor.

The result was a dream come true.

The disabled councillors were delighted to find themselves in a
position of power where they could directly give advice and even make decisions on matters which involved their lives.

This slowly and effectively broke the mould of society's impression
that disabled people are objects of charity instead of seeing them as
who they truly are: residents with equal rights as non disabled
citizens.

With disabled people in the councils, pavements began to be built
correctly. Kerb cuts for wheelchair users became easier and safer to get  up on.

Once rarely seen in public in Petaling Jaya, for instance, yellow lines called "tactile markers" to help the blind find themselves about independently began popping up in more places in the city.

Suddenly everyone started getting the real picture: It wasn't the
personal disability of an individual which was preventing him or her from achieving a productive life, but the lack of disabled-friendly facilities.

But the bad news is all the good work started by the Selangor government since its inception is threatening to disappear.

The way out of this situation is to set up disabled committees in all 12 local councils in Selangor.

This will help ensure that disabled rights and welfare are in the framework of local council building.

Here are some suggestions on how the new MB and his team can get such a thing off the ground

Choose disabled persons wisely. Make sure the ones you pick are able to contribute. The ones picked must be serious, dedicated and
knowledgeable. This may require some orientation and exposure of how councils operate in order to give each disabled person an idea of what is expected of them.

Hold meetings once a month: There is so much to catch up on and monthly meetings will help to get things going.

Have a wide and varied representation: Don’t only think of those in
wheelchairs. It’s vital to get others like the blind, the deaf, people
with learning disabilities, little people and even the elderly with
physical problems. Don’t forget parents of disabled persons too. They often have great ideas but don’t have the opportunity to voice them. Include children with disabilities. Their voice is also important.

Invite active NGOs: Think of support groups for people with stroke, Parkinson’s and even epilepsy, not just people with physical
disabilities or those in wheelchairs. People with walking disabilities
have a lot to contribute, especially in the way pavements are designed.
 
Having said that, don’t forget individuals with disabilities as well.
Because many of them may have been locked away in their homes as the local councils had forgotten about their needs, they may present the best ideas.

 Finally, provide or pay for their transport: This is the least councils
 can do for their invaluable input. – September 28, 2014.

Parkinson's disease not the end of the world

MENTION THE WORDS, "Parkinson's Disease" (PD), and it is likely to send a cold shiver down our spines.

This is not really surprising especially when you consider Parkinson's is a disease of the nervous system which causes the muscles to become stiff and the body to shake.

And that the condition gradually gets worse as a person gets older.

However, that rather seemingly grim prognosis was no excuse for more than 200 persons to turn up and cram the ballroom of a popular hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor recently.

They came with their wheelchairs and walking sticks. And they were surrounded by their loved ones and friends acting as their caregivers.

They were there to celebrate the anniversary of two decades of awareness about Parkinson's disease in the country.

This all thanks to the unrelenting efforts of the national Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (MPDA). It was established on 12th September, 1994 in Kuala Lumpur.

"The response was most encouraging," said a beaming Sara Lew, president of MPDA. "We were expecting 150 people, but imagine our joy when 230 in all turned up!" She added.

Sara Lew first joined MPDA a year after it began. She signed up with the society because of her father. He had PD for 21 years until he passed away in 2011. 

"Opportunities for Persons with Parkinson's (PwP) to be able to get out and integrate with the rest of society such as what we did is extremely important.

"We witnessed so many smiling and positive faces among our PD patients so much so that even the healthcare specialists whom we had invited took notice of it." Sara went on to point out. 

"PwP need to realise that they are not - and never alone - as they battle their disease. Our event gave them the super chance to meet others with the same condition so that they can be empowered through the experience."

Sara said the same positive effect works for caregivers of loved ones with Parkinson's disease. 

"By mingling around with other families with PD, they were able to share their struggles and create a bond with each other in order to collectively stay on top of the disease."

According to Sara, there is also strength, confidence and hope for PwP's and their families when they arm themselves with useful information about the disease.

For instance, learning about all the latest research on Parkinson's and the discovery of new treatments to slow down the disease and its availability locally is extremely helpful for a PwP - even though no known cure for it exists.

The MPDA also does it part to conduct regular activities such as physical exercises, singing and dancing at its Parkinson's centre. This is to provide its members with opportunities to come together and meet each other.

The centre which started in 2005 is located at 35 Jalan Nyaman 10, Happy Garden in KL. Some call it as "the happiest place on earth!".

Two Malaysian PwP's individuals were recognised for their long and continued struggle with PD at the MPDA's 20th anniversary event. PwP's present were from 40 years of age to over 80.

It is estimated that 1% over the age of 60 and 3% over the age of 80 have Parkinson's disease. Although there is no official statistics, it is estimated by medical experts that at least 50,000 people have PD in Malaysia.

It is believed that one in 500 people of the population worldwide have the condition.  

Some of the well-known names with Parkinson's are Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox and most recently, the late Robin Williams.

The participants in the anniversary event were reminded of

Robin Williams' quote in his movie, Patch Adams: “If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference."

 

For more information on PD, please contact MPDA at www.mpda.org.my or call 03 7980 6685.

The aNt.

Anthony SB Thanasayan

Published: 21 September 2014

Founding member of the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association Leong Chung Thad (second from right) being honoured on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the association. – Pic courtesy of Anthony SB Thanasayan, September 21, 2014.Mention the words "Parkinson's disease" (PD), and it is likely to send a cold shiver down our spine.
This is not really surprising, especially when you consider Parkinson's is a disease of the nervous system which causes the muscles to become stiff and the body to shake.
And that the condition gradually worsens as a person gets older.

However, that rather seemingly grim prognosis was no excuse for more than 200 people to turn up and cram the ballroom of a popular hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, recently. They came with their wheelchairs and walking sticks. And they were surrounded by their loved ones and friends acting as their caregivers.
They were there to celebrate the anniversary of two decades of awareness about Parkinson's disease in the country.
This is all thanks to the unrelenting effort of the national Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (MPDA). It was established on September 12, 1994 in Kuala Lumpur.
"The response was most encouraging," said a beaming Sara Lew, president of MPDA.
 "We were expecting 150 people, but imagine our joy when 230 in all turned up!"
Lew first joined MPDA a year after it began. She signed up with the society because of her father. He had PD for 21 years until he died in 2011.
“Opportunities for persons with Parkinson's (PwP) to be able to get out and integrate with the rest of society such as what we did are extremely important.
"We witnessed so many smiling and positive faces among our PD patients so much so that even the healthcare specialists whom we had invited took notice of it," Lew went on to point out.
"PwP need to realise that they are not – and never alone – as they battle their disease. Our event gave them the chance to meet others with the same condition so that they can be empowered through the experience."
Lew said the same positive effect works for caregivers of loved ones with Parkinson's disease.
"By mingling around with other families with PD, they were able to share their struggles and create a bond with each other in order to collectively stay on top of the disease."
According to Lew, there is also strength, confidence and hope for PwP's and their families when they arm themselves with information about the disease.
For instance, learning about all the latest research on Parkinson's and the discovery of new treatments to slow down the disease and its availability locally is helpful for a PwP – even though no known cure for it exists.
The MPDA also does it part to conduct regular activities, such as physical exercises, singing and dancing at its Parkinson's centre. This is to provide its members with opportunities to come together and meet each other.
The centre, which started in 2005, is at 35 Jalan Nyaman 10, Happy Garden in KL. Some call it as "the happiest place on earth!"
Two Malaysian PwP's individuals were recognised for their long and continued struggle with PD at the MPDA's 20th anniversary event. PwP's present were from 40 years of age to more than 80.
It is estimated that 1% older than 60 and 3% older than 80 have Parkinson's disease. Although there is no official statistics, it is estimated by medical experts that at least 50,000 people have PD in Malaysia.
It is believed that one in 500 people of the population worldwide has the condition.
Some of the well-known names with Parkinson's are Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox and more recently, the late Robin Williams.
The participants in the anniversary event were reminded of Williams' quote in his movie, Patch Adams: “If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference."
For information on PD, please contact MPDA at www.mpda.org.my or call 03-7980 6685. – September 21, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/anthony-sb-thanasayan/article/parkinsons-disease-not-end-of-the-world#sthash.3yHdYfzA.dpuf

Parkinson’s disease not end of the world

Anthony SB Thanasayan

Published: 21 September 2014

Founding member of the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association Leong Chung Thad (second from right) being honoured on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the association. – Pic courtesy of Anthony SB Thanasayan, September 21, 2014.Mention the words "Parkinson's disease" (PD), and it is likely to send a cold shiver down our spine.
This is not really surprising, especially when you consider Parkinson's is a disease of the nervous system which causes the muscles to become stiff and the body to shake.
And that the condition gradually worsens as a person gets older.

However, that rather seemingly grim prognosis was no excuse for more than 200 people to turn up and cram the ballroom of a popular hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, recently. They came with their wheelchairs and walking sticks. And they were surrounded by their loved ones and friends acting as their caregivers.
They were there to celebrate the anniversary of two decades of awareness about Parkinson's disease in the country.
This is all thanks to the unrelenting effort of the national Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (MPDA). It was established on September 12, 1994 in Kuala Lumpur.
"The response was most encouraging," said a beaming Sara Lew, president of MPDA.
 "We were expecting 150 people, but imagine our joy when 230 in all turned up!"
Lew first joined MPDA a year after it began. She signed up with the society because of her father. He had PD for 21 years until he died in 2011.
“Opportunities for persons with Parkinson's (PwP) to be able to get out and integrate with the rest of society such as what we did are extremely important.
"We witnessed so many smiling and positive faces among our PD patients so much so that even the healthcare specialists whom we had invited took notice of it," Lew went on to point out.
"PwP need to realise that they are not – and never alone – as they battle their disease. Our event gave them the chance to meet others with the same condition so that they can be empowered through the experience."
Lew said the same positive effect works for caregivers of loved ones with Parkinson's disease.
"By mingling around with other families with PD, they were able to share their struggles and create a bond with each other in order to collectively stay on top of the disease."
According to Lew, there is also strength, confidence and hope for PwP's and their families when they arm themselves with information about the disease.
For instance, learning about all the latest research on Parkinson's and the discovery of new treatments to slow down the disease and its availability locally is helpful for a PwP – even though no known cure for it exists.
The MPDA also does it part to conduct regular activities, such as physical exercises, singing and dancing at its Parkinson's centre. This is to provide its members with opportunities to come together and meet each other.
The centre, which started in 2005, is at 35 Jalan Nyaman 10, Happy Garden in KL. Some call it as "the happiest place on earth!"
Two Malaysian PwP's individuals were recognised for their long and continued struggle with PD at the MPDA's 20th anniversary event. PwP's present were from 40 years of age to more than 80.
It is estimated that 1% older than 60 and 3% older than 80 have Parkinson's disease. Although there is no official statistics, it is estimated by medical experts that at least 50,000 people have PD in Malaysia.
It is believed that one in 500 people of the population worldwide has the condition.
Some of the well-known names with Parkinson's are Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox and more recently, the late Robin Williams.
The participants in the anniversary event were reminded of Williams' quote in his movie, Patch Adams: “If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference."
For information on PD, please contact MPDA at www.mpda.org.my or call 03-7980 6685. – September 21, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/anthony-sb-thanasayan/article/parkinsons-disease-not-end-of-the-world#sthash.3yHdYfzA.dpuf

Parkinson’s disease not end of the world

Anthony SB Thanasayan

Published: 21 September 2014

Founding member of the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association Leong Chung Thad (second from right) being honoured on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the association. – Pic courtesy of Anthony SB Thanasayan, September 21, 2014.Mention the words "Parkinson's disease" (PD), and it is likely to send a cold shiver down our spine.
This is not really surprising, especially when you consider Parkinson's is a disease of the nervous system which causes the muscles to become stiff and the body to shake.
And that the condition gradually worsens as a person gets older.

However, that rather seemingly grim prognosis was no excuse for more than 200 people to turn up and cram the ballroom of a popular hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, recently. They came with their wheelchairs and walking sticks. And they were surrounded by their loved ones and friends acting as their caregivers.
They were there to celebrate the anniversary of two decades of awareness about Parkinson's disease in the country.
This is all thanks to the unrelenting effort of the national Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (MPDA). It was established on September 12, 1994 in Kuala Lumpur.
"The response was most encouraging," said a beaming Sara Lew, president of MPDA.
 "We were expecting 150 people, but imagine our joy when 230 in all turned up!"
Lew first joined MPDA a year after it began. She signed up with the society because of her father. He had PD for 21 years until he died in 2011.
“Opportunities for persons with Parkinson's (PwP) to be able to get out and integrate with the rest of society such as what we did are extremely important.
"We witnessed so many smiling and positive faces among our PD patients so much so that even the healthcare specialists whom we had invited took notice of it," Lew went on to point out.
"PwP need to realise that they are not – and never alone – as they battle their disease. Our event gave them the chance to meet others with the same condition so that they can be empowered through the experience."
Lew said the same positive effect works for caregivers of loved ones with Parkinson's disease.
"By mingling around with other families with PD, they were able to share their struggles and create a bond with each other in order to collectively stay on top of the disease."
According to Lew, there is also strength, confidence and hope for PwP's and their families when they arm themselves with information about the disease.
For instance, learning about all the latest research on Parkinson's and the discovery of new treatments to slow down the disease and its availability locally is helpful for a PwP – even though no known cure for it exists.
The MPDA also does it part to conduct regular activities, such as physical exercises, singing and dancing at its Parkinson's centre. This is to provide its members with opportunities to come together and meet each other.
The centre, which started in 2005, is at 35 Jalan Nyaman 10, Happy Garden in KL. Some call it as "the happiest place on earth!"
Two Malaysian PwP's individuals were recognised for their long and continued struggle with PD at the MPDA's 20th anniversary event. PwP's present were from 40 years of age to more than 80.
It is estimated that 1% older than 60 and 3% older than 80 have Parkinson's disease. Although there is no official statistics, it is estimated by medical experts that at least 50,000 people have PD in Malaysia.
It is believed that one in 500 people of the population worldwide has the condition.
Some of the well-known names with Parkinson's are Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox and more recently, the late Robin Williams.
The participants in the anniversary event were reminded of Williams' quote in his movie, Patch Adams: “If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference."
For information on PD, please contact MPDA at www.mpda.org.my or call 03-7980 6685. – September 21, 2014.

- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/anthony-sb-thanasayan/article/parkinsons-disease-not-end-of-the-world#sthash.3yHdYfzA.dpuf