弱勢人化障礙為力量

輪椅群舞搖滾生命

（首邦市訊）愛，的確是讓世界變得更美；愛，也讓弱勢者能勇敢面對，甚至站在舞台上，將障礙化為力量。

當最後一首歌曲結束的當兒，現場觀眾紛紛站起，以此起彼落的掌聲鼓勵台上的演出者，也見證了“愛，讓世界更美”藝術團慈善晚宴的圓滿結束。

此項慈善演出是由《星洲日報》、美門殘障關懷中心、美德集團、高峰酒店、BLS Production及終身學習委員會聯合主辦。

當晚由美門藝術團所呈獻的節目包括了輪椅群舞的《傲笑風雲》、《念》、《展翅上騰》及《輪椅上的生命》等，同時也包括了輪椅雙人舞的《動力輪椅》、殘障人士李桂梅、陳麗娥及失明人士葉順利呈現的《神的道路》《賣糖歌》及《愛拼才會贏》的獨唱表演等。

靈活地運用輪椅起舞

其中在搖滾歌曲的搭配下，舞者靈活地運用輪椅舞出《傲笑風雲》，也讓台上的呈獻舞者堅強及富有活力朝氣的精神。

相反地，在《念》舞蹈中，舞者在節奏緩慢的配樂中表達出人們在失意中掙扎的過程，而最後能破繭而出突破障礙的都是那些擁有堅強信念的人。

同時，失明人葉順利以穩重的台風、詼諧的逗笑方式，讓全場觀眾站立，和他一起唱出膾炙人口的福建歌曲《愛拼才會贏》及《浪子的心聲》。

當晚嘉賓是房屋及地方政府部長拿督斯里黃家定伉儷。包括八打靈再也北區國會議員周美芬、美門殘障關懷基金會董事莫澤川、黃敬映、陳瑞安、黃良鴻、錢本華、顏保羅、美門殘障關懷中心負責人謝秀貞及拿汀斯里黎玉蘭、首邦市州議員李華民伉儷及USJ高峰酒店總裁張成富等人。

黃家定撥款2萬

也是馬華總會長的黃家定在致詞時宣佈撥出2萬令吉予美門殘障關懷中心。

他指出，只要給予殘障人士平等的機會和所需的設施，相信他們的貢獻可以間接塑造出擁有健康心靈的社會，並且使整個社會能平衡地向前邁進。

他透露，社會關懷已被列入馬華的九大政綱之一，因此在未來的日子裡，馬華將推動更多有關活動，來培養及灌輸人們更多正確的價值觀及人生觀。

同時，首邦市州議員李華民宣佈將為美門在首邦市設立新會所，至於建設新會所及所需土地的50萬令吉經費，則將由他全權負責籌募有關款項。

籌獲10萬款項

“愛，讓世界更美”慈善晚宴籌委會主席黃位周指出，經過現場觀眾的熱烈支持下，美門殘障關懷基金會已籌獲10萬令吉的款項。

他承諾將善加利用該筆款項在推動美門中心的活動中。

也是八打靈美門殘障關懷中心管理委員會主席的他表示，如今分布在全馬的美門中心共有4間，而明年將在馬六甲設立多一間會所，以讓更多殘障人士受益。

另外，馬來西亞基督教衛理公會華人年議會會長兼美門殘障關懷基金會主席的莫澤川表示，在社會人士眼中的殘障人士勇於跨越身體上的缺陷而呈現出高難度的舞蹈，是值得大家敬佩的。

此外，他也勉勵美門的成員在積極進取的精神下，必能克服未來的重重困難，實現目標。 （星洲日報／大都會．2005/11/28）




成群的輪椅舞者在輕快的舞曲下，呈現舞步輕快的《傲笑風雲》的舞蹈。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200511280528&data=scnews&spid=187549

馬華推動社會關懷

黃家定：列黨9大政綱之一

（吉隆坡訊）馬華總會長拿督斯里黃家定表示，馬華將社會關懷列為黨的9大政綱之一，並將動員集合黨員力量，全面展開多種社會關懷的計劃和活動。

他說，馬華一向將社會關懷列為重要的工作議程之一，因此馬華特將社會關懷列為綱領之一，並擬定行動計劃，結合黨員與政府機製的力量來協助社會弱勢群體。

“我們擁有大約4000個支會，還有其他區會、國會領袖的協助下，在城市和郊外、新村等貫徹這項綱領，以更深入走進社會，關懷社會。”

他也是房屋及地方政府部長。他週四（24日）為馬來西亞生命線及太太文化有限公司聯辦的“愛惜生命運動”主持推介禮後，這麼表示。

他較後也表示，政府全力支持和鼓勵更多非政府組織和人民參與社會關懷義工活動，因此他呼籲所有人民加入義工行列，貫徹助人為快樂之本的精神。

他說，馬華也考慮結合社會組織的專業力量，如在社會關懷扮演積極角色的生命線協會，以提高活動的效率。

愛惜生命運動12月舉行

馬來西亞生命線將會從12月1日至12月31日推動“愛惜生命運動”，以宣傳珍惜生命及喚醒社會對愛惜生命的醒覺，並為該協會愛心基金籌募經費，其中20%款項也將捐給美門殘障中心。

各界人士可通過“一張卡，一份愛”活動籌募，凡捐款1萬令吉和以上者，其公司標籤將張掛在1 UTAMA廣場底樓的聖誕樹上及印刷在1萬張祝福卡，同時受邀為推介禮嘉賓﹔凡捐款5000令吉或以上者，可將其公司標籤掛在聖誕樹上，並受邀為開幕禮嘉賓。

凡樂捐10令吉者，可獲得一張有生命線特別設計的祝福卡，填上祝福語和地址後，張掛在聖誕樹上1個月，該會也將會為樂捐者寄上這些祝福卡。

黃家定也響應這項愛心運動，慷慨捐出2萬令吉支持這次運動。

馬來西亞生命線協會成立於1993年，至今總共輔導了約五千多個案例。協會這次推行的“愛惜生命運動”除了“一張卡，一份愛”的籌募活動，也會舉辦講座會、兒童繪畫比賽、工作坊及捐血活動。

欲瞭解詳情者，可聯絡馬來西亞生命線協會行政處﹕03-92850225或輔導熱線03-92821995（星期一至星期五，7PM-10PM）。 （星洲日報‧2005/11/24）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200511241161&data=scnews&spid=187549

Disabled with a message of hope

Story and photos by GEETHA KRISHNAN

RESIDENTS of Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled believe they have a special calling in life – to use their disability to encourage others.

This was the message delivered by Beautiful Gate executive director Sia Siew Chin at the press conference to announce the Light Up the World with Love charity concert and dinner at the Summit Hotel, Subang Jaya on Wednesday.

She said the numerous challenges in modern society led some into depression while 2,500 people were reported by the media to be on the verge of suicide daily. Sia added that the disabled hoped to encourage others to carry on with life despite the challenges they faced.

“One of the ways to relay the message to society is through the performing arts and Beautiful Gate hopes that much can be achieved through staging the Light Up the World with Love charity concert,” she added.













Disabled people from Beautiful Gate performing to the Macarena song at the press conference.

More than 700 guests are expected to attend the concert that will take place at 7.30pm on Nov 27 at the Ballroom of Summit Hotel. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting will be the guest of honour.

The organising committee is targeting to raise RM100,000 through the event. According to Sia, the operation costs of Beautiful Gate’s four centres and two homes total, on average, RM50,000 monthly.

Joining Beautiful Gate in the foundation’s latest fund-raising effort are Meda Inc, Lifelong Learning and Sin Chew Jit Poh.

Present at the press conference were Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, Kelana Jaya Wanita MCA chief Ong Chong Swen, Meda Inc CEO Ong Bok Siong and event organising chairman Ng Wee Chiew.

Beautiful Gate was established in 1993 and houses 75 residents in its two homes in Balakong. More than 1,000 non-residents go to its four centres throughout Peninsular Malaysia to pick up skills in order to be self-sufficient.

“The Beautiful Gate Career Development Centre for the Disabled in Petaling Jaya teaches non-residents computer skills, English, book-keeping and the basics of starting their own business. At present, some of those who attend the centre sell newspapers at night,” said Sia.

Those suffering from severe spinal cord injuries go to the Beautiful Gate Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled in Kepong for rehabilitation activities. The Beautiful Gate Educational Centre for the Disabled is based in Kampar while the Beautiful Gate Arts Centre for the Disabled in Seremban teaches craft.

“We hope to set up the Beautiful Gate Caring Centre for the Disabled in Malacca to equip the disabled with special independent living skills. The plan is to train personal assistants who would help the disabled work or perhaps operate their own businesses.

“With the help of Datuk Lee, we hope to set up a centre in Subang Jaya to offer career opportunities as it is an industrial area,” Sia added.

Tickets for the charity concert and dinner are available through donations of RM1,000, RM500 and RM100. For more information, call the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled at 03-7873 6579.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/11/19/central/12614894&sec=central

Drafting course for the disabled and transsexuals

By CHIN MUI YOON

A NEW engineering and drafting skills training programme was recently launched to enable the disabled and transsexuals to be independent and self-reliant.

The programme was organised by the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West) together with www.Hati.org.my and the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled.

The Lions Engineering and Drafting Services (LEADS) programme teaches the basic and fundamental skills of drawing constructional details of building structures. The course comprises two phases.

The first involves evening classes over three months, during which engineering drafting skills and computer knowledge will be taught.

The second phase involves the provision of job opportunities and other computer and business-related training. The programme is meant to encourage independence in earning a decent living, and the job can easily be done from home.

The course is fully subsidised by the Lions Club but those accepted for the course are required to give a RM500 deposit, which will be fully refunded upon completion of the course. A board of trustees will be formed to help find suitable jobs for those who qualify after finishing the course.

“We know that the disabled have difficulty in physical access for work, while the transsexual group faces discrimination in our society,” Women, Family and Community Development Parliamentary Secretary Chew Mei Fun said during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the three parties in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.

“The LEADS programme is thoughtful as the scheme encourages graduates to work from home after completing Phase One of the training.

“With financial stability, we believe the graduates can then lead independent lives that are more meaningful, whereby they are able to contribute to their society.”

HATI.org.my director Kok Hee Poh said engineering drafting skills were vital to the construction industry and there were many freelancers working the job.

“All you need is a computer, a plotter and e-mail access,” said Kok, who is a civil engineer.

Kok added those qualified could earn up to RM100 per drawing. Should they work hard, they could earn RM2,000 a month from the convenience of their own homes.

Kok and Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West) president David Yoong appealed to educational institutions to offer the use of their premises for more courses to be held in the areas where there were more applicants.

Currently, the programme will be conducted at the Beautiful Gate centre in SS2, Petaling Jaya.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.Hati.org.my. Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview on Dec 18 and the course starts on Jan 3.

For more information, call Kok at 013-390 4291 or e-mail heepoh@hati.org.my, or Lion Lee Lih Shyan at 012-208 1489 or visit www.lionsklwest.cjb.net.

如果，時間能倒流（二）

人物：黃招慈
中樞神經系統感染患者



他，總是羨慕在草地奔跑的孩子，他，本是一個四肢健全的灌藍高手，可是他現在卻是坐在輪椅的中樞神經系統感染患者──黃招慈。

12歲那年，黃招慈被莫明細菌感染，導致中樞神經系統受感染，自此，他的生命多了一張輪椅。他突然從一個蹦蹦跳跳的小孩突然變坐輪椅的殘障小孩，所有的事都“假手於人”，使他無從適應。長期坐在輪椅導致臀部剛縫好的傷口再度潰爛，情形惡化。1997年動手術，1986年輟學，沮喪，萌起輕生的念頭。

他常問自己活著有什麼希望？之後，他關上了心門，不愛說話，變得十分消極。

“叔叔是天使”

有人說，在你最絕望的時候，上帝會派天使到我們的身邊點燃希望。招慈的叔叔就是他的天使。他和叔叔很要好，小時候常一起打球、打乒乓，所以兩叔姪的關係格外好。叔叔的關心和陪伴，終於把悲觀的他從死亡邊緣帶回來了。

“那時的我不敢讓爸媽看到我的難過，不想讓他們擔心，總在他們面前逞強。叔叔猜到我的想法，自動安排時間接近我，聽我說心事。他的鼓勵，使我的生命萌起希望，加上信仰的支柱，我變得更堅強了。”

“拖累妹妹，我過意不去”

每回大人帶招慈到大排檔吃飯時，別人會投於異樣眼光，讓他很不舒服。之後再也不跟爸們出去吃飯。把行動不便的小孩留在家，大人一定不放心，於是一定留下一個妹妹與他作伴，照顧他。
“其實我很過意不去，感覺自己拖累了妹妹，他們本來可以出去，卻因為我要留下來一起看家。”

坐上輪椅，並不是隨心所欲，想到哪就滑到哪，出門前總要想想待會經過的地方會不會有石階，是否造成“行走”的困難。每次出門都必須多想一些事，漸漸地，他也不出門了。

在大部份華人的眼裡，做壞事的女生才會生出“不正常”小孩，所以，帶著招慈出門的媽媽也免不了被別人在背後指指點點，但是，為了小孩，媽媽還是忍下來了。

“謝謝您們的愛”

“感謝您們沒放棄我，家裡有個殘障的小孩，讓你們遭受許多不平等的眼光，但們還是堅持，把我扶養長大。在整個感染病菌的過程，無微不至的照顧，讓我一直記在心裡。

記得我剛患病時，大小便失禁，都是您們幫我洗澡、穿衣、抱我上輪椅下輪椅，凡事都由你們代勞，不必操心，雖然沒說，但我感激。謝謝您們的愛。”

後記

有沒有想過，如果有一天醒來，身體突然動彈不得，四肢不聽使喚，我們會否像他們一樣，依然可以保持一顆不死之心，繼續好好生活？原來，變化無窮的生命，可以激發超乎想像的毅力和勇氣，讓他們走出生命的幽谷，迎向陽光。 （星洲日報／副刊‧文：陳莉莉‧2005/10/20）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200510200208&data=scnews&spid=187569

如果，時間能倒流（一）

人物：邱麗芳
車禍導致胸部以下完全癱瘓



“如果時間能倒流，我希望車禍從未發生過。我並不是害怕面對殘障的事實，而是承受不起朋友死亡的痛苦。”

邱麗芳，22歲，因一場車禍導致胸部以下完全癱瘓。她是老么，上有兩個哥哥、一個姐姐，以為萬千寵愛於一生，可是，家人好像都有忙不完的工作似的，每個早出晚歸。除了和媽媽還可談兩句外，從沒真正接觸過講話粗氣的父親。所以，從小，麗芳喜歡往外跑。

中四那年，只有L駕照的朋友不理媽媽的反對，一意孤行，騎車載她回學校參加運動會。結果，回程中被大卡車撞倒，這一撞不止把麗芳撞成癱瘓，也把朋友的性命一併撞走了。

媽媽說，警察以為麗芳死了，為她蓋上白布。幸好同村的人經過，發現她的手指還在動，馬上告訴警察，她才被送進醫院。不然，她該被當作屍體送去太平間了。

“我不知道自己昏迷了多久，只記得醒來時問媽媽幾點了，我要去學校上課。然後又睡了過去。就這樣睡了又醒，醒了又睡，這2個多月，我不曉得自己發生什麼事，只感覺別人很熱我很冷，別人很冷我卻很熱。”

之後，她帶了臀部的一個大傷口回家。

“醒來後，變成活死人”

“看著媽媽整天忙著為我洗傷口、洗澡、穿衣、吃飯、給我喝水、還不斷按摩和扳動我的手腳。我的腦袋一片空白，還不曉得發生了什麼事。”

同樣的動作，母親重覆了半年以上的時間，皇天不負有心人，女兒終於醒了。

“醒來以後，我被迫面對終身殘障的事實。我從一個喜歡自作主張的年輕人，變成一個凡事需要依賴別人的活死人。我什麼都做不到，不能自己梳頭髮、不能自己刷牙、不能自己吃飯喝水、也不能自己大小便……”

“我希望可以回到學校上課，於是嘗試看書，結果發現我無法翻開書本，也無法拿筆寫字。那時，我才真正意識到，原來我已經失去了一切。”

“到了美門，生活有了目標”

後來，她到了美門，看到很多同是坐輪椅的朋友，但卻過著和我不一樣的生活。於是，她的頭腦又開始活過來了，開始探索周圍的一切，嚐試了解身邊的事物。

她被安排到馬大醫院做物理治療及定制適合的配備，然後在八打靈系統學院學習電腦設計。在美門的鼓勵下，她於去年替一位智障的孩子補習，掀開人生的另一種體驗。

麗芳想讀書的念頭一直潛伏心裡，於是，她今年初以私人考生的身份報考大馬高等教育文憑（SPM），並在義工的協助下準備考試。考試當局也批准她使用電腦作答。

“雖然我沒有把握會及格，但在這過程當中，我學了很多，也讓自己的生活有了目標。”

“一直以來，我最大的問題，並不是坐在輪椅上生活，而是沒有辦法接受自己的任性和頑固導致朋友死亡。我很內疚，不能原諒自己，想跟他說對不起，但是，沒有機會。如果時間能倒流，我希望車禍從未發生過。我並不害怕面對殘障的事實，而是承受不起朋友死亡的痛苦。”

“我一直無法快樂起來，也無法控制自己的淚水，於是，在一次的課程中，把心裡的痛和美門的朋友分享，原來我從來沒饒恕自己，反而以‘承受懲罰’的方式過每一天。”

在朋友的鼓勵下，麗芳開始回憶當時發生的每一件事，開始接納這只是一場意外，也原諒自己當時的無知。同時，更給友人的母親寫信祈求原諒。雖不知道對方收到信後有怎樣的反應，但麗芳還是寫了。

“我已經做了我應該做的，發現，有些感覺慢慢從心中釋放了，心裡變得比較輕鬆。”

她說，每個人都有一些不敢或不願意面對的事情，也習慣把它深藏在心裡，以為這樣可以埋葬一切。可是，心裡的問題若不勇敢的處理，就無法從問題中走出來，也無法愛自己。

“對未來充滿憧憬”

麗芳把想說的寫進信箋，持著勇氣，把所有的歉意裝在信封，一併投進信箱。結果，以為沒回音的信，卻捎來了好消息。對方家人的原諒及慰問，使麗芳心裡的死結因此解開了。

她開心說，他爸爸是我的老師，老師說沒有人想這事情發生，請我不要責怪自己，並且要好好生活。他還告訴我，2年後退休喔！我已經完全從陰霾走出來了，對未來可是充滿了憧景的呢！

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200510200208&data=scnews&spid=187569

萬茂新村雙層店屋水壓不足

老人殘友打水苦

（芙蓉訊）水供不足的問題何時了！民間的怨氣衝天？

由於水供出問題，造成水壓低，水力不足，上不了水槽，萬茂新村雙層店屋的居民，已深受其害，老人必須從店外水喉盛水，再搬上住家2樓；同排的美門殘障中心的殘障人士，更須拖拖拉拉，把盛滿食水的水桶拖進屋內，供洗刷用途，苦不堪言！

萬茂新村雙層店屋位於高處，水壓原本已經很低，往往低處用戶盛夠水後，水才慢慢升至高處，然而近期情況，愈來愈嚴重，雖然店屋外的水喉已有水供，但卻上不了二樓的水槽。

這處20間店屋，大部份樓上都有住戶，這些住戶上星期開始，每天都得搬運沉重的水桶上樓供洗刷用途，往往需要數小時才能把足夠的水源搬上樓，對於年輕人來說已非易事，對於老年人來說，卻不是鬧著玩的。

這排店屋最後一間單位是美門殘障關懷中心，中心裡有五、六位殘障人士，雖然位於底層，但是水壓無法把水泵入住家，殘障人士只能到店屋外盛裝水源，再用繩子把水桶扯起，並拖到廁所洗刷。

居民不介意政府實施配水制，只是希望水務局在開水管“放水”時，顧慮到他們的情況，把水喉開大一些，讓水力足以泵上高處，他們也不必為水供，忙得頭昏腦脹。

樓下有．樓上沒

在這處居住15年的廖天妹（65歲）指出，由於水壓太低，水上不了樓上水槽，居民惟有用桶把水搬上樓，她還特地購買一個大水槽，置放在店屋外五腳基上，以便盛裝水源。

“我們擔心還沒把足夠的水搬上樓時，水供就停止了，所以我就買了這個水槽來盛裝。”

她說，這處的大多數居民都是上了年紀的人，這數天來都得為搬水而忙，因為即使有水來，也只是樓下水喉有水，樓上滴水未上。

須用水桶搬上樓

陸亞英（52歲）從店外的水喉，接駁長長的塑膠水管至樓上住家，由於水壓太低，偶爾水不能輸送到樓上，因此仍然必須用水桶把水搬上樓。

她表示，這五六天來，水無法輸送到樓上，對居民造成極大不便。

搬水累壞老人家

蕭運麟（61歲）每天花費四五個小時搬運水至二樓住家，對於上了年紀的他來說，這些天來的問題，是一種大折磨。

“我和太太兩人住在這裡，兩個人都這麼老了還得搬水，真的很辛苦，可是不搬水也不行，我們都要用水，不然洗刷怎麼辦？”

他說，每天中午1時許，他就得一桶一桶水地從樓下搬至二樓，一般上來說，需要下午五六時才搬完，

殘障人倍感辛苦

美門殘障關懷中心的鄭雅桃表示，制水對該中心同仁來說是難上加難，因為該中心的5個朋友皆行動不便。

她說，由於單位裡的水喉有時滴水不出，他們只有從店屋外的水喉盛水，再把水桶拖進沖涼房洗澡。

“我們坐輪椅，也沒有力拖盛滿水的水桶，只能半桶半桶地拉，非常辛苦。”

低處住家情況較好

新村居民劉先生及陳貴妃指出，由於他們的住家位於低處，所以情況沒有高處居民來得糟糕，不過依然試過兩三天沒水來的情況。

“一般上來說，是隔天配水，可是也試過兩三天沒水，我們只能省點用，也沒有辦法。” （星洲日報／花城‧2005/10/10）



廖天妹特地購買一個大水槽置放在店屋外以盛裝水。



萬茂新村雙層店屋位於高處，水壓很低，樓上居民苦不堪言。



由於水壓太低，上不到樓上水槽，鄭雅桃及其他殘障朋友，都必須到店屋外水喉盛水。



盛了半桶水後，鄭雅桃用繩子把水桶拖拉進屋內使用。



蕭運麟每天花費數小時，搬水到樓上供洗刷用途。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200510102471&data=scnews&spid=187569

More plans to boost volunteerism

By SUSAN TAM

THE success of the inaugural “Be an Angel'' campaign to promote volunteerism has prompted organisers to plan for a second instalment next year.

Co-organiser Hati.org.my representative Kok Hee Poh said more than half of the campaign’s participants had agreed to return next year.

Last Sunday, 28 able-bodied participants received their “wings,” which symbolises certificates of acknowledgement for their contributions throughout the 10-month campaign.

Kindergarten teacher Lisa Yong said the campaign should serve as an activity for those who “complained a lot or claim that they have many problems.”













The graduates of the 'Be an Angel' inaugural campaign.

“This group of people should be encouraged to volunteer under this campaign and work with welfare homes, shelters and other organisations for the disabled or underprivileged. They will realise that their problems are minor compared to those faced by the less fortunate,” she said.

The 28-year-old said she had initially taken many things for granted but realised otherwise after working with this community.

For wheelchair-bound 35-year-old Chan Ming Lai, he said the volunteers had contributed a lot to the campaign.

Chan, who is from the Beautiful Gate Foundation, said the campaign was successful and hoped that the participants would continue to volunteer not only at the foundation but other organisations as well.

Foundation director Sia Siew Chin said the participants, who were from different professional backgrounds, provided much needed help for the disabled community.

“For example, we now have plans for Autocad training for the disabled and this was made possible through some volunteers who are engineers by profession,” she said.

The volunteers had to first attend a camp at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in April to give them an insight into volunteerism and tips on how to work with the disabled.

Phase Two of the campaign, called “Angels-at-Work”, required volunteers to sign up to work 15 hours over a period of two months in any organisation of their choice.

Upon completion of the 15 hours, the volunteers would be given their “wings” and a certificate to acknowledge their contributions.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/10/4/central/12188698&sec=central

Movie treat for 'angels' and friends

By SUSAN TAM

SOME 200 volunteers and disabled participants in the Be an Angel Campaign attended a free screening at the IMAX Theatre at Berjaya Times Square on Sunday. It was the last event to be held before the campaign concludes next week.

The group was treated to a screening of a 3D documentary, T-Rex. The audience, which also included groups of children, wore special 3D glasses to appreciate the special effects in the one-hour show.

Screams and squeals of delight were heard during the presentation as children reacted to the images of dinosaurs, which appeared to emerge from the screen.

The group included participants from Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled’s branches in Kepong and Petaling Jaya, the Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory, Pusat Majudiri ‘Y’ for the Deaf under YMCA Kuala Lumpur and various welfare homes in the Klang Valley.

Participants in the 'Be an Angel Campaign' posing for a photograph after the free screening of the 3D documentary 'T-Rex'.

Supporting the campaign is Lions Club KL (West), which contributed RM5,000 for the organisation of campaign activities.

Club president David Yoong said the club would continue to support such events as they helped foster better relations between the disabled and able-bodied.

This campaign, which began last November, was put together by Beauti-ful Gate, charity platform Hati.org.my and the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Hati.org.my representative Kok Hee Poh said the campaign had succeeded in instilling volunteerism and creating awareness among the able-bodied of the needs of the disabled community.

“We are proud of the hard work put in by the volunteers and the co-operation between our ‘angels’ and their disabled friends, and plan to have a similar campaign next year,” he added.

Among the many events organised since the inception of the campaign last year were a sports carnival and visits to welfare homes and orphanages.

Earlier this year, the volunteers attended a camp at Universiti Kebangsa-an Malaysia to learn about volunteerism and get tips on how to work with the disabled.

Phase Two of the campaign, which was called “Angels-at-Work,” required volunteers to sign up to work 15 hours over a period of two months in any organisation of their choice.

Upon completion of the 15 hours, the volunteers will be given their “wings” and a certificate to acknowledge their contributions. This will be done at a graduation ceremony to be held in Summit USJ.

Source : MIND

調高福利援助金

老人院殘障中心讚好

（八打靈再也訊）老人院及殘障中心對政府調高福利援助金大表贊成。

受訪者表示，在提昇福利援助金的同時，也能提昇其他方面的福利，諸如醫藥、教育等。

謝秀貞：調整輔助金是好事

美門殘障關懷中心負責人謝秀貞表示，殘障人士目前可申請的福利援助金可分為2種，即殘障工作津貼（Elaun Pekerja Cacat）和特別援助金（Bantuan Khas）。

她說，中心替部份有工作的成員申請殘障工作津貼，目前每名申請此津貼的成員可享有200令吉的津貼。

她表示，政府調整福利輔助金對弱勢團體來說，的確是件好事，尤其目前的特別援助金每個月只有80或90令吉。

“以大馬的生活費來計算，數十令吉的確無法真正的解困。”

她提到，政府除了提高福利援助金之外，也可把現有學校改為無障礙學校，塑造一個以殘障人士福利為基礎的社會。

她說，若殘障人士受教育，日后就不必依賴政府的援助金，反而可貢獻社會，達至善用人力資源的社會。

彭文華：關懷弱勢團體

智障人士訓練中心主席彭文華表示，援助金在約莫2年前，從原有的100令吉提昇至200令吉，現在再度調整，證明政府已經開始關懷弱勢團體，是好的開始。

他說，凡是中心聘請的員工，中心都會為他們申請援助金。

他指出，政府同時應多推行醒覺運動，喚醒社會人士關懷弱勢團體。

“政府也可協助智障人士尋找工作，智障人士可勝任簡單的工作。”

他表示，政府也可考慮把一些交由承包公司承包的簡單工作交給弱勢團體進行。

張胡坤：應提昇醫療設施

恩惠老人院的張胡坤牧師則表示，雖然不曉得援助金將調高多少，但至少有作出調整。

“目前，政府所給予的援助金為每位老人每個月135令吉，但事實上每位老人每個月的開銷至少需要270令吉。”

他認為，政府在這方面尚算不錯，照顧到有需要的人士。

他希望，政府除了在調高援助金以外，也能提昇對老人及孤兒等有需要幫助的人士，多方面的設施如醫療設施等。

謝順祥：減輕老人院開支

安邦老人院負責人謝順祥表示，政府調高福利援助金固然是件好事。

“這就好像能夠獲得加薪一樣，當然值得高興。”

他說，這樣至少可以減輕老人院在經濟上的開支。

他表示，一般上老人院將收到書面通知以領取福利援助金。 （星洲日報‧2005/09/08）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200509072444&data=scnews&spid=187603

Volunteers set to get their ‘wings’

By SUSAN TAM

Fifty-nine able-bodied volunteers from the Be An Angel Campaign are set to get their “wings” in September.

The volunteers, who took part in the campaign that began late last year, have attended movie outings and home visits in the last few months as part of the requirements of the campaign.














Participants in the campaign posing for a photo with the costumed characters after watching ‘Revenge of The Sith’.

Last month, a group of about 100 people, comprising the volunteers and their disabled friends, were treated to the latest Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of The Sith movie by Golden Screen Cinemas.

The MySciFiFan Costume Contingent was also present to liven up the event. Dressed as characters from the movie, they brought laughter and fun to movie-goers that morning.

The able-bodied and disabled friends were also invited to watch Robots and The Incredibles at the Nokia Starlight Cinema.

Among the events, which were all supported by the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (West), included under the campaign was the Mini Sports for the Disabled, a day-long event in June with games such as chess, badminton and table-tennis.

Campaign co-organiser Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin said the campaign was a success in instilling the volunteerism spirit.

Volunteers having a go during the 'Mini Sports for the Disabled' event.

“We have seen strong friendships being formed between the disabled and able-bodied community,” she said in a recent interview.

The volunteers had first to attend a camp at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in April to give them an insight into volunteerism and tips on how to work with the disabled.

Phase Two of the campaign, which was called “Angels-at-Work”, required volunteers to sign up to work 15 hours over a period of two months in any organisation of their choice.

Upon completion of the 15 hours, the volunteers would be given their “wings” and a certificate to acknowledge their contributions.

The volunteers had visited the Damai Disabled Persons Association, Pusat MajuDiri “Y” for the Deaf at YMCA, the Malaysian Association for the Blind and Beautiful Gate Home for the Disabled in Kepong.

Sia said the participants had a chance to experience the different perspective of the disabled, even in simple activities like going to the movies.

The co-organiser of the campaign was charity Internet portal Hati.org.my. Its representative, Kok Hee Poh, said the campaign was an opportunity for the able-bodied to prove their seriousness about voluntary work and for the disabled community to experience this commitment.

“It was a two-way communication process. The able-bodied who are very serious about this sort of work had the chance to show their commitment.

“The disabled, sometimes sceptical of the intentions of others, had the chance to experience working together with their newfound friends,” he said.

Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/7/23/central/11530791&sec=central

避免濫用公積金

殘障中心贊成申領者面試

（吉隆坡訊）為了避免公積金局欺騙案的發生，殘障中心及協會都贊成，以本身殘疾為由，欲申請提取公積金的人士應面試。

美門殘障關懷中心負責人謝秀貞說，面試除了能保護公積金局，也能避免會員濫用他們養老金。

她接受《星洲日報》訪問時說，公積金應確保已準備好足夠人手、面試及調查系統與方式，避免為殘障人士帶來不便。

“據我瞭解，公積金局沒有完善照顧殘障人士的設施，如果要我們到公積金局去面試，那肯定是不方便的。”

她希望，面試時，公積金局能派人到有關申請者的住家或醫院，讓這些殘障人士免去出入不便的問題。

華人殘障協會：接受當局措施

大馬華人殘障協會會長黃南生說，他能接受公積金局的措施，不過，鑒於行動不便，公積金局應派人親自上門與申請提款者進行面試。

英迪學院：應關注涉案學院

英迪學院院長陳友信認為，雖然公積金局在發生欺騙案件後，應該加強執法，但比較有效的方法應是只關注之前涉案學院的申請。

他說，雖然這個政策對學院的影響不大，但它卻給家長帶來不便，公積金局應只要求就讀涉案學院的學生家長面試，而不應“處罰”其它無關學院的學生家長。

新聞幕後：會員與機構串通濫用公積金

較早前，公積金局的調查顯示，巴生河流有11所私立高等教育機構及2所醫藥中心涉及“協助”公積金會員從戶頭中提取教育與醫藥款項的不法勾當。

公積金會員並未獲得通過這種途徑所得款項的100%，因為他們必須扣除20至70%的傭金給有關教育機構及醫藥中心。

為了避免類似欺騙案重演及避免會員濫用養老金，公積金局宣佈，以本身殘疾或欲繳付子女就讀私立高等大專院校學費為理由，欲提取公積金者都必須面試，確保會員退休金不作其它用途。

另一方面，涉及上述欺騙案的會員可在1991年公積金法令下被罰款不超過1萬令吉、監禁不超過3年或兩者兼施。 （星洲日報‧2005/07/14）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200507141118&data=scnews&spid=190982

Spreading the word on love

PUTRAJAYA: The rise in suicide cases has prompted a disabled man to come up with the 'Let Love Grow' campaign to spread the word on love.

Chan Meng Lai, 35, who has cerebral palsy, said he was dismayed to read in the media about people taking their own lives when they faced obstacles in life.

“We want to let able-bodied people know that if we, the disabled, can live to the fullest, they should be able to as well,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Chan, who is a member of the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, said members of the centre wanted to spread the meaning of love among the people through the campaign and help build a caring community.












SUPPORT: Dr Ng presenting a cheque to Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin after the launch of the campaign in Putrajaya Monday. Looking on are Chan (on Sia’s right) and other members.

The campaign, under the caring society pillar of the MCA’s Lifelong Learning Campaign, was organised by the foundation and sponsored by Meda Inc Bhd.

MCA Wanita chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen launched the campaign at the Finance Ministry here yesterday.

Dr Ng, who is also Deputy Finance Minister, also presented a RM50,000 cheque to the foundation.

Chan said the first programme, titled Understand Love, would be held at the Summit Shopping Complex in Subang Jaya, Selangor, on Aug 6 and 7.

The second programme, Love Oneself, will also be held at the same venue on Sept 24 and 25, while the third, Appreciate Love, will be on Oct 15 and 16.

“We will also organise a charity dinner on Nov 27 at the Summit Hotel to raise funds to sustain our year-long activities,'' he said.

The foundation needs RM500,000 to operate four Beautiful Gate centres in different states. For details, call 03-7875 6739/ 7873 6579.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/7/12/nation/11462574&sec=nation

資助殘障者

企業界應盡社會責任

（布城訊）財政部副部長拿督黃燕燕醫生促請大馬企業集團儘社會責任，給於殘障人士充足的金錢支助，同時也獻上愛心及關懷。

“社會責任是各個企業集團共同的責任。”

她說，政府推動大馬企業集團及公司響應盡社會責任的號召，好讓社會急需幫助人士能獲得物質上的援助及精神上的支持。

“雖然大馬逐漸邁向先進國，但是政府仍非常關注如何去協助殘障人士，政府在建立各種基本設施之前，必須考慮殘障人士的便利。”

“此外，政府也有提供殘障人士許多的就業機會，同時也提供培訓及訓練課程。”

她於財政部為美門殘障中心、馬華終身學習中心及美德集團聯合主辦的《讓愛成長》主持推介儀式時發表上述談話。

她指出，2003及2004年的財政預算案中，都有特別撥款給殘障人士。

也是終身學習社會關懷組組長的她強調，建立“知愛、自愛、惜愛及傳愛”的社群是勢在必行的，它的範圍不拘束於家庭，而是牽涉廣大的社會。

8至11月辦系列活動

另一方面，她建議美門殘障中心準備5年的財政預算計劃書，好讓企業集團能更深一層瞭解他們的經濟狀況。

她籲請公眾踴躍參與《讓愛成長》的系列關懷活動，以塑造一個充滿愛心的社會。

美門殘障中心的殘障人士及義工將於8至11月舉辦一系列活動，向社會傳達愛的真諦，同時透過關懷行動傳播愛的種子。

一系列的活動共有4項，各別以“知愛、自愛、惜愛及傳愛”為主題。美德集團將全面贊助以下活動：

• “知愛”讓參與者從不同角度、不同年齡層的表態、不同的游戲設計及講座，以更進一步瞭解愛的真諦，而這將於2005年8月6至7日舉行。
• “自愛”是透過電影、游戲、殘障人士的分享和輔導講座以瞭解本身的缺點、以進一步接納自己、改善自己及熱愛寶貴的生命，這活動定於2005年9月24至25日舉行。
• “惜愛”讓參與者學習珍惜身邊支持及愛自己的人，並用行動表示關懷及感激，這活動則定於2005年10月15至16日舉行。以上的3項活動皆在梳邦再也的高峰廣場舉行。
• “傳愛”邀請公眾樂捐購買餐券，出席慈善晚宴，美們藝術團將呈現藝術表演。晚宴將在2005年11月27日在梳邦再也高峰酒店舉行。

（星洲日報‧2005/07/11）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200507110930&data=scnews&spid=187665

Looking for an 'angel' for leaky home

SHAH ALAM: It is a home that offers hope and care for the disabled.

But to make it a conducive place for its 12 residents, the Kampar Beautiful Gate Disabled People Caring and Education Centre urgently needs to get its leaking roof repaired.

Each time it rains, water will fall through the centre's roof and cause problems for the residents.

The situation is worsened during heavy rain when water seeps into the home from the centre's driveway, which slopes inwards.

HELPING HAND: Hong (left) on the set with Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre consultant rehabilitation physician Dr Tunku NorTaayah Zubir, the home’s resident Chin Ken Bin, aged 15, Lau and Tan at the ntv7 studio in Shah Alam yesterday.

“It is very dangerous for the residents, who are mostly in wheelchairs or crutches, as the floor becomes very slippery.

“Some have had to be hospitalised after a fall,” said Rachel Tan, who is in charge of the centre.

A resident, Tracy Lau, 22, who came to the centre two years ago because she had physical and mental disabilities, said she was an illiterate then.

“Now I have friends, I can read and write, and do my own chores,” she said when interviewed in a pre-recording session of Finding Angels.

The home is featured in this new Chinese reality programme aired over ntv7 on Sundays, with Hong Ju Khee as host.

Hong said they hoped to find an “angel” who could repair the Kampar home's roof or fix their driveway problem.

The episode featuring the home will be aired this Sunday.

“There are two parts to a show – the first part is on the situation. And we have exactly one week to help the 'dream seeker' (the people with needs) find their 'angel' (a benefactor).

“In the second part, we will reveal whether we have managed to find the 'angel',” said Hong.

She added that the programme was not about getting monetary donations.

“People are very sceptical when it comes to money.

“So, when we first came out with the programme idea, I said no money should go through us.

“Instead, we try to find people who can help with the very thing the 'dream seeker' needs most,” she said.

“Feedback has been great. You’d be surprised to find that there are people who are really generous out there.

“This programme revolves around hope.

“Instead of just highlighting a plight, it would be great if we could do a little bit more for people in need – it can make a big difference in their lives,” she added.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/7/4/nation/11352357&sec=nation

運動場上競技

殘障人能！

（吉隆坡訊）美麗的星期六早晨你是在賴床，還是在公園做運動？你可知道有一群殘障朋友在吉隆坡體育中心拿著球拍，等待殘障運動會的開始呢！？

美門殘障關懷基金會舉辦的殘障運動會已進入第5屆，今年的參賽者反應熱烈，共有87位參賽者參與輪椅羽球賽、輪椅乒乓賽、中國象棋及西洋棋競賽，其中有5位更是遠從吉打州前來；今年的比賽地點，也從士拉央體育場轉移陣地到吉隆坡體育中心。

美門殘障關懷基金會總幹事謝秀貞表示，舉辦運動會的目的除了推動殘障同胞重視健康運動及提供健康的社交生活外，也希望能夠藉此提昇殘障人士的自信心。

她說，參與者包括肢體殘障者、視覺障礙者及聽覺障礙者。主辦當局也針對每項競賽准備了豐富的獎牌及現金，如冠軍200令吉、亞軍100令吉及季軍50令吉等。

58陽光天使籌備運動會

她表示，運動會是由58位年輕有朝氣的“陽光天使”，花了約半年的時間籌辦而成。“在籌辦的過程中，‘陽光天使’也藉機與殘障人士拉近距離。”

她說，為了讓殘障人士能夠盡情參與戶外活動，她希望可以獲得公眾協助購買價格不菲的運動輪椅。此外，該中心也需要更多義工協助各種活動的進行。 （星洲日報／大都會．2005/06/25）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200506251413&data=scnews&spid=187686

Camp promotes volunteerism

It is common to find Malaysians shying from being friendly with the disabled either because of negative perceptions or ignorance. SUSAN TAM discovers what the disabled have to say about this during a special weekend camp that was part of the 'Be an Angel Campaign'.

TOMMY Leong gave a lopsided smile as he pushed his orange-dyed hair out of his face.

“People think I’m mentally retarded because of the way I look but they don't know that I am just as smart as the next person,” explained the youth.

Tommy told the audience that he suffers from cerebral palsy and is disappointed that people do not understand what he tries to say.

“I find that people like to talk amongst themselves instead of asking me directly what they want to know. They do not take the initiative to approach a disabled person,” he continued.

Leong, who was sporting gold-rimmed glasses and a bright red T-shirt, later revealed that he is in his late twenties but continued to tease his audience when they asked him about his IQ.

“If I had a problem with my IQ, I wouldn't be able answer any of your questions,” the Information Technology student told the laughing crowd.

A group discussion in progress during the camp.

Leong was one of the many disabled participants who shared their feelings about living with the able-bodied community at a special camp organised by two non-profit organisations.

The two-day camp was part of Beautiful Gate Foundation and Hati.org.my “Be an Angel Campaign” to bridge the gap between the able-bodied and the disabled.

Wheelchair-bound Chaw Lai Sim, shared Leong's sentiments, finds it sad that people perceive the disabled as being depressed most of the time.

The Ipoh lass pleaded with her new able-bodied friends to not look down on the disabled or give them weird looks.

The camp organisers felt that it would mark the first step for the able-bodied to have a “real feel” of living and working with the disabled.

At the camp, held at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi, 80-odd disabled and able-bodied participants played interactive games with balloons, dances and became creative directors for the weekend to put up humourous sketches.

The camp also featured a talk by social worker Andrew Wong on the dos and don’ts of being a volunteer and the proper techniques of manoeuvring a wheelchair.

Wong, who runs the Holistic TEAM Community Centre, said being a volunteer was not easy as it required people to commit not only their time and energy but to share unconditionally.

Siti Fatimah sharing her experiences at the end of the camp.

“Volunteerism or charity work should not be seen as something to “accumulate credits”, impress friends or collect brownie points. If you choose to serve, you must serve unconditionally,” said the 36-year-old.

Beautiful Gate Foundation director Sia Siew Chin explains that many Malaysians were interested in working with the disabled community but often struggled with obstacles, ranging from language barriers to pure ignorance.

“We have managed to plant the seeds to care and share among the able-bodied at this camp, and we hope they will now commit to the second phase of the campaign,” said Sia.

Student Emily Chan, one of the able-bodied participants, felt that the strength of her new disabled friends had inspired her.

“Meeting people with so much courage and strength really inspires me and I guess the greatest gift is to stay alive and to be alive,” said the 18-year-old.

Her brother, William, 17, also had a lot to say when asked to share his feelings about working with the disabled participants.

“We should be grateful and should learn from them as the disabled are people, too. They are human and want to have friends and enjoy life,” he said.

Steven Thong, 46, felt that the camp had given him insights on how to interact and work with his disabled relatives.

“I’ve learnt to be more sensitive and not to underestimate the abilities of my disabled loved ones and friends,” said the IT manager.

For Sia, one of the success stories of the camp was wheelchair-bound 26-year-old Lee Zing Yean who overcame communication barriers to participate in the camp's activities.

At the start of the camp, Lee kept to himself due to language barriers and did not see much use for the camp as he felt he would not benefit from the activities.

However, by the second day, Lee, who lost partial use of his legs in a motorcycle accident, had completely different feelings about the camp.

“I learnt a lot and realise that we can be friends with the able bodied. In fact, the night before, we stayed up until 3am just talking,” he explained.

Sia also explained that the real test would be seen over the next couple of months. According to her, camp participants would have to perform at least 15 hours of community service before earning their “angel wings.”

Once complete, the participants will receive a certificate at a charity dinner to be held later in the year.

Hati.org.my campaign chairman Kok Hee Poh says the camp should not be seen as throwing the challenge of volunteerism to the able-bodied.

“Volunteerism will not work if it is based on a one-way relationship.

“The campaign will also reveal the disabled community’s openness to accept the able-bodied in their lives. We have many able-bodied people willing to help but the disabled must be broad minded as well,” he explained.

It would be heartbreaking for wheelchair bound Siti Fatimah Badruh, 23, who wanted to spend more time with her new friends, if Malaysians only took volunteerism seriously during short camps like this one.

The customer service officer hopes that the situation in Malaysia will change to give her more chances to interact with people from all walks of life and not just the disabled community.

Wong probably said it best when he pointed out that a successful volunteer not only works for the community but also with the community.

Source : http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/11024852.html

周美芬籲私人企業界

提供殘障人就業機會

（八打靈再也訊）婦女、家庭及社會發展部政務次長周美芬指出，私人企業界應採取更積極的態度，以在國內提供無障礙空間及一個有利於殘障人士求生的環境。

她說，一個成熟的文明社會將在國家任何的建設與發展計劃中，自然地把殘障朋友的需要納入考慮的範圍內。

“這包括在各種基本建設中納入無障礙空間的概念、讓殘障人士無隔閡地融入社會及為他們開拓更多的教育與就業機會。”

周美芬為“關懷與分享”代馬華婦女組主席拿督黃燕燕主持開幕後指出，婦女社會部將進一步與各縣議會商討以提供更多便利給殘障社群。

“部門希望各領域業者往後在進行任何發展前，會主動把殘障人士的需求納入考量內，這是我們希望公共領域及私人界皆能達到的目標。”

周美芬認為，大馬各界至今給予殘障人士的福利及照顧，仍非常地匱乏。

“私人界尤其是銀行業更應為殘障人士設想，並貫徹無障礙的概念以提供一種方便他們使用的自動提款機。”

殘障者受歧視

另一方面，周美芬代讀黃燕燕演詞時指出，根據聯合國的報告，殘障人士往往被排除在主流社會之外，而歧視的眼光讓他們無法獲得平等的機會尤其是教育機會。

不過，黃燕燕認為，在場參與此項美門殘障關懷中心的活動者，皆已克服了內心的障礙、有勇氣面對社會，甚至有能力將快樂帶給人群。

她說，這些樂觀的殘障人士實際上比許多四肢健全，但卻思想未成熟的人士來得更可敬。

她指出，擬定《保護和促進殘障人和尊嚴全面綜合國際公約》後，殘障人士的人權已被國際社會廣泛承認，只是有關公約需要人群全面的參與及推行方能有效。

她認為，只有通過建立社會與人群的心靈健康，才能成功建造一個平衡及平等的社會。

她希望人們在關懷殘障人士的同時，也應學習分享他們生活中喜悅與自信的一面，進而達到終身學習的目標。

美門殘障關懷基金會總幹事謝秀貞披露，該會除了希望有關活動能協助殘障人士籌獲殘障輔助器材外，也希望它能籍“殘障人士生活體驗坊”讓公眾人士瞭解他們在日常生活中的困難。

座上貴賓包括贊助場地者ATRIA商場經理潘美燕及美門關懷中心管理委員鍾秀群。 （星洲日報‧2005/05/21）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200505211106&data=scnews&spid=187690

美門讓新志工親身體驗

天使運動與殘障者同游

（八打靈再也訊）為了要塑造一個關懷殘障人士的社會，及一個人人皆志工的社會，美門殘障關懷基金會，連同衛理青年團和HATI.ORG，即日起展開第2階段的活動──“陽光天使運動之天使行動”，歡迎公眾人士踴躍加入。

主辦當局編排了一系列活動，包括5月21日上午11時探訪馬來西亞盲人協會與交流、5月28日上午11時探訪甲洞美門殘障關懷中心與交流。

21及22日辦殘障生活體驗坊

另外，主辦當局也另外安排了2項活動，即5月21及22日於奧迪雅購物中心（Atria Shopping Centre）舉辦殘障生活體驗坊，目的是讓公眾體驗殘障人士的日常生活，如穿衣、吃飯、掃地等，從而瞭解殘障人士所面對的困難。

還有在6月25及26日，則舉辦美門迷你殘障運動會，讓志工學習為殘障人舉辦運動會，並促進志工瞭解殘障人士。有意報名參加者，可聯絡03-78736579。

另一方面，美門殘障關懷基金會總干事謝秀貞指出，要協助青年人成為關懷殘障者的志工，首先需要在殘障人士與青年人之間建立一個橋樑，讓有心當志工的朋友，能有機會走入殘障人士的生活中，瞭解他們，和他們做朋友。

“唯有這樣，當志工的生涯才有意思、才會長久、也才會發揮他的影響力。”

40受訓志工展開服務

她表示，之前共有40位志工在4月份在國大舉辦的“陽光天使運動之天使培訓營”中接受培訓，參加者不但有機會學習如何協助殘障人士，也有機會在經驗上去體驗與殘障人士共同生活的甜酸苦辣。

“今起，這些志工們將正式展開服務，也歡迎有心當志工的朋友，加入他們的行列，壯大他們的行列。”

較早前，婦女、家庭與社會發展部政務次長周美芬在八打靈再也公園舉辦的“天使運動”推介禮上，讚揚參與“與殘障者同游”的志工。

她指出，對於殘障人士，社會不應以憐憫的眼光看待，應以友愛及關懷的態度來協助他們，這樣才能使他們有自信的生活。

她說，政府與非政府組織所給予的，多數是物資方面的協助，但殘障人士更需要精神上的支持，這就有賴于公眾的愛心與關懷。而參與志工活動的公眾人士，也可藉此來提升個人的人生價值。 （星洲日報／大都會．2005/05/14）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200505140639&data=scnews&spid=187690

Telematch kicks off campaign for volunteers

By SUSAN TAM

Shielding the sun from their eyes, some 50 disabled and able-bodied people braved the hot weather to have fun at Taman Jaya on Saturday morning.

Their shared laughter could be heard loud and clear as they paired off to take part in various games.

Able-bodied and disabled participants of the telematch held to kick off Phase Two of the 'Be An Angel Campaign.'

The teams, each made up of one disabled person and an able-bodied person, co-operated well when they played games, one of which required teams to soak sponges in buckets of water before racing to the other end of a platform to fill up a one-litre plastic bottle.

The one-hour telematch was held to kick off Phase Two of the Be an Angel Campaign, organised by the Beautiful Gate Disabled People Caring Centre, HATI.org.my and Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Women, Family and Community Development Ministry parliamentary secretary Chew Mei Fun launched the event and sportingly took part in one of the games.

Chew was blindfolded and took part in a ping-pong ball race, teaming up with her disabled partner, who happened to be Beautiful Gate Disabled People Caring Centre director Sia Siew Chin.

The able-bodied members of the teams had to push their wheelchair-bound partners to other teams at the opposite end of the lane in order to pass on the ping-pong ball.

This phase of the campaign, which was called Angels-at-Work, required volunteers to sign up to work 15 hours for two months in any organisation of their choice.

More than 25 of the volunteers at the telematch were from Phase One of the campaign.

Phase One, which was in the form of a camp at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, was held last month to give able-bodied people insights on volunteerism and tips on how to work with the disabled community.

Upon completion of the 15 hours, the volunteers would be given their “wings” and a certificate to acknowledge their contributions.

Sia said in addition to the 25-odd people who were continuing with Phase Two of the campaign, more than 20 volunteers had showed up at the telematch for the first time, expressing their interest in the campaign.

“This is very encouraging as it shows that support is building up for the campaign,” she said in an interview after the launch.

But, she noted, initial support for any campaign would be good and she hoped that volunteers would carry on their work after gaining their “wings”.

Biotechnology student Tan Chin Peng, 19, said it was her first time attending such as event and she would make time for future activities.

“It was fun and it definitely inspired me. I felt very happy to interact with the disabled community,” said the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman student.

Her partner for the telematch, M. Manoharan, said activities like these were necessary to bridge the gap between the disabled and able-bodied people, especially the youth.

“Many youngsters are not aware of the disabled community and with such events, we can encourage interaction between the two groups,” said Manoharan, who is vice-president of the Damai Disabled Association of Selangor and Federal Territory.

Manoharan, who is wheelchair-bound, said similar activities should be held for other groups such as the elderly or senior citizens.

Source : http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/5/10902070.html

美門殘障中心4月動工

料費時1年完成

（芙蓉訊）斥資70萬令吉興建的芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心會所兼藝術中心動工在即，預料這項興建工程費時1年完成，屆時可協助更多殘障人士學習各種手藝，自力更生。

森州衛生、科學、工藝及創新行動理事會主席拿督尤綽韜指出，美門殘障關懷中心是從2年前開始展開籌建會所計劃，該中心需要70萬令吉建築費用，至今已籌得50多萬，尚欠10多萬令吉。

坐落於萬茂新村內

她說，這間坐落在萬茂新村內，佔地5000平方呎的會所兼藝術中心一旦竣工，可容納20多名殘障人士，並通過安排專人指導這些殘障人士學習各種手藝，讓殘障人士往後的日子能夠自力更生。

“這項興建會所工程估計在4月初動工，預料費時1年左右完成，目前也獲得熱心人士為這間兩層樓半的會所裝設電梯，方便殘障人士進出。”

獲撥款5萬令吉

她週二代表交通部長拿督斯里陳廣才，移交5萬令吉撥款給美門殘障關懷中心管理委員會主席戴蘭充作籌建會所基金後，向記者這麼披露。

目前，美門殘障關懷中心是以租店屋方式協助殘障人士自力更生，月租為450令吉，該中心獲得熱心人士報效各種食物與乾糧，充份體現社會的關愛精神。

她對芙蓉百利廣場自2年前提供免費檔位於美門殘障中心擺賣各種手工藝品的做法表示巷嘉許。 （星洲日報／花城．2005/03/22）



矗立在萬茂新村內的芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心外貌構思圖。



尤綽韜（後排左3）移交陳廣才的撥款支票給戴蘭（後排右），由一眾殘障人士、周偉發（左起）與陳明興等見證。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200503222766&data=scnews&spid=187733

Disabled group still seeking friendlier facilities

MORE than two years have passed since 23 members of Beautiful Gate Centre for the Disabled cried out for disabled-friendly facilities at Kommuter Stations.

Unfortunately, their wait has been in vain, and on Mar 11, the group decided to bring their plight to the attention of the authorities again.

The centre’s director Sia Siew Chin, accompanied by Kepong MCA public service bureau chairman Yee Poh Ping, handed over a memorandum to the Transport Minister regarding the lack of disabled-friendly facilities at the KTM stations.

Sia said a few years had passed but nothing had been done to make the Kommuter stations more accessible for disabled passengers. This has, to some extent, limited their travelling options.

The minister’s political secretary Wong Kung Foo received the memorandum and acknowledged that facilities for the disabled in the country were still lacking.

“We understand about this lack in facilities and will wait for KTMB to send us a report on the matter and take it from there,” he said.

He said while it is desirable that all Komuter stations be disabled friendly, there are huge costs involved; something the rail services provider might not be able to afford right now.

“We are looking at measures that would make it easier for the disabled to commute, and at the same time does not involve huge costs. Of course, the government will have to come into the picture as well,” he said.

Source : http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/3/10401310.html

學烹飪為替殘障者義煮

宋美玲是一位美容治療師，十指不沾陽春水的她自一年前開始，為了替美門殘障中心的殘障人士煮食而學習烹飪。

她說，她在一年前通過朋友認識美門殘障中心，開始時她只希望可以為他們做些事，如把自己的專長即化妝美容技術教授給有興趣的殘障朋友，但是當她在殘障中心看到一位殘障人坐在輪椅上煮食後，頓時讓她覺得自己還可以為他們煮東西。

“那時候，我對煮食一無所知，於是開始向媽媽及親友討教煮食的事，也去買食譜來學習，希望可以煮出不同的食物給他們吃。”

現在她每週一早上都會到美門殘障中心為殘障人士準備午餐，她說，從他們的身上她學會了凡事往樂觀方面想及不輕易言棄的人生觀。

“這個機會讓我覺得人生很有意義及很充實，就算是明天突然發生甚麼意外去世我也覺得不枉此生。”

她也領悟到幫助人不應該想得到回報或是去計較對方是否應該得到她的幫助，相反的應該抱著只為助人的出發點去做。

此外，她也在週一下午免費教授化妝和美容知識，有興趣的殘障朋友都可以前來學習。

提名人：林國強‧好人：宋美玲（雪蘭莪／八打靈再也） （光明日報／一個好人‧2005/03/12）



宋美玲每週一會到美門殘障中心為殘障人士烹煮午餐，並在下午免費教授美容及化妝知識。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200503121527&data=scnews&spid=187733

Tax-exemption status for home of the disabled

By K ANURADHA

Dr Ng talking to some of the residents from Beautiful Gate Homes for the Disabled.

AFTER more than a decade of serving the needs of the disabled in an exemplary manner, Beautiful Gate Homes for the Disabled has gone big.

The new Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled was launched by Deputy Finance Minis-ter Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen at the Summit Hotel in Subang Jaya this week.

The launch also marked the new tax-exempt status of the foundation.

Dr Ng hoped granting tax-exemption status would act as encouragement to the public to donate and help with the foundation's work.

Also present at the launch was PJ Utara MP Chew Mei Fun, foundation president Reverend Boh Che Suan and other foundation officials.

Dr Ng also said the ministry did not grant the tax exemption status to charity organisations easily.

“A foundation like Beautiful Gate had proven itself over the years as a genuine organisation providing vital service to the disabled community.

Executive director of the Beautiful Gate Homes for the Disabled Sia Siew Chin said the homes had expanded to such an extent that there were four homes now catering to the different needs of the disabled community.

“We are setting up a home in Seremban which will also be an arts centre for the residents. That will require RM100,000.

“There are also plans to build an extension to the Kampar centre that houses the young disabled residents.

“This alone would require a further RM300,000,” she added.

Source : http://metro.thestar.com.my/news/2005/3/10307660.html

義務教殘障者學英文

“Don’t wait until you have time or earnmore money, then you just come to serve the society. ”這是陳碧燕為善的宗旨，意思是呼籲民眾及時行善，別等到有足夠的金錢與時間才來貢獻社會。

她說，許多人都以工作忙碌作為無暇行善的理由，因此，她希望這番話能鼓勵及喚醒更多人時時刻刻都為社會獻出一分力。

她每週二都會到八打靈再也第二區的美門殘障關懷中心，免費教授該中心的殘障人士1個小時半的中級和初級英文課。

她是在一年多前透過朋友的介紹，上門探訪八打靈再也第二區的美門殘障中心後，引發她藏在內心的大愛，便向該中心表明義務教課的意願。

不會中文的她，雖然可能會與用華語溝通的學生出現“雞同鴨講 ”的情況， 但是她卻不會因而打退堂鼓，反而視這項義務工作為一項挑戰，並希望可從中幫助有需要的人。

陳碧燕也時常教導她的孩子為善最樂的道理，並向他們表示生命短暫，沒有人能夠預料何時會離開這個世界。因此，她勸請公眾人士必須及時行樂和行善，不應等到“有錢和有閒”才來做。 （光明日報／一個好人‧2005/01/31）



陳碧燕（中）憑著內心的大愛，每週二免費替殘障中心的學生教授英文課。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200501311966&data=scnews&spid=187865

義務載送殘障人士

對殘障人士來說，外出時最大的阻礙就是交通問題，因為大馬的交通設施在照顧殘障方面還不夠完善。

但對朱漢明而言，為殘障人士提供交通上的便利，是他覺得最滿足的事。

“所謂施比受更為有福，我認為，當他們的義務司機不只令他們受益，我本身也學到不少東西。”

從事電腦買賣行業的他說，他在2000年時透過教會認識美門殘障中心，自那時開始就不時開車或客貨車載送殘障人士，為他們提供交通上的便利。

“只要他們認為有需要，他們隨時可以向我提出要求，只要時間上許可，我一定會到。”

他指出，他並沒有固定的時間去載送殘障人士，有時候1星期7天都會到殘障中心服務，有時1星期只去1天。

“這得看他們的需要，但我1星期至少會去殘障中心1天。”

他說，久而久之，他已經和他們成為朋友，現在他不只在生活上提供交通便利，還常和殘障人士一起去旅行、搞活動，大家互相學習。

他表示未來的日子裡他還是會繼續為他們服務，因為這是他能力範圍可以做到的好事。 （光明日報／一個好人‧2005/01/17）






















朱漢明自2000年開始，便成為殘障人士的義務司機。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200501170329&data=scnews&spid=187865