Wanita MCA wants to do more for disabled

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita MCA wants to do more than just contribute money to the disabled.

Its chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said yesterday that the wing always looked for ways and means to provide support for all sectors, especially the poor and disabled.

“We do not believe in just giving money because that is short term. This is the second year the wing has participated in giving mobility to the disabled and we want to do more,” she said after presenting a cheque for RM20,000 to Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled for its Project Care “Gift of Life” for the Disabled.

“One of the important empowerment processes is the ability to move freely, and the handicapped must be given as many opportunities as possible to better their lives.

“The public should have greater understanding of this need,” she said.

Lending a hand: Dr Ng (second from left) and other Wanita MCA members joining foundation members (in red) in a sing-along yesterday.


On a separate note, Dr Ng said the wing would start its professional curtain sewing courses next month.

“This is one way to pursue home economy,” she said.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/29/nation/19877177&sec=nation

体会残疾人不便

周美芬轮椅上落泪

（吉隆坡22日讯）车祸后的周美芬，因为行动不便而坐在轮椅上，让她感受到残疾人士的不便，而一时感触落泪。

抱伤出席残健一家贺佳节

车祸受伤留院的妇女、家庭与社会发展部政务次长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬今日特地向院方请假，抱伤出席由八打灵北区服务中心所举办的年度活动《迎冬至·庆圣诞·残健一家贺佳节》，并在致词时有感而发，感触落泪，而全场报以掌声以示支持！

“我现在是坐久会痛，站久也会痛，睡久也会痛，是坐也不是、站也不是、睡也不是！但我非常幸运的是，可能几个星期之后，我就能痊愈，并健步如飞，而残疾人士却不能，无论如何，他们还是很坚强，勇敢地争取自己的利益。”

也是八打灵北区国会议员的周美芬是在本月9日因车祸严重受伤后，住院约2周后，今日首次出席公开场合和一班残疾人士，共同庆祝佳节－冬至和圣诞节。

周美芬今早约10时30分左右，准时出现在白沙罗再也的Atria购物中心内举行的《迎冬至·庆圣诞·残健一家贺佳节》的现场。她的出现获得同僚与与会的残疾人士们热烈欢迎。由于右脚盘骨受伤的关系，周美芬今日坐在轮椅由工作人员推着她入场，虽然如此，她还是面带笑容和在场人士一一握手。

周美芬住院多日，今日首次公开露面，面容看起来比较憔悴，也清瘦不少，不过她依然打起精神，和在场的残疾人士一同吃汤圆、派礼物等等。

周美芬在致词时二度感触哽咽、落泪，虽然如此在场人士依然报以热烈掌声。这时，她突然笑着说：“不说了......”仿佛为自己的落泪感到尴尬，无论如何最后她还是坚强地继完成演词。

坐到很不舒服

在节目未开始之前，不少公众人士、残障人士等都借着此机会与周美芬握手、寒暄送温暖并给予鼓励。周美芬中途在助手的协助下，持着拐杖站立，并开玩笑地和在场准备拍照的摄记说：“坐到屁股不舒服，要站立一下！”

较后，她在现场试吃了残障人士所制作的汤圆，还竖起拇指说：“好吃！”她在颁发部份礼物和红包给残疾人士后，便在助理们协助下，离开现场，返回医院。周美芬在现场逗留了约1个半小时左右。

《迎冬至·庆圣诞·残健一家贺佳节》时八打灵北区一年一度举办的活动，主要和残疾人士一同庆祝佳节。今年主办当局一共邀请了4个单位的残疾人士，包括美门残障关怀中心、SS2爱关怀之家、美嘉园残障中心和SS3爱之家。这场活动一共吸引了逾百名的残疾人士参与。

与此同时，主办当局也找了赞助商分别赞助是日的费用、轮椅或日常用品等给一些需要协助的残疾人士。

提呈残疾人法案

妇女、家庭与社会发展部政务次长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，随着该部门较早前在国会提呈“残障人士法案”，希望提供友善环境给残障人士，以便让他们融入社会，对社会做出贡献。

她也促请健全的社会人士不应排斥残疾人士，并应以自然、正常的态度对待他们，以及了解他们的心理障碍，从而建立一个“残健一家”的社会。

受伤疗养的周美芬今日坐在轮椅上出席由八打灵北区服务中心所举办的年度活动《迎冬至·庆圣诞·残健一家贺佳节》时，她受邀上台致词时表示，现在坐在轮椅上的她更能深刻体会到残疾人士的痛苦。

周美芬表示，自己在本月9日发生车祸之后，该部部长在隔日向国会提呈“残疾人士法案”，并目前已通过一读、二读以及下议院。她要恭喜残障人士，因为他们的坚强和勇敢争取，有关法案才能落实。

她更自娱说，自己目前是“暂时性行动不便”，也因这次车祸让她更深刻体会到残疾人士的所需，因此她希望一旦“残障人士法案”的落实，能为残疾人士提供更友善的生活环境，让他们融入社会。



周美芬坐在轮椅上，由助理推着入场，出席八打灵北区的年度活动。

摘自：光华日报．Kwong Wah

Joint Dongzi and Christmas celebration

By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

FOR the fourth consecutive year, Petaling Jaya MP Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun's office is organising an event to bring the public and the disabled together. It is to celebrate Dongzi and Christmas.

It will be held on Dec 22 on the second floor of the Atria Shopping Complex in Damansara Jaya.

Come one, come all: Wendy Chan (left) and Victor Gu, Chew’s assistant service team leader, at the press conference to announce the event.

The event will feature various activities such as an art competition, Tong Yuen (glutinous rice ball) making competition, lucky draw, Beautiful Gate choir and dance troupe.

Some of the participants will be from the Beautiful Gate Foundation, SS2 Lovely Disabled Home and Taman Mayang Disabled Home.

Organising committee chairman Wendy Chan said there will also free hair cut, eye tests, health checks and mammograms for the disabled at the event.

"From last year's Gift of Life programme, we managed to collect 111 gifts for some disabled friends and since then there has been more applications from needy disabled friends.

"Now we require 54 units of detachable light weight wheelchairs, 10 units of three-wheeled motorcycles, 24 units of motorised wheelchairs, three units of computers and 23 units of medical cushions. These gifts can really help our disabled friends to improve their lives and generate income.

"The public can help acquiring these gifts," she said representing Chew who was unable to make it to the press conference due to her recent accident.

Chan said Chew hoped to make it for the event on Dec 22.

Various sponsors from the community support the event.

Voter's registration will also be open on the event day. There will also be a booth for the registration of the disabled people by Majlis Kebajikan Dan Pembanguan Masyarakat (Mayang).

Those who would like to register for the Tong Yuen competition can call 012-2020998 to register as participation is only limited to 20 people.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/12/21/central/19801032&sec=central

Only for the disabled

SOME 100 disabled people from the Klang Valley gathered at the Centro Mall in Klang last Sunday for a free health check sponsored by various parties.

Many of them arrived as early as 9am at the event organised by Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled, preparing themselves for blood and urine tests as well as Electrocardiogram (ECG).

The foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin said they appreciated the generous gesture of all the parties involved in making the charity event a success.

This was the third annual event provided for the disabled people who could not afford the health examinations, she said.

Vital check: A volunteer taking blood from Tan Siew Wee from Klang Beautiful Gate during the event at Centro. Looking on are Song (second from right) and Sia (left).

“It is sad to see that many of them do not go for their yearly health checks simply because they cannot afford to pay,” she said after the closing of the event by Kapar MCA division chief Datuk Song Kee Chai.

Sia said a disabled friend had died of cancer and added that he could have survived if he had gone for regular health checks and detected the ailment early.

“Physical health is very important to a disabled person in order for him or her to live independently,” she said.

She hoped that more disabled people would take part in such events in the future.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/12/18/central/19721971&sec=central

Centre welcomes recyclable items from the public

IF you have old newspapers, books, clothes, electrical appliances, computer, cans, glass and plastic items, you can get rid of them for a good cause.

The public can contribute to charity by giving away the recyclable items to The Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled.

The foundation’s executive director Sia Siew Chin said the items collected would be sold for cash and the money would be used for the centres’ various charity projects or to finance its daily expenses.

“Selling the recyclables help to generate some income for the centre’s disabled members,” she said.

Members of the public can send the items to the centre at No. 29, SS2/59, Petaling Jaya or call them at 03-78736579 or 03-78758609 or SMS to 019-2198440.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/12/14/central/19747594&sec=central

Proud to be free

By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ

IT was tough at first, but their determination to be independent motivated them to keep going. Today, the beautiful people of the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled are proudly operating their own market stalls.

After five months of trial-and-error, their four market stalls selling flowers, recycled items, vegetables and newspapers at Jalan SS2/62 in Petaling Jaya are now running smoothly.

Their day starts at 6.30am when they set up the stalls. The location of the four stalls is convenient, just at the beginning of Jalan SS2/62, so that they need not struggle on their wheelchairs to the centre or further side of the market.

According to Beautiful Gate executive director Sia Siew Chin, the home was given two licences to trade five years ago but the location was too far in the middle of the market, making it difficult for the disabled persons to access.

”As a result, we could not operate properly and later did not renew the licences,” Sia said.

Business opportunity: Sia (in red T-shirt) attends to two customers at the recycled items stall.

In 2004, the MPBJ built a RM420,000 barrier-free zone from the location of the Beautiful Gate centre on Jalan SS2/24 to the market area, making accessibility easy for the disabled persons.

The home was granted four licences in August this year but the stalls could only be properly established in the last few weeks.

Sia said the programme was to train more disabled people in business to enable them to achieve independence by earning their own income.

“We take it as a training ground for the disabled people to do business. Right now, we are training the trainees to develop business skills,” she said.

“It is good for them as it helps build self-confidence and later, they would be able to start their own businesses. Helping them to be independent is our long-term objective,” she said.

Here you go: Lai Soo Kong handing over newspapers to customers

While some of the products are for sale at the market, the public can also visit the home in SS2 to place orders for flowers.

Chitra Subramaniam took a flower arrangement course conducted at the home when she joined it in April this year.

Chitra is now creating beautiful floral decorations for sale at the market.

“I am interested in this art and I am glad I learnt this because it helps me to earn some income,” she said.

Damansara Utama assemblyman Datuk Lim Choon Kin said the trading licence created work opportunity for the disabled community.

“The general public in Petaling Jaya can support them by buying their products,” he said.

Lim said this at the launch of the stalls on Dec 6 in conjunction with the International Disabled Day, which was commemorated on Dec 3.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/12/13/central/19687839&sec=central

Your Waste Is Our Hope!!

Hi friends,

It is spring cleaning time again!!

Please donate recyclable items to Beautiful Gate Foundation For the Disabled in support of people with disabilities. We collect old newspaper, books, clothes, electrical items, computers, tins, cans, plastic & etc. Your waste can help in create job opportunities for disabled persons and in the same time reduce the financial burden of Beautiful Gate Foundation.

Remember, YOUR WASTE IS OUR HOPE !!

Please call 03-78736579, 03-78758609, or SMS 019-2198440 for more information.

Please kindly forward to your friends.

Siew Chin

残障法案一读通过

雇主须提升弱势福利

（吉隆坡10日讯）2007年残障人士法案今日在下议院提呈一读通过，新法案规定包括政府在内的雇主必须为残障人士提供和正常雇员同等的工作环境、福利及公平的擢升机会。

法案指出，无论是私人或政府机构，都必须为残障人士平等的就业机会及工作评估，雇主同时也有责任为残障雇员提供安全及无障碍的工作环境，确保他们能在舒适的环境下工作。

法案阐明，雇主必须按着残障人士的工作能力来为他/她们提供就业机会，并为他们提供适合的工作环境及适合的职务，这也是雇主的社会责任之一。\为表对上述法案的支持，国内67个残障团体和非政府组织也于今日在大马福利局官员的带领下，浩浩荡荡前来国会见证妇女、家庭与社会发展部长拿督斯里莎丽扎在下议院提呈法案的一读程序。

这些残障团体包括聋哑协会、大马盲人协会、唐氏症候群协会、残障人士等等。一行人也于较后参观国会大厦。

莎丽扎较后在国会走廊向媒体表示，她对筹备已久的2007年残障人士法案终于提呈一读深表欣慰，并形容这也是国内残障人士梦寐以求的一个法案。

她强调，该部的责任是确保国家在朝先进国的目标发展时也不应忽略残障人士的需要，残障人士的福利必须与国家发展主流平行。

她说：“如果国家在成为进步国的同时忽略了残障者的需要，根本就谈不上是进步，反之亦然。”

莎丽扎指出，2007年残障人士法案将在本月17日在下议院提呈辩论通过。

残障人士久盼终获佳音
冀加强法案执行

尽管2007年残障人士法案的提呈对国内广大残疾人士而言是期盼已久的佳音，惟大家更期盼各政府相关单位能加强法案的执行，确保法案真正造福残疾人士。

美门残障关怀基金会总干事谢秀贞传道今日在国会走廊受访时指出，2007年残障人士法案的确是受欢迎的创举，但法案没有清楚阐明各相关单位该如何有效执行保护残障人士的条例，包括没有阐明任何对残障人士作出歧视行为者将会受到怎样的对付，实属美中不足。

她说：“法案中所提到的成立残障人士国家理事会、为残障人士提供无障碍的公共设施或建筑物等，其实都是过去存在的政策，问题在于法案通过后是这些政策是否有效执行？”

她强调，若要确保残障人士的权益能随着法案通过真正获得保障，政府有必要在法案下为残障人士提供更大的法律权益，确保保护残障人士的政策获得有效的实践。

摘自：光华日报．Kwong Woh

“化礙為愛”賀卡

蕭依釗：賀詞廣義可當致意卡
星洲推介“化礙為愛”賀卡

（八打靈再也訊）2007年“化礙為愛”農曆新年賀卡正式推介。

星洲日報秉持“行有餘力，則以助人”信念，第二年推出“一元一卡獻愛心”活動。

營利歸殘障團體所有

即日起，大眾可向星洲日報或雙福殘障自強發展協會、愛•關懷之家以及八打靈美門職訓中心、芙蓉美門殘障藝術中心和甲洞美門殘障康復中心，購買充滿慈善意義的賀卡。賀卡設計成本及行政費由星洲日報吸收，扣除印刷商收費後，營利歸殘障團體所有。

星洲媒體集團總編輯蕭依釗表示，今年推出的“化礙為愛”農曆新年賀卡，符合本地華人社會佳節時的熱鬧氣氛，賀詞內容較廣義，平日可當致意卡使用。

她說，身邊有位不喜歡電子卡的朋友，每次收到電子卡時都會刪除。那位朋友覺得寄電子卡並無心意，反而非常珍惜所收到的致意卡。

推介禮出席者包括星洲日報公共聯系總經理劉聯成、副文教主任陳慧嬌、雙福殘障自強發展協會執行經理顏依玲，八打靈美門職訓中心行政助理與甲洞美門殘障康復中心代表劉美莉、芙蓉美門殘障藝術中心代表李國寶和愛•關懷之家總幹事林國強。

學記加入售卡行列

另外《學海》學生記者也加入售賣“化礙為愛”農曆新年賀卡行列，讓學生從己身做起，培養愛心及熱心助人的精神。所得營利將平分給以上慈善團體。

歡迎公司企業團體訂購

歡迎有意協助殘障團體的公司企業、團體訂購賀卡。有意選購者可在賀卡上打印公司名字，送給客戶或員工。“化礙為愛”農曆新年賀卡零售價為一套5令吉，內附5張賀卡。唯印上公司名稱賀卡價錢另計。

欲知詳情或訂購賀卡，歡迎儘快與星洲日報文教部聯絡，03-79658560。 （星洲日報•2007.12.05）

摘自: http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200712050956&data=scnews&spid=130844

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Enable Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities

Principles of the Convention

1. Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
   
2. Non-discrimination
   
3. Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
   
4. Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
   
5. Equality of opportunity
   
6. Accessibility
   
7. Equality between men and women
   
8. Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

Source : http://www.un.org/disabilities

Signature

The present Convention shall be open for signature by all States and by regional integration organizations at United Nations Headquarters in New York as of 30 March 2007.

Right to life

Every human being has the inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others.

Living Independently

All persons with disabilities have the equal rights to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and shall take effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of this right and their full inclusion and participation in the community.

Malaysia

As of March 30, some 80 countries have signed the new Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Malaysia is not on the list of signatories but the Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said "we are working towards it".

"We want to have our groundwork in place first. Our legal advisers are working 24/7 to finalise the Persons with Disabilities Bill to be tabled in Parliament this year. Once we have that in place, we will sign the convention."

Source: http://www.nst.com.my

As of October 19, Malaysia has yet to be on the CRPD list of signatories.

Source: http://www.un.org/disabilites

International Day of Disabled Persons

Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities

In every society very few persons with disabilities are gainfully employed. In fact, in most countries up to 80% of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed. Most others are under-employed or will never have access to the labour market. Everywhere there is a sizable gap between the working conditions and employment trends of persons with disabilities and those without a disability. All too often persons with disabilities are dependent upon begging, hand-outs, and welfare for their livelihood, not through any meaningful employment. The denial of opportunities and negative attitudes are the main reasons why persons with disabilities are disproportionally absent from the workforce.

This year's International day of Disabled Persons focuses on how to ensure decent work for persons with disabilities and on ways to tap into the abilities of this marginalized talent pool. The recently adopted Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes in Article 27 the rights of persons with disabilities to work and employment on an equal basis with others. It stresses the right of persons with disabilities to earn a living from freely chosen work, and to work in an environment that is both accessible and accepting.

Many countries do not have legislation to promote and protect the rights of disabled workers. This makes discrimination on the grounds of disability legitimate, hindering persons with disabilities from entering the labour market. However, the discrimination often begins a lot earlier in life, when persons with disabilities are denied other opportunities that would facilitate their inclusion into the workforce, such as education or training in employable skills, accessible transportation to get to work, and accessible workplaces.

Employers often resist employing a person with disabilities believing they will be unable to perform their roles and/or that it would be too expensive. This attitude is rooted in fear and stereotyping, focusing more on the disability than on the abilities of the individual. Empirical evidence, however, shows that persons with disabilities have high performance ratings and retention rates, as well as better attendance records than their non-disabled colleagues. In addition, the cost of accommodating workers with disabilities can be minimal, with most requiring no special accommodation at all. Studies have shown that there are other benefits to employers of persons with disabilities, such as improved workforce morale and increased customer goodwill.

Ensuring decent work for persons with disabilities will vary from country to country, and setting to setting. Business groups, Governments, and persons with disabilities should work closely together to address both the lack of opportunities that prevent persons with disabilities from entering the workforce and the attitudes found among employers. For many persons with disabilities in developing countries self-employment is the only option. Countries should consider ways that support persons with disabilities in this area, such as the inclusion of persons with disabilities in schemes such as micro-credit and micro-finance, which have largely excluded persons with disabilities as potential beneficiaries.

In more developed countries, persons with disabilities still experience high rates of unemployment. Countries need to continue to close the existing gap between persons with disabilities and those without disabilities. The Convention will mean that workplaces and practices are adapted to be more accessible and accepting. It will also mean that employers and the business community will have greater roles to play in the social and economic integration of persons with disabilities.

In order to support the implementation of the Convention, this International Day will look at new ways in which the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market may be promoted by governments, the private sector, and/or civil society, including the disability community. These include programmes such as supported employment, social enterprises, cooperatives, on the job disability management (job retention and return to work measures), and on the promotion of entrepreneurship, self employment and viable micro and small businesses.

The International Day is an invaluable opportunity that should be seized by Governments, business groups and persons with disabilities to discuss and formulate ways that allow persons with disabilities to participate fully in the labour market.

Source : http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=110

Photo from Team No 9

Treasure Hunt - Photo Flashback

Special Thanks To All Volunteers

Special thanks to all of you for being a helpful hand before and during the event, and thanks to everyone for woke up so early during the weekend from all over the town.

Event Coordinator - Michael & Florence

Noted that you had sleepless night before the hunt as you were preparing for 2 events at the same day. The interesting questions really made us laugh out loud during the answer presentation. Guess some of the beginners still cracking their head to figure out the answers... experience does count!

Hunt Team - Phyllis, Weng & Kendra

Thanks for running around the town to get the answers sheets and treasures from the hunters. It must be challenging as there were ad hoc tasks need to attend. Calling every team for cancellation of Question No 15 is a no joke task.

Venue Team - Isaac, Faith, Indren & Jacqueline

Your work station may be a bit boring, but without you be there, the traffic can be hay wired. Salutes to you all for being a good traffic controller.

Photo Team - WK, Isaac & Ruey Shyan

WK, thanks for woke up so early in the morning despite that you have not done so for long times... haha. On the road, Ruey Shyan & Isaac must have a lot of fun time by looking at the hunters funny face. Chang, being a hunter, also a member of LENSA, thanks for last minute arrangement taking photos at Segi College. All of you have certainly taken great photos during the event.

Emcee - William

Being a humourous emcee, you can consider to setup a fans club now, your fans will come from both World Vision and Beautiful Gate... haha! Thanks for coming all the way from Seremban to attend our event.

Special Thanks To All Sponsors

Venue Sponsors

The Summit Shopping Center

Special thanks to The Summit for sponsoring of flag off venue. The Summit is the first sponsor to response to our request, also accommodate some of our last minute changes, very much appreciated. The Summit is always supportive by sponsoring venue for many events of Beautiful Gate.

Segi College

Special thanks to Segi College for sponsoring of their theatre for treasure hunt answer presentation session. The theatre fully equipped with sounds system, projector screen, air-conditioning has definitely made our participants comfortable after the exhausting hunt on the road.

Major Sponsors

Sunway Engineering

Special thanks to Sunway Engineering for being the major sponsor of the event. With the contribution of RM 5,000, this definitely give us the confidence to carry out the event without worrying of the three grand prizes.

Pizza Hut - Eat, Laugh, Share

Special thanks to Pizza Hut for sponsoring of lunch and a wheelchair to the Beautiful Gate. Their kind sponsors filled up the hunters stomach and also changing life of a differently-abled people.


Cash, Prizes and Goodies Bags Sponsors

Treasure Hunt Wish List

Motorised Wheelchair
24 units @ RM 8,800 per unit

The most upsetting fact for those with severe physical disability but mentally healthy children is that they cannot even operate a basic wheelchair. The thought of always having to fully depend on the help of others is the main cause towards their loss of determination to live. A motorised chair only requires one finger to operate, this is at least still within their ability. Your gift will open a whole new future path for them to live independently.

Detachable Lightweight Wheelchairs
54 units @ RM 1,200 per unit

Disabled friends living in poverty have only basic wheelchair and some of them are even WITHOUT one! They depend heavily on others to carry out simple daily activities. As a result of mobility restriction, many of them lose the opportunity to attend school, seek employment and make friends. A detachable lightweight wheelchair will allow them to take care of their daily activities independently without troubling others therefore giving them a chance to step out of their house into the society, this will also lessen the burden on their family members. Your act of kindness gives them the opportunity to go into school, gain employment, and most importantly, give them hope for the future.

Medicated Cushion
23 units @ RM 1,800 per unit

Spinal injury paralyses the lower body. As a result, these disabled friends suffer from bowel malfunction and easily develop pressure sore that force them to be in bed for an extensive period of time. With a specially designed medical cushion, it protects their vulnerable hips from further injury and infection, thus allowing them to lead a normal life instead spending the rest of their lives in bed.

Motorcycle for Disabled
10 units @ RM 5,880 per unit

The numerous traffic and industrial accidents have created many middle-aged disabled persons, causing them to lose their ability to work, and cutting off the main course of income for their families. With a three-wheeled motorcycle, not only does it allow the disabled parents to run small businesses and fulfill their role as the main provider of the family, your gift will also allows them to continue contributing to the society regardless of their disabilities.

Treasure Hunt Organising Team

Jointly Organised By

MCA Wanita / MCA Life Long Learning Social Concern Pillar

Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled

Organising Chairman

Dr Ng Yen Yen

Working Committee

Chairman Datin Roslind

Vice Chairman Serena Pang

Secretary Sia Siew Chin

Treasurer Wanita MCA

Event Coordinator

• Michael Pang
  
• Florence Teng

Members

• Chong Kar Yee
  
• Ivy Pua
  
• Isaac Tho
  
• Jacqueline Lee
  
• Phyllis Leow
  
• Thomas Yeoh
  
• William Lee

Volunteers

• Chan Kam Weng
  
• Faith H'ng
  
• Indren
  
• Kendra Lam
  
• Tan Ruey Shyan
  
• Tan Wee Keong

Be An Angel Treasure Hunt

1st December 2007

Start / Finish Venue :
The Summit, USJ

Entry Fee :
Minimum Donation of RM 300 per team

Format and details of this event

• 100% hunt. A no frills, just thrills event.
  
• Start venue & time : The Summit Shopping Center @ 8am
  
• Registration & briefing : 7.30am
  
• Finish venue & time : The Summit Shopping Center @ 12noon
  
• Answers and prize presentations @ 2.00pm
  
• Lunch will be provided.
  
• Questions
  35 route Qs x 2 pts (Part A – 15 Q , Part B – 20 Q)
  5 treasures x 5 pts
  5 Beautiful Gate & International Day of Disabled People Trivia Qs x 1 pts (10min - start at 12.00noon)
  
• Tie breakers – 1. Trivia Qs, 2. Treasures 3. Route Qs 4. Time.
  
• Collect t-shirts and car stickers from Beautiful Gate on Wed 28/11 and Thurs 29/11 10am -7pm.
  
• “Treasure Hunt 101” - a coaching session tailored for beginners will be conducted at The Summit Shopping Center on Friday 30/11 at 6.30pm All regular hunters need not attend.
  
• Clerk of course: Michael Pang
  
• Entry closing date: 5pm on Friday 23 Nov. 2007

Entry Fee & Instructions

Per team : A minimum donation of RM300
Please download Entry Form

Bank-in to

Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled
Public Bank A/C No: 3139933307

Fax entry & payment slip to : 03- 7876 2686

Contact Person

• Datin Rosalind, Tel: 012-278 1687
  
• Sia Siew Chin, H/P 019-219 8440 (prefer SMS), bgcentre@yahoo.com
  
• Ivy Pua, Tel: 03-78736579/7875 8609
  
• Serena Pang, H/P 012-2270229, spcp129@yahoo.com

McDonald Car Park For Disabled People

Looking at this picture, just curious why there are two colour tones for the disabled car parking lot?

A lot of premises perceive to have disabled facilities for the disabled people, however, are these facilities friendly enough for them?

这是上天的考验，而不是惩罚

最近发生一件最震撼的事，莫过于Datuk Badruddin对Karpal Singh说了一句“坐轮椅是上天对你的惩罚”！

我想，这可能是他的无心之失，或一时激动说出来的一句话；可是，这一句话却伤透了成千上万残障人士的心。

在网上，也不难发现有很多的部落格格长在宣泄对Datuk Badruddin的不满。

然而Datuk Badruddin的观点，不也真正反映出一般公众对残障人士的心态吗？为什么我们只是把矛头指向他一个人呢？

我相信，很多残障朋友都曾遭受同样的待遇，那就是被骂“残障就不要出门”。你要知道被骂时心里有多酸，就是要等到如果有一天，你也成为残障人士。

这不是对任何人的诅咒，而是要提醒大家，残障人士在生活上所遇到的困难，并不是我们可以想像得到的。我就曾经目睹过一个短片，一些比较严重的，真的是连起床都是一个挑战。



是想，活下去，是需要有多少的勇气？而多少人，又有活下去的勇气呢？

没有人知道为什么他一生下人就是残障，也没有人知道什么时候他会一夜之间成为残障人士，这铁一般的事实，是没有人可以改变的结局。

孟子曰：“故天将降大任於是人也，必先苦其心志，劳其筋骨，饿其体肤，空乏其身，行拂乱其所为，所以动心忍性，曾益其所不能。”

人生就是一个旅程，一个上天要我们历经辛酸苦乐的旅程。我们是否也可以转个观点，这是上天对一个人的考验，而不是在惩罚任何人？

让我们大家一起来鼓励残障人士，让他们可以从黑暗走出来；也让我们大家一起来向他们致敬，因为，生活真的不容易，他们也不曾放弃。

每个人来到这个世界，就有活下去的权力，也应该有活下去的勇气。 当上天关上了一道门，它也正在为我们开启另一道门。

这个世界并不完美，但这不允许我们的心变得丑陋。

请参阅《生命的力量》

（文稿提供：屏）

Pass laws to make nation more disabled-friendly

WITH reference to the call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (“Employ The Disabled, says PM” – The Star, Nov 15), for more companies to show their caring side and employ disabled people, we would like the People with Disabilities Act to be passed by Parliament immediately to show that the Government really cares and support for the equal opportunities of disabled people in Malaysian society.

We would want a more strict implementation and enforcement of By-law 34A of the Uniform Building By-laws which requires all buildings to have access for disabled people.

Existing buildings should be surveyed and audited, and be upgraded to comply with the Building Regulations.

This requirement should be stressed in all government departments and policies.

We would also call upon the Malaysian Standard 1331: Access of Disabled Persons Outside Buildings (2003) to be incorporated in the Town and Country Planning Act, Highways Act and/or the Streets, Drainage and Building Act, so that the street environment will be accessible as well, and not just buildings.

Apart from that, we would want the Public Works Department to make sure that all government buildings are accessible, safe and usable for disabled people.

These must include accessible car parking, gentle ramps, accessible toilets, tactile guides, lifts and proper handrails for all existing and new government buildings.

The management and communications aspects of workplaces must also be inclusive for disabled people.

Braille lettering, tactile guides, sign language interpreters and easily read text must be available to create ease of communication and conveying of information.

The Government must lead the way for a caring society by getting all existing buildings to be accessible to the disabled.

When places of work are accessible, safe and usable for disabled people who have mobility problems, sensory impairment and learning disabilities, then they are more employable as there will be no physical and communication barriers.

Attitudes and prejudiced perceptions will be less when more disabled people are commonly seen in public and the work place.

Naziaty Mohd Yaacob, Dr Tiun Ling Ta, Francis Johen Anak Adam, Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Ananda Raj, Asia Community Service.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/19/focus/19511676&sec=focus

Employ the disabled, says PM

PM urges for a more caring society

By LOONG MENG YEE

KUALA LUMPUR: She is a capable woman and presentable enough to be a newscaster – but she could not get long-term employment because she is wheelchair-bound.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, stressing that he wants Malaysia to have a culture of caring where those who need help know they will receive help, said it reminded him of the woman.

“She looks good and capable. I told her she could be in front of the camera or become a compere.

“But she told me, she had yet to find a job,” Abdullah said, not naming the woman.

Best of the lot: Abdullah presenting the overall award to DiGi chief executive officer Morten Lundal at the Prime Minister’s CSR Awards presentation in Kuala Lumpur yesterday while Shahrizat looks on.

“No one wanted to employ her because she sat in a wheelchair,” he told corporate bigwigs at the Prime Minister’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards presentation here yesterday.

Representatives from Petronas, Maybank, BP Malaysia, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd and Procter and Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd were among those who attended the event.

“Companies must give attention and be ready to employ disabled people who are able to perform the tasks given and do something for the company,” he said.

Abdullah said jobs should be offered to suitable candidates even if they were handicapped, adding that this is what folks in a caring society would do.

The Prime Minister said a progressive Malaysia meant that the people would enjoy quality of life.

More important, he added, the disadvantaged – such as the sickly, the poor and the handicapped – are assured they also have a place in this country and would be well cared for.

He said the nation and its people had demonstrated its caring nature in many ways and it was a contribution he hoped would continue to flourish.

The awards are given in recognition of companies that carry out strong community and social responsibility projects.

There were 316 entries from 161 companies for the award. They competed in seven categories, including education, environment and workplace practices.

DiGi Telecommunications was named the overall winner.

It also grabbed first places in two other categories – best workplace practice and protecting culture and heritage.

Present at the event were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohd Effendi Norwawi.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/15/nation/19478137&sec=nation

Pua proves wheelchair no barrier in her life

PETALING JAYA: Being wheelchair-bound does not stop Pua Ghin Chu physically or mentally. Yesterday, the 25-year-old performed a cha-cha dance with a male partner on stage at a health campaign in SS3 community hall.

After her stunning dance performance, she wheeled herself to the organ donation campaign booth to pledge all her organs.

Amazing feat: Pua performing the cha-cha with her dance partner Theng at the SS3 community hall in Petaling Jaya on Sunday.

“I think it will be a waste of resources if I do not donate my organs after I die,” said Pua, paralysed at the age of 16 after having blood clot in her spine.

She added that she had wanted to pledge her organs a long time ago but did not know where to go. This time around, she overheard an announcement about the organ donation booth and wasted no time in signing up.

“I am sure my parents would have no objection to my pledge,” said Pua, whose parents are vegetable traders in Sekinchan.

The eldest in the family, Pua joined Beautiful Gate Foundation and later took up computer studies. She is the employment coordinator at the foundation.

Pua’s dance partner, Theng Bing Haw, 28, a tutor at KBU college, took up a community project under LP 88 with Beautiful Gate to help the disabled a few years ago.

They underwent two years of training to dance before mustering enough courage to perform live before an audience.

Pua’s swift movement on wheelchair gave the impression she was not bound by it at all. She was able to elegantly twist, turn and move according to the music tempo.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/11/12/nation/19445846&sec=nation

Sitting in wheelchair is God's punishment?

In the article published in New Strait Times, Datuk Badruddin Amiruldin (BN -Jerai) stated clearly that Karpal Singh (DAP - Bukit Jelugor)'s temporary state of sitting on a wheelchair is a punishment from GOD!!

What about those who have to depend on the wheelchair for a living? for mobility to their work place?

Is their current disability condition is a punishment from God?

What about those who are born disabled? Is that a kind of pre-punishment from God even before they are given the opportunity to commit crime?

What about those who are permanently disabled then? is that a permanent punishment from God to them?

Whereas those murderer or rapist are of able bodies?
Hence, disability is not a kind of punishment from God!!

Couldn't agree more?? Then, Please DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!

Lets not give the wrong impression that our disabled friends, not only our disabled friends in Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled but disabled friends from around the world, feels that their physical disability is a form of punishment from God!!

(Article by : Amy Wong)

Employers need to look into basic facilities for disabled folks

We just need a little help: Some of the physically challenged folks who will undergo training at the Armour Security Systems (M) Sdn Bhd.

By TAN KARR WEI

Photo by ABDUL RAHMAN SENIN

THERE would be more job opportunities for the physically challenged if companies have a barrier-free working place for them.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled care and employment head Ivy Pua said among the problems faced by the disabled when trying to get a job is the lack of accessibility to public transportation and to the workplace itself.

“People who are wheelchair-bound can’t work in an office that does not have lifts even if the employer are willing to employ them,” said Pua.

The lack of qualification is also a problem as they faced the same accessibility problems in schools and colleges.

“It’s not that there are no jobs for us but getting there may be a problem. Some work places are not disabled friendly,” said Carol Rasiah, 40, who is wheelchair-bound and sold sweets in the area around her Kepong home to earn money.

Lee Boon Kiat, 23, from Kuala Selangor said it was hard to access the toilets at his previous workplace, as he was wheelchair-bound.

“It’s also hard to stay in a permanent job because we fall sick more often than other employees,” he said.

Chan Sin Wai, 25, can walk and talk but he has Tourette syndrome, a nerve disorder that causes him to have sudden involuntary twitching and utterance of sounds.

“I can’t drive because of my disorder and I only have a narrow selection of jobs like telemarketing for things like credit cards and insurance,” he said.

However, Chan often changed jobs because he could not cope with having to meet a monthly target, as with most telemarketing jobs.

Recognising these problems, the Pudu Rotary Club had taken a proactive step by having a vocational job training and placement programme for these individuals.

Armour Security Monitoring Sdn Bhd will provide full vocational training to about six people who are physically challenged for three months, paying each an allowance of RM600 per month.

Upon completion, they will be offered a permanent job if they are able to perform their respective tasks.

Assistant general manager Ching Eng Seong said jobs like data entry or monitoring of the security systems were suitable for the disabled and he hopes to train more people in future.

“We hope that other NGOs and potential employers will offer this type of training and job placement for other disabled individuals so that they can gain financial independence,” said project chairman Gary Lim Beng Huat.

“By being financially independent, they can regain their self-esteem and confidence,” said Kg Tunku assemblyman Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou who launched the programme at Shangri-la Hotel, Kuala Lumpur recently.

Companies that have job or training opportunities for the physically challenged can contact United Voice (03-7958 8069), Beautiful Gate (Ivy Pua 03-7873 6579), Malaysian Association for the Blind (Zainuddin Jasmi 03-2272 2677) or the Kiwanis Job Training Centre (Goh Siew Eng 03-7954 3361 or 012-658 2992).

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/10/18/central/19126493&sec=central

成长的时间

我的女儿今年八岁，读二年级，长得高过我坐着时的肩膀了。拥抱她的时候，想起刚出世时躺在我怀中的小baby，感慨光阴似箭，时间的流失换来生命的成长。

那天她从学校回来，带来了一份通告，说学校将举办园游会，邀请父母亲去参加。看她欲言又止的样子，我就问她什么事。她说，她不想同学们看到她的妈妈是坐轮椅的。

我的心一下子像掉进冰窟里，又冷又痛。我身为母亲的身份，完全被否定了。

我强忍着内心的悲痛，和欲夺眶而出的泪水，陪她玩，陪她吃饭，陪她作功课。

作完功课后，她忽然抱着我说，你是我最爱最爱的妈妈。

原来在她心中，我永远都是她的好母亲，这是肯定的。她只是需要一点时间学习去面对她不想面对的问题，或者去面对她想象中可能会出现的情况。而我，也需要学习在这段期间陪她一起成长。

给别人一点时间，也给自己一点时间。共同的成长，才能共享成长的喜悦。

（文稿提供：谢秀贞）

Cross-country: Disabled get jobs with club's help

Chan Sin Wei has Tourette’s Syndrome

KUALA LUMPUR: With his involuntary spasms and occasional shrieks, it is not easy for 25-year-old Chan Sin Wei to land a job.

But thanks to the Pudu Rotary Club, Chan, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, can now look forward to a six-month vocational stint with Armour Security Monitoring Sdn Bhd.

Chan and six other physically disabled individuals were matched to the company by the Pudu Rotary Club after they were referred by homes like the Beautiful Gate Foundation For the Disabled, United Voice, Malaysian Association of the Blind and Kiwanis Job and Training Centre and Kiwanis Job and Training Centre Slow Learner.

Since receiving his diploma in marketing five years ago, Chan had held many jobs but his contracts were not renewed due to his condition.

The longest he spent on a job was nine months and he has been unemployed for the past four months.

“It has always been hard for people to accept my condition. Kids were mean to me at school and teachers made me sit on my own because they thought I was distracting the class,” he said at the launch of the Pudu Rotary Club’s Vocational Job Training and Placement for Physically Challenged Youth.

Kelana Jaya state assemblyman Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou officiated at the launch at the Shangri-La Hotel here yesterday.

The RM600 allowance Chan would be getting during his training stint would come in handy as currently he volunteers at the Beautiful Gate recycling centre in Petaling Jaya. The foundation provides him with meals but he has to rely on his savings for other things.

Under the training programme, Chan and the others would monitor the closed-circuit security cameras and perform clerical duties. The company will consider hiring them after the six-month period, based on their performance.

Beautiful Gate’s job placement officer Ivy Pua said despite the tax incentives given to companies that hired disabled workers, many disabled people remained unemployed.

“There are many reasons for this, including inaccessibility to public transport, insufficient disabled-friendly facilities and equipment, and the disabled person’s inability to handle the job,” Pua said.

She said the lack of qualifications and a poor command of the English language also contributed to their low rate of employment.

Beautiful Gate Foundation For the Disabled job placement officer Ivy Pua says many disabled remain unemployed.

Source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/20071009074225/Article

表揚各領域優異表現

10大福建傑出女性出爐

（吉隆坡訊）馬來西亞福建社團聯合會婦女組今日（週四，9月27日）公佈“10大福建傑出女性獎”名單，以表揚在各個領域取得傑出表現的福建女性。

“10大福建傑出女性獎”得主分別來自政治、大企業、中小型企業、公共服務界、文化藝術、慈善宗教、團體鄉會、教育研究、家庭和其他領域。

婦女組主席詹麗美表示，獎項的目的在於表揚福建女性在過去50年對國家、社會和族群的貢獻，宣揚她們熱愛國家、家庭和事業的精神。

她在新聞發佈會上指出，大馬華裔人口以福建人居多，成功的福建商家多不勝數，傑出的福建女性更是不少；該會希望通過10大傑出女性獎，肯定國內福建女性的貢獻。

頒獎晚宴10月23舉行

“相信這是首個由華團發起表揚女性的獎項，希望此活動能起拋磚引玉的作用，帶動其他鄉團表揚各籍貫女性的貢獻。”

她透露，頒獎晚宴將於10月23日晚上在八打靈再也晶冠酒店舉行。

6得主分享心路歷程

從眾多提名者中脫穎而出的“10大福建傑出女性獎”的其中6名得主今日在新聞發佈會上，講述了自己在家庭及職場的心路歷程，他們在不同領域取得成功，但她們擁有一個共同點，就是不輕言放棄及敢於接受挑戰的精神。

潘斯里謝叔珍：做善事須發自內心

我認為，做善事必須是發自內心，幫了別人就算了，不應掛在心上或得到表揚。

我只是在日常生活中把能力所及的事情辦好，可以幫到別人未必只有我的功勞，其他人的合作也很重要。

陳達真博士：女性服務華團不容易

女性在華團服務並不容易，大家都是犧牲自己的家庭、時間和金錢，默默為華社付出，但是做不好會被別人指責，做得好反招人嫉妒，指指點點。

華團應以服務為精神，在金錢、關係及情感上都要無私的付出才能受人尊敬。

女性要與男性平起平坐，就一定要有學識，只有踏入社會，女性才能開拓自己的視野，認知自己的價值。

蘇鳳喜：熱愛寫作40年不變

我寫作40年來，不曾參加過任何比賽，當初一同出道的朋友，今天也只剩下我一個。

我從小就喜歡看書寫作，從成人文學到兒童文學，我一直是憑著這股熱愛堅持到現在，就是這樣簡單。

謝秀貞：感謝社會善心人士幫助

家中的7個兄弟姐妹中，4個和我一樣患上肌肉萎縮症，從小我們一家就受到別人的排擠和歧視，造成我很自卑，甚至想一死了之。

不過，在我接觸了教會後，我開始認識到自己並不是完全沒有用，大事我做不到，但至少在小事上我可以幫助別人。

1993年，我創立了美門，從此我的世界不再是面對自己，而是面對別人的困難。我感謝社會的善心人士幫助我，因為你們，我才能去幫助別人。

黃夕鳳：積極協助單親媽媽

有錢人可以把孩子教好，沒錢也一樣！貧窮不可怕，最重要是規劃好生活，不要坐困在悲傷中。

20多年前，丈夫遇車禍殘障，我帶著6個孩子，又要照顧家公家婆，不過我沒有放棄，不斷鼓勵孩子努力求學，今天孩子都長大了，全部在學術上取得優異表現。

目前，我正積極協助單親媽媽，我能把自己的孩子教好，我相信我也能幫助別人。

蘇意琴：不能低估別人潛能

我把人生和職場上的每一個階段看作是一場游戲，最重要是玩得開心。

我當初以1000令吉創業，最後點石“水”成金，改變了整個大馬對飲水的觀念。

身為企業家，我認為，我們不能低估別人的潛能，假如他的生命可以照亮別人，我們必須在他最困苦的時候伸出援手，讓社會栽培人才。 （星洲日報•2007.09.27）


十大福建傑出女性獎得主都有著堅韌不拔的刻苦精神，前排左起：謝叔珍、陳達真及謝秀貞；後排左起：黃夕鳳、蘇鳳喜及蘇意琴。

摘自:http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200709271722&data=scnews&spid=84013

籌殘障藝術中心建築費

美門10月辦慈善晚宴

（芙蓉訊）愛、讓世界更美！一項另類的藝術晚宴，除了可以讓你看到不一樣的表演之外，更能夠為芙蓉美門殘障藝術中心籌募建築經費。

盼籌獲30萬經費

這項由基督教衛理公會中南教區舉辦的“愛、讓世界更美”慈善晚宴，訂於10月6日（星期六）晚上7時在芙蓉中華中學舉行，為芙蓉美門殘障藝術中心籌募建築經費。

該籌委會主席戴蘭說，整個芙蓉美門殘障藝術中心計劃共需耗資70萬令吉，包括建築費及各種設備，但是現在仍欠30萬令吉，希望能透過這次的慈善晚宴籌得。

她說，美門殘障藝術中心著重為森州一帶的殘障人士提供手藝及演藝的培訓，讓這不幸的一群也能擁有謀生的技能並且回饋社會。

通過表演激勵人心

該中心基金會負責人謝秀貞指出，相信通過培訓，殘障人士能夠往專業的演藝領域發展，因為殘障人士的表演除了可以呈現藝術的殘缺美，更重要的是能夠激勵人心的元素。

她表示，該中心所提供的培訓並不僅於技能及知識上的訓練，也包括教導如何設立人生目標及自我輔導等，因為生活上的培訓比起傳遞知識更為重要。

她說，為了落實建立芙蓉美門殘障中心的夢想，希望更多人給予支持，凡捐獻1000令吉或以上者可獲2張貴賓券及成為剪彩人，500令吉或以上者則獲得2張貴賓券，且能豁免所得稅。

有意捐獻者可聯絡芙蓉美門殘障藝術中心633 3037、謝秀貞019-219 8440、戴蘭012-607 9173。 （星洲日報/花城•2007.09.26）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200709264255&data=scnews&spid=84013

Value The Care & Love Charity Dinner

吧生加埔路四里马华支会主办
吧生精明社区组织协办
“珍惜爱心”庆中秋慈善晚宴

马瑞雄“山南山北走一回”



马瑞雄“好汉歌”



舞蹈表演

Klang Culture Street

吧生文化街联委会主催
五十华裔党团及华社联办
中秋灯海耀皇城

中秋灯海耀皇城，是通过吧生五十个华裔党团来联办这富有意义的传统节日，希望把延续文化薪火传承工作继续推动下去。

今天晚上的节目很丰富，在晚会开始前，举办提灯游行，还特地从马六甲安排十辆三轮车到吧生参与游行，游行前，安排车夫载送市民游街，同时也邀请美门艺术团一同参与游行及表演。

生于斯，长于斯，要不是应邀美门美术团的演出，却不知道原来吧生吴平街已经被打造成吧生文化街，这令我感到十分汗颜。

在游行的时候，经过了许多街道，勾起了孩提时的回忆。吴平街、太平街，曾经盛旺一时，几乎是所有吧生人逛街的好去处。后来因为其他地区的发展，导致这里的人潮流失。

马瑞雄“好汉歌”



叶顺利“爱拼才会赢”



Rhumba



舞蹈表演

Klang Utama Performance

吧生卫星市新礼堂开幕典礼

Macarina

YMCA

Rock 'N Roll

Rhumba

一片天空

Angeline

調高津貼減輕負擔

弱勢群體雀躍萬分

（八打靈再也訊）殘障人士對于政府關注弱勢群體，調高原本每月200至300令吉的津貼感到興奮與雀躍。

部份受訪的殘障人士認為，該措施將有效改善殘障人士的生活素質，減輕他們的負擔。

他們希望政府除了提高津貼外，能擴大無障礙空間的范圍，同時增加適合弱勢群體使用的各項基本設備。

林國強：盼打造無障礙空間

愛關懷之家創辦人之一林國強表示，該中心非常歡迎政府的這項宣布，讓殘障人士能走入社會過獨立的生活。

他說，盡管如此，政府應該撥款興建各種適合弱勢群體如樂齡人士、孕婦和殘障人士的設備，如人行道、公共巴士和升降機等，以打造一個無障礙的空間。

“此外，希望政府能擬定一項法令，以保護殘障人士的權利。

同時，私人界和學校應制定適合殘障人士的工作崗位和空間，讓殘障人士能融入與常人一樣的生活環境。”

他指出，目前殘障人士的每月基薪為750令吉，因此希望政府能制定每月的基薪為1000令吉，以及政府提供每月500令吉的津貼，以應付日常的開銷。

劉美莉：政府重視弱勢群體

美門殘障中心的劉美莉表示，該中心對于該項宣布感到非常開心，這是政府重視弱勢群體的一項證明。

她說，過去殘障人士常常受到社會的忽略，不過令人感到欣慰的是，近年來的各項措施都有顧慮殘障人士的感受。

“希望政府能擴大無障礙的環境，提升適合供殘障人士使用的設備和公共交通。”

潘銀珠：殘障者最實際幫助

美門殘障中心的潘銀珠表示，該中心的所有成員對于這項福利感到非常興奮，大家都在談論此課題，讓整個中心充滿喜悅。

她說，由于經濟不景氣加上通貨膨脹，因此增加津貼是直接協助殘障人士的最實際的方法。

“盡管如此，希望政府和私人界能更關注社會上的弱勢群體，在建筑或裝修時能以殘障人士的需要作為考量，為殘障人士提供便利。” （星洲日報/大都會•2007.09.08）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200709090122&data=scnews&spid=80291

殘障人士對于政府調高津貼感到非常興奮，惟希望當局能繼續關注弱勢群體，為殘障人士提供更多適合殘障人士使用的設備。

Merdeka Celebration at PJ

Orphans and the disabled celebrate N-Day

HUNDREDS of orphans and disabled people from five homes in Klang were treated to dinner and entertainment in conjunction with the 50th Merdaka Day celebration.

The event was organised by the Jalan Pulau Pinang Rukun Tetangga. Community leaders also attended the celebration.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the disabled chief executive Sia Siew Chin, led a group of handicapped members in a wheel-chair dance at the function.

She said being invited to perform was a recognition for the disabled.

“We are happy to be able to celebrate this important day,'' she said.

Also present were Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman Ching Su Chen and Sungai Pinang state assemblyman Teng Chang Khim.

Ong said while Malaysia celebrated Merdeka Day, the special group should not be forgotten.

He said besides giving them financial aid, the public could provide them with skills learning opportunities in order for them to be independent and earn a living.


A little aid: Jalan Pulau Pinang Rukun Tetangga chairman Roger Tan (right) presenting a mock cheque for RM2,000 to Sia as (from left) Kapar MCA Division chairman Khor Siew Kim, Ong and Kapar MCA Division Youth Chief Datuk Song Kee Chai look on.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/9/7/central/18710736&sec=central

We are disabled by the Society

It is always hurdles for disabled people wherever they are.

在残障朋友的生活里，到处都充满障碍。



（文稿提供：屏）

Malaysiaku Gemilang

迎接我国独立50周年慈善晚会

Angeline



叶顺利“浪子的心情”



叶顺利“爱拼才会赢”

殘健一家．輝煌五十

殘友種大紅花迎國慶

（八打靈再也訊）為迎接50年金禧國慶，逾50名殘障人士親手在SS2城市公園裁種大紅花，除了表達殘障人士的愛國心，同時藉此希望能發揮美化環境效用。

這項《殘健一家，輝煌五十》殘友栽種活動是由美門殘障關懷基金會聯合八打靈再也市政廳、SS2B睦鄰小組、大馬盲人協會及D'serve Quality Network聯辦。

50名殘障朋友在50名義工的協助下，順利栽種50棵大紅花。此活動的宗旨是要促進公眾對殘障群體的認識、對殘障群體在社會上的地位與貢獻作出認可，和讓公眾瞭解殘障群體在為國家效勞之時所面對的阻礙與窘境。

八打靈工商會署理會長鄭起展在栽種儀式上移交1200令吉的支票給美門殘障關懷基金會；八打靈再也北區國會議員服務中心也撥款5000令吉給該基金會。

周美芬：讓殘障人融入社會

八打靈再也北區國會議員拿汀巴杜卡周美芬主持開幕禮時表示，這項活動非常有意義，能夠讓殘障人士融入社會，不會脫離人群。

“美門殘障關懷基金會能讓大家學習如何珍惜生命、更瞭解殘障人士的需要。與此同時，殘障人士本身也應該自動去爭取各自的權力。”

“在邁向另一個50年的開始，期望可以看到無障礙空間的落實。無論是在公共交通方面、教育與就業領域方面、建築物內外和街道方面，都不再存有任何的障礙。”

與此同時，美門殘障關懷基金會謝秀貞強調，該會裡的殘障人士都是一家人，大家都得相互依賴。

60兒童參加繪畫賽

兒童繪畫比賽、娛興表演及義賣也在週日（8月19日）的栽種儀式裡進行。約有60名兒童報名參加繪畫比賽，共分為3組。

謝秀貞說，兒童繪畫比賽的宗旨是要栽培兒童們關懷殘障人士的精神。

當天的出席者來自各個不同殘障團體的殘障朋友，包括雙福殘障協會、馬來西亞華人殘障協會、巴生肢體殘障協會、大馬盲人協會、馬來西亞脊椎骨損傷協會、達邁殘障協會、Perwira K9特殊人士協會等。 （星洲日報/大都會•2007.08.20）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200708190414&data=scnews&spid=80293



兒童繪畫比賽時，全部參賽者都精神專注地在紙上繪出各自的才華。



鄭起展（右2）移交支票給謝秀貞（坐者）。右為第21區居協主席顏文凱﹔周美芬、SS2B區睦鄰計劃中心主席陳金盾、美門殘障關懷基金會管理委員會主席黃位週（右3至右5）及巴生肢體殘障協會主席阿斯哈里（蹲者）。



殘障朋友在義工的協助下，栽種大紅花。

Mederka Hibiscus Planting

50 Disabled People Planting 50 National Flowers

Pre-Mederka Preparation

Helping hand for handicapped hawkers

By THO XIN YI

Photo by SIA HONG KIAU

PJ UTARA MP Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has stepped forward in aid of the disabled hawkers at the SS2, Petaling Jaya morning market.

At the request of Petaling Jaya Hawkers and Small Traders Association secretary Kok Kuan Yong, Chew has generously sponsored two canopies and two commercial umbrellas worth RM706 for the usage of the disabled.

Since last month, the disabled have been occupying five stalls at the market, selling newspapers, groceries, plants, and donated items such as glassware and soft toys.

According to Chew, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has made it compulsory for the hawkers to use umbrellas bearing MBPJ logos.

“However, with their small profits, they couldn't afford to purchase the umbrellas,” said Chew.

Chew urged MBPJ to allocate at least five per cent of the units in the markets for the disabled.

“The government has always encouraged the disabled to be independent by working to support themselves,” said Chew.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled executive director Pastor Sia Siew Chin welcomed the public's contribution of reusable items.

Part of the proceeds from their business in the market goes to the foundation.


Glad to assist: Chew (standing, third from right) handing over an umbrella to Sia (in wheelchair). Looking on is Kok (standing, third from left).

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/9/3/central/18627356&sec=central

靈殘障小販獲陽傘帳篷

由周美芬捐出

（八打靈再也訊）八打靈北區國會議員拿汀巴杜卡周美芬週五（17日）在SS2區早市巴剎移交3把陽傘及2個帳篷給殘障小販。

八打靈再也市政廳限定每名在SS2早市營業的小販購買陽傘。由於殘障小販都無能力購買陽傘，所以之前暫時借用舊的陽傘。

在八打靈再也小販商業公會總務郭鈞洋的告知下，周美芬捐出706令吉的陽傘給予殘障小販。

該早市有5個由殘障小販經營的檔口，其中3個檔主是“美門殘障關懷基金會”的會員。

周美芬表示，殘障小販每人只能賺取200令吉左右，購買陽傘對他們而言是個負擔。

殘障小販盼獲繼營生

“這些殘障小販只獲得8至12月的暫時營業執照，希望市政廳以後能夠讓他們繼續在固定的地點做生意，以便協助他們面對人群，提升做生意的技巧及學習獨立。”

她補充說，市政廳應計劃一項政策，保留5%讓商業名額給殘障人士，以鼓勵多點殘障人士出來學習做生意。 （星洲日報/大都會•2007.08.17）

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200708170527&data=scnews&spid=57930



周美芬與郭鈞洋（後排右二及右三）移交陽傘給予殘障小販。

A boost for the disabled

By THO XIN YI

FOR Bathmavathi Krishnan, being disabled does not stop her from participating in sports.

A former athlete in school, her world was shattered when she met with an accident 32 years ago. She then lost the ability to walk.

Gutsy: Malaysian Interfaith Network coordinator Dr John Gurusamy presenting the trophy and cash prize to Bathmavathi.

But a ray of hope appeared when wheelchair tennis was introduced in the early 80s and she saw the possibility of taking part in sports again.

“Besides keeping myself fit, sports gives me a sense of satisfaction and self-worth,” said the 53-year-old retiree.

Bathmavathi was among some 120 disabled people who participated in the Mini Sports For the Disabled 2007 at SJK (C) Puay Chai recently.

She bagged the first runner up trophy in wheelchair ping-pong (women's category).

The event, organised by Beautiful Gate Foundation For the Disabled and Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled, was aimed at providing an opportunity for the disabled from different races and backgrounds to interact and build friendships.

“It is also a way to boost the disabled people's confidence while challenging them physically and mentally through sports,” said Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Pastor Sia Siew Chin.

Damansara Utama assemblyman Datuk Lim Choon Kin who was present at the prize giving ceremony said: “Although the disabled are physically handicapped, their ability to perform is sometimes better than the able-bodied.”

“This sports event is an encouragement to the disabled and also an eye-opener for the able,'' he added.

A total of four events – wheelchair ping-pong, wheelchair badminton, chess and lawn bowling – were held in the mini sports.

It was sponsored by SS2 food court, Pizza Hut, England Optical Group and Suan Huat Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd.

Source : http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2007/7/14/central/18250697&sec=central

逾百残疾者登空MY CARE

挑战大马眼哗声四起

（吉隆坡14日讯）逾百名来自卫理公会的年轻男女，在清新的早晨齐聚蒂蒂旺沙花园，陪同美门的残障人士共同挑战“大马眼”，克服他们的心理障碍让他们融入人群。

这项由卫理公会中部教区及雪兰莪教区青年团协办，卫理公会华人年议会青年团及美门残障关怀基金联办的“MY CARE挑战大马眼”活动，让残障朋友们实实在在地感受平常人所进行的活动。

马来西亚基督卫理公会华人年议会会友领袖黄敬映则认为，要彻底解决国家经常忽略残障人士的问题，年轻一代必须担起重任，在这方面作出好榜样，才能为这个社会带来好的风气。

公众纷纷伸出援手

来自美门残障关怀基金会的残障人士，今早顺利登上大马眼摩天轮时，皆露出又惊又喜的表情，数名畏高的残障朋友也勇敢踏出第一步，享受普通人的乐趣之余，也增广见识。为了让不良于行的朋友顺利坐上“大马眼”的座位内，在场的人士纷纷伸出援手，合力把他们抬上专属位子，现场顿时形成温馨的画面。

其中1名失明人士向媒体表示，虽然本身无法像其他美门会员一样，在高空遥望美丽无际的景色；可是听着同伴们兴奋及赞叹的解释，也让她深感处于高空的美丽，弥补了双眼看不见的缺憾。

这项为时半小时的“MY CARE挑战大马眼”活动，在下午1点结束后，美门残障关怀基金会将继续前往下一个旅游景点。

另一方面，直辖区政务次长姚长禄认为无论在任何地点，当局都应该为残疾人士设想，建立一些特别措施更是不可或缺。

他指出，吉隆坡市政府早在前2个月已经向他提出，如何在吉隆坡发展中建立照顾特别人士的设施，让他们能够毫无忧虑地进行活动。

他说：“倘若政府在未来的日子，把大马眼计划落实成为永久性旅游景点的话，那么我们将会探讨如何兼顾残疾人士的计划。”他今早为“MY CARE挑战大马眼”活动开幕时透露。

“MY CARE挑战大马眼”活动在周六早晨举行。

大马眼的工作人员帮忙把以轮椅代步的人士，慢慢推上座位。

摘自：光华日报．Kwong Wah

提昇摩天輪殘障人設施

姚長祿承諾向隆市局反映

（吉隆坡訊）聯邦直轄區部政務次長姚長祿承諾向吉隆坡市政局反映，在大馬摩天輪一帶提昇殘障人士設施，讓吉隆坡達致無障礙城市的目標。

他說，大馬摩天輪的基本設施有所不足，主因是有關的合約只有1年而已，它配合大馬旅游年而建造；政府過後會在考量各種因素後，再做出進一步的決定，其中包括附近居民的意見。

他表示，他會向有關單位提議把帝帝皇沙發展成旅游區，然后加強殘障及弱勢群體的設施。

他是出席“挑戰大馬摩天輪推介禮”，回應美門殘障關懷基金會總幹事謝秀貞的疑問和致詞時如此表示。

謝秀貞：缺乏方便殘障人公廁

謝秀貞在較早的致詞上指出，大馬摩天輪附近缺乏方便殘障人士使用的公廁，最接近的公廁在帝帝皇沙體育館，而附近的流動廁所也不方便殘障人士及弱勢群體。

她說，大部份殘障朋友都感到期待與興奮，畢竟這是第一次她們乘坐摩天輪，所以才會感覺緊張。

她表示，很多時候殘障朋友都比較被動，所以希望社會人士主動出擊，尤其是年輕的朋友們，主動向殘障朋友獻出關懷，讓殘障朋友走進社會。

這項活動由美門殘障關懷基金會及衛理公會華人年議會青年團聯辦，姚長祿為開幕禮嘉賓；今天共吸引了45名殘障朋友，以及250名青年男女參與。

有關管理層口頭答應
谷中城火車站增設電梯

另一方面，針對早前殘障朋友非議谷中城的電動火車站前往谷中城只有電動扶梯的問題，姚長祿表示，他已經向有關的管理層反映，而對方也口頭答應會在第2期的工程里加強殘障設施，包括增加電梯設施，以方便弱勢及殘障朋友出入有關購物中心。

提到殘障朋友要求在甲洞衛星市擺設攤位，他指出，當局已經著手研究，可能會把草場改為花市，讓殘障朋友可以賺取基本收入。

他說，婦女、家庭及社會發展部已經在2個星期前，向所有選區發出通知，要求儘快收集區內殘障人士的數目，以方便有關當局做出登記；所以他希望殘障團體能協助政府登記殘障人數。

黃敬映：喚醒年輕人社會價值觀

衛理公會華人年議會領袖黃敬映表示，此活動的目標是喚醒年輕朋友多關懷殘障朋友及灌輸爭取的社會價值觀。

他希望通過類似活動，能加強殘障朋友的信心，以及讓他們能平等使用所有消閒活動，包括大馬摩天輪等設施。 （星洲日報/大都會•2007.07.14）



殘障朋友們都希望類似的活動能多舉辦，也希望社會人士能自動伸出援手，付出愛心及關懷。



姚長祿（第二排左一）出席“挑戰大馬摩天輪推介禮”時與出席者合攝。此活動共吸引了45名殘障朋友以及250名年輕朋友的參與。





















黃敬映（左）頒發紀念品給開幕禮嘉賓姚長祿（中）。右為謝秀貞。

摘自：http://www.sinchew-i.com/article.phtml?artid=200707140440&data=scnews&spid=35565