Beautiful Digest 美门之声

甲洞无障碍设施缺轮椅斜道残疾者冒险闯虎口

2010-07-16T09:36:00.001+08:00

甲洞无障碍设施缺轮椅斜道残疾者冒险闯虎口

2010/07/16 6:17:42 PM

●南洋商报

（吉隆坡16日讯）甲洞区无障碍设施中看不中用，残疾人士被逼使用马路，冒险与汽车“赛跑”，才能抵达目的地，旁人看得心惊胆战！

甲洞与增江一带是残疾人士聚集地，单是甲洞卫星市就有130名靠轮椅代步的残疾人，他们经常使用分别衔接卫星市与孟加拉拉镇及美娜园的两座“友谊桥”，到工作、上课或聚会地点。

即使有关两座友谊桥及路旁都设有残疾设施，但中看不中用，镶嵌地砖与导盲砖的人行道，却独缺轮椅斜道，轮椅使用者被逼使用马路，与汽车“争”车道，甚至“驶”上高架天桥，旁人不禁为他们的安危忧心。

缺德车主霸位停车

更甚的是，虽然甲洞区部分无障碍设施符合标准，既设有导盲砖，也有轮椅斜道，但是，很多缺德的车主却在人行道上违例停车，轮椅使用者同样被逼使用马路。

Japan Embassy provides recycling jobs for the disabled

2010-07-14T09:40:00.000+08:00

Japan Embassy provides recycling jobs for the disabled

Hafizah Hoze Rizal

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 10:56:00

ALL-ROUND GOOD: Wheelchair-bound Matthew Seow, 33, and Katrina Low, 25, discarding waste into the recycle bin at the Pandamaran Chinese Methodist Church in Port Klang yesterday. — Pic: SALHANI IBRAHIM

PORT KLANG: More recycling bins will be installed in Klang town as the Embassy of Japan has donated 50 recycle bins to the Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled (Beautiful Gate) yesterday.
The handing-over ceremony, held at the Pandamaran Chinese Methodist Church, was officiated by Japan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Masahiko Horie and witnessed by Selangor State executive councillor Ronnie Liu and Beautiful Gate chairman Boh Che Suan.
Horie said the recycle bins came under the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Scheme.
"We find this meaningful as it offers job opportunities to the disabled. Not only that, through this, we are indirectly encouraging the public to recycle more often," he said.
"We want the public to develop the value of the 3Rs, which is reduce, reuse and recycle. It is crucial to practice the 3Rs as our natural resources are disappearing fast."
Beautiful Gate has been actively involved in recycling activities since 2007. Last year, they submitted a proposal to the Japanese embassy in order to expand the recycling activities and were granted RM155,000 on March 11 this year.
Beautiful Gate executive director Sia Siew Chin said: "Most of the disabled are jobless, so we started the recycling activities in 2007. Through such activities, the disabled are able to gain job experience. At first, it was pretty hard to encourage people to recycle. But now, many understand the importance of recycling."
A resident at Beautiful Gate, 32-year-old Lau Meng Hung, expressed his gratitude over the recycling activities.
"I have tried finding jobs but many rejected me as I am disabled. But through these recycling activities, I have gained a lot of experience such as knowing how to sort the materials accordingly," said Lau, a Sarawakian who has been living at the foundation's home for three years.
Another resident, 27-year-old Lim Chow Tee was ecstatic when asked how she felt.
"I am very happy. The foundation has helped me a lot," said Lim, who is disabled due to an accident.
"We feel appreciated when we are involved in such activities. We may not be educated, but we can learn to expand our working skills."
Beautiful Gate was founded in 2003 and established its first home in Petaling Jaya. Subsequently, more homes were set up in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Malacca.

Disabled fight adversity for education

2009-12-06T16:29:00.001+08:00

By LEE YUK PENG

PETALING JAYA: For the sake of a proper education, they have to go through terrible hardship — like attending school in diapers or urinating in bottles.

Gan Mun Wai, 13, from Ipoh and Kenny Lee Man Jun, 13, from Klang are students with special needs studying at SMK Sri Permata near here. Until recently, the school had no toilet facilities for such students.

“We want to achieve our dreams,” said Mun Wai.

Mun Wai, who has suffered from spina bifida (split spine) since birth, was forced to wear pampers to school while Man Jun, who has muscular dystrophy had to urinate into a bottle before pouring it into the toilet.

Special kids: Gan Mun Wai (behind in green tie), Ooi Wai Chong (with a red school bag), Kam Yu Choi, Leong Yao Wen and Kenny Lee Man Jun, getting ready for school.

However, 10 months after both Gan and Lee started starting going to the school, it managed to secure additional allocation to modify a store room into a disabled-friendly toilet.

School principal Ong Hock Thye said the Petaling Utama district education office approved the RM15,000 allocation after several follow-ups.

Next year, another student with special needs, Song Pei Xuan, will be joining the boys in the school.

Pei Xuan has also faced great difficulty in completing her primary school education in SS2 near here.

She had to wear diapers to school and a maid would have to change her diapers during recess everyday as the school also did not have a disabled-friendly toilet.

All three are currently staying at Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled in SS2 and they are sent to school everyday by a disabled-friendly van.

They are among six students — three in primary schools — who are staying at the foundation.

Three other boys, Kam Yu Choi, Leong Yao Wen and Ooi Wai Chang, are currently attending other schools which do not have toilet facilities for students with special needs.

Source: The Star

EASY TARGETS: Disabled must be protected

2009-11-24T00:03:00.000+08:00

DR A. SOORIAN, Seremban

IT was shocking to read reports that criminals have no qualms about targeting the disabled and the elderly. We are told that even charity-based centres are not spared.

Also, the blind are not let alone. They are molested, whether on the streets or in the passageways of their abode. When they lodge police reports, they are not taken seriously. Braille is not available to them when it comes to filling forms.

The deaf are also disadvantaged as police officers are not trained in sign language.

Incidents of the disabled being targeted by criminals never emerged on our mainstream radar before but now seem to be commonplace. The saddest part of it all is that these handicapped victims are overly vulnerable to attack and abuse by criminals at large. And they suffer in silence.

Generally, our country is prosperous and its people compassionate. It is high time a national long-term care scheme (including insurance) for the seriously disabled was launched.

We sometimes groan and moan over minor inconveniences we face, but surely these pale into insignificance when compared with the life sentence of agony and victimisation of these disabled and elderly folk.

Most handicapped victims of crime suffer in silence as they often fail to be taken seriously by the police. KUALA LUMPUR. 08.03.08. General Election 2008 SPR helper guide blind voters Lim Chee Wah 48yrs and Oui Kee Heyoh 52yrs to the polling centre at SK methodist Brickfields P-120 Bukit Bintang . pic by S.Sugumaran

Sources: NST Online

Move to employ more disabled people in Johor

2009-11-24T00:01:00.001+08:00

JOHOR BARU: The state government, with the help of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has set-up a People with Disabilities Employment Unit to encourage more employers to hire people with disabilities.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the unit would provide employers with a data bank of people with disabilities whom they could hire.

It will also act as a support system where those selected will be given training that is suitable for the job.

"The setting up of this unit is one of Johor's efforts to increase the number of people with disabilities in the workforce," he said after opening a national conference on employment and disability here yesterday.

Also present were Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Meme Zainal Rashid and UNDP assistant resident representative James George Chacko.

Ghani said the setting up of the unit was due to the success of an employment model jointly developed by UNDP and the State Economic Planning Unit. He said the state's immediate target was to fulfil the one per cent quota of employment for people with disabilities in government agencies.

"From there, we hope to expand it to the private sector," he added.

Ghani said for too long, people with disabilities had been discouraged by discriminatory barriers and mistaken assumptions about their capacity to work, causing most of them to withdraw from an active search for jobs and rely on either disability benefits or eke out a livelihood in low value-added work in the informal economy with support from their family.

"With the setting up of this unit, support will be made available to job-seekers with disabilities," he added.

The special unit can be reached at 07-2266618.

Meme said the move by Johor in setting up the unit was a major first step since Malaysia become a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in April last year.

"People with disabilities in this country should no longer be treated as passive recipients of assistance or as a burden to society, but rather as active contributors to society to achieve the goals of development for all," she said.

Meme hoped other states would also follow suit and set up similar units to assist people with disabilities.

Sources: NST Online

Municipal council to provide facilities for disabled in SS15

2009-11-17T00:41:00.000+08:00

I AM disabled and have just moved to Subang Jaya from Klang. I am living in SS15. I enjoy living in this area as it has facilities that I need such as banks and restaurants.

Most of the time, I venture out on my own using my wheelchair.

Sometimes, I face difficulties going to certain parts of SS15 because of the curbs, uneven roads and other obstructions.

Is the council planning to make SS15 disabled-friendly to cater to people like me?

Senior citizens will also benefit from the disabled-friendly facilities.

Lim Khiew Wheng

DATUK ADNAN: The commercial area of SS15 was the first phase of development in Subang Jaya that was carried out by Sime UEP at the end of the 1970s.

It is undeniable that in the development plans put forward before 2000, there was no emphasis on the needs and facilities for the disabled.

However, after 2000, the Selangor Town and Country Planning Department, through the Local Agenda 21 programme, stated that the needs and facilities of the disabled must be taken into consideration.

This is stipulated in the development guidelines prepared by the Peninsular Malaysia Town and Country Planning Department.

In the guidelines, the facilities that have to be provided for the disabled include car parks, ramps for wheelchairs in commercial buildings, recreational parks, offices and high-rise residential buildings, as well as disabled-friendly toilets and lifts.

These facilities are stated in the development consent which developers have to adhere to.

In the case of older developed areas such as SS15, the council has identified disabled-friendly facilities that can be provided or upgraded.

These include disabled-friendly facilities at bus stops, pedestrian crossings and walkways from carparks to business premises.

At the moment, we are working with public transport concessionaires, such as Rapid KL and Metro, to build disabled-friendly facilities at existing bus stops to make it easier for the disabled to board buses.

The council is deeply concerned with facilities for the disabled. In 2007, we won the Building and Facilities For The Disabled Award in the government buildings category.

Source: Street, NST Online

TAHANANG WALANG HAGDANAN NEEDS

2009-10-08T01:12:00.001+08:00

A call for assistance for the special needs of persons with disabilities from Tahanan Walang Hagdanan. Aside from food and water, residents and other persons with disabilities taking refuge at Tahanan Walang Hagdanan have other needs that others may not know of. There is a need for manpower from able-bodied citizen to reach areas unreachable by those who are in wheelchair. The entire work area and all the tools in them are all damaged. The source of livelihood of TWH is compromised. Others develop athletes foot, PWDs develop additional pressure sores. Catheters rendered useless predispose to urinary tract infection.

Even before the devastation brought by typhoon Ondoy, there is always a certain degree of struggle in every day life. But they are all survivors. An impressive trait shared by everyone is their resiliency. With your help they can get up again.

As per requested by TWH, they need the following:
Medicine:
Antibiotics for UTI, Povidone iodine, Hydrogen peroxide, Alcohol, Paracetamol for adults and children, Meds for cough, colds, fever and diarrhea, Asthma meds, Hypertension and diabetes meds, Oral rehydration solution, Indwelling and straight urinary catheters (French 16, 18, 20), Urine bags, Cotton, Adult diapers, Gauze/bandages, Micropores, Sterile and/ or examination gloves, Water based gel

Other needs:
Mattresses, Blankets, Pillows, Towels, Toiletries, Toothbrush, toothpaste, Bath and laundry soap, Disinfectants, Mops, scrubs, Rubber mops, Pails

Volunteers:
Cleaners, Plumbers, Electricians, those who can fix their livelihood equipment like mig welding machine, pipe bender, compressor, torno and lathe machine, master sander, router, circular saw, woodwork machineries, etc.

You can channel your donations through Life Haven. Please click here.
or direct to Tahanang Walang Hagdanan
175 Aida St., Marick Subd., Cainta, Rizal
Tel #: 6650055/ 6650059/ 6554580/ 6550812
Joy Garcia (Gen. Mgr.) 09189447922
Virgie Montilla (Admin Director) 09206260710

坐輪椅從古城至布城‧20重殘者遊行籌款

2009-09-30T14:52:00.000+08:00

* 要聞* 中馬* 地方

2009-09-30 20:24
20名重度殘障人士配合國際殘障人士日，將於12月2至5日突破障礙，參與“一個馬來西亞――從古城至布城輪椅遊行醒覺運動”。（圖：光明日報）

由本地製作的輪椅，除了電板和發動器是由外國進口，其他零件都是大馬製造，只需9000令吉，比進口貨便宜30%。（圖：光明日報）

（吉隆坡）美門殘障基金會負責人謝秀貞披露，20名重度殘障人士配合12月的國際殘障人士日，於12月2至5日突破生心理障礙，參與“一個馬來西亞──從古城至布城輪椅遊行醒覺運動”。

她說，這項為期3天的活動，是由雪蘭莪殘障自立協會、美門殘障基金會及研發輪椅製造的D to D服務有限公司聯辦，用意是提高公眾對殘障人士設施的醒覺，及鼓勵更多殘障朋友融入社區生活。

體溫升高不能排汗

她解釋，因重度殘障者的汗線已遭破壞，在大太陽下活動，體溫升高卻不能排汗，所以參與的朋友都非常辛苦。

她提到，這些參與者為了讓公眾瞭解重度殘障朋友也可獨立自主生活，並為了籌集更多資金購買輔助設備，所以才參與活動。

大會除了邀請婦女、社會及家庭發展部副部長拿汀巴都卡周美芬主持活動推介儀式外，現場也推介由本地製造的電動輪椅。

此外，雪蘭莪殘障自立協會執行秘書黃美娟提到，希望社會人士瞭解重殘人士也可自立生活，並不只是待在家中。

有意參與者可聯絡03-78750943或012-4230604。

由舊路開跑
電動輪椅高速前進

負責全程電動輪椅技術問題的D to D服務有限公司代表陳錦玉說，有關輪椅在遊行時將以高速前進，但輪椅的時速是0―12公里，加上交通法令限制，所以輪椅不能駛上高速大道，活動全由舊路線開跑。

他指出，每架充滿電的電動輪椅如果全速前進，可持續5至6小時，加上這間公司已準備所有配件和電池，確保不會出現技術問題。

他補充，由本地製作的輪椅，除了電板和發動器是由外國進口，其他零件都是大馬製造，只需9000令吉；如果要買相同品質的進口貨，則需多花30%，即逾萬令吉。

歡迎公眾捐款參與

籌委會主席沙福安說，這項活動雖然100%由殘障人士籌辦，但歡迎公眾人士捐款及參與遊行，唯每位參與的公眾需繳付500令吉（包括膳宿）的經費。

他解釋，20名重度殘障朋友將分成5組，每4人一組，以接力方式遊行；每組每次大概會遊行1小時左右，再由另一組接力。

他聲稱，團隊將在12月2日從吉隆坡驅車到馬六甲，過夜後，於3日早聯合當地百多名殘障人士先在馬六甲市內遊行，並呈交備忘錄給當地地方政府。

他補充，大隊將於4日早從馬六甲遊行到芙蓉，再會合當地的逾百名殘障朋友在芙蓉市內遊行並呈交備忘錄後，於當地酒店休息。最後，再從芙蓉遊行到布城。

這次隨行的包括20輛電動輪椅、1輛巴士、1輛羅里、4輛客貨車、3輛汽車和2輛救護車，以確保全程順利進行。

接納殘障者非憐憫

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，公眾不必同情或憐憫殘障人士，而是應從心中接納他們成為社會一份子，並認真學習如何正確協助他們，才能互相融入彼此生活。

她在甲洞大都會公園推介“一個馬來西亞──從古城至布城輪椅遊行醒覺運動”時說，全國共有26萬1000名正式登記的殘障者，政府也在全國設立了409間技術訓練中心給殘障人士進行各項生活及技訓練，目前國內共有1萬7449名專業培訓人員。

她強調，政府正不斷鼓勵殘障人士自立生活，所以公眾和殘障人士本身都應瞭解到獨立自主精神的重要性。

她宣佈撥款5000令吉給該活動，以讓聯辦團體邀請一些公眾人士前往參與。

此外，馬華甲洞區會主席黃素珠與阿曼蘇利亞支會主席陳艷珍各捐500令吉，並應允即時將全程參與遊行。
光明日報‧2009.09.30

Guidelines for toilets for the disabled

2009-09-30T11:01:00.000+08:00

By TAN KARR WEI

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has come up with design guidelines for toilets meant for the disabled.

According to a statement issued by the MBPJ public relations department, the guidelines were prepared as a result of a site visit by the MBPJ Disabled Technical Committee to several old folk’s and handicapped children’s homes in Petaling Jaya.

The committee had discovered that the toilet facilities provided by many of these homes did not comply with the specifications set by the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (Sirim).

Among the problems identified were that the size of the toilets were too small, there were no hand rails, the toilet bowls were too high or too low and some cubicles were not equipped with emergency alarms.

The MBPJ guidelines were drafted according to the existing Malaysian Standard (MS 1184 : 2002) - Code of Practice on Access for Disabled Persons to Public Buildings by Sirim, the Guidelines on Buildings Requirements For Disabled Persons and overseas design samples.

The design requirements for the toilets are:

·The size of the toilets should be at least 4.5 sq metres and the minimum size should be 2.13m by 2.13m;

·Toilet doors should be at least 900mm in width;

·Toilet seats should be 475mm from the floor;

·Wall mirror should be 1.15m from the floor and at a slant of between 5° and 10° (this requirement is not mentioned in the MS 1184 guideline)

·Hand rails by the toilet seat should be at 800mm from the floor and should be adjustable;

·Door handles must be 500m from the floor and the length of the handles should be 900m and fixed at the edge of the door;

·Emergency alarms must be fitted, with one emergency cord next to the toilet seat and one by the sink, an emergency siren and light beacon fitted inside of the toilet;

·Tissue holders should be next to the toilet seat, at a distance of 500mm

Related Stories:
The woes of the disabled

Source: The Star

The woes of the disabled

2009-09-30T10:58:00.000+08:00

By CHRISITINA LOW

IT takes K. Bathmavathi some time to manoeuvre herself out of her car with some assistance and she is used to this. But what she dreads is going round and round looking for a parking bay designated for the disabled.

“Time is wasted looking for a place to park and it is frustrating to find that others are using lots meant for the disabled.

Bathmavathi, wheelchair-bound since 19, said life was tough as very little was being done for people like her.

StarMetro went along with her recently and saw just how bad facilities for the disabled are.

Dangerous: A disabled person using the road to get about as the kerb is just too high to go over.

Some had been vandalised while others were not done in accordance to the needs of a disabled person.

Even going to the banks is a problem as the buildings are not disabled-friendly - with high entrances and some without ramps.

So how do they do their banking?

“We usually wave from outside the glass door and if the security guard notices, he will come over and help carry the wheelchair up the kerb or stairs,” said Thomas Yeo.

When going out with friends, Yeo who uses a motorised wheelchair, said he could only go to a few cafes or restaurants in SS2 as not all were disabled friendly.

“Every shop has its own design and it is like travelling on a rocky road,

Not disabled-friendly: A wheelchair-bound person needs help to access buildings like this one.

“Our wheelchairs cannot go up a kerb and it is not easy to push yourself up without assistance,” said Yeo, who lives with some friends at the Beautiful Gate Foundation Petaling Jaya Centre in SS2.

He said the journey home was also a scary one at night when cars speed past without noticing them.

He added that most of them had an emergency light attached to them or wearfluorescent vests to be noticed.

While the council has allocated parking lots for the disabled, extra space would help as they need this to get out with their wheelchairs.

StarMetro found only certain areas had allocated parking lots for the disabled but the signages had been vandalised.

The residents would be compiling a list of recommendations that the council could look into implementing to make the city a disabled-friendly city.

“We will compile a list and send it to the mayor so that he could look into it and make the necessary changes,” said Bathmavathi who is also in the sub-committee for the All Petaling Jaya Residents’ Association Coalition (APAC) as well as the Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia.

Razali Adom, who lives in Taman Medan, said disabled people were always looking for places to meet with their friends, sometimes for small gatherings.

“Having to organise such events in community halls is difficult as most are not disabled-friendly.

“Sometimes we want to hold gatherings with friends in larger areas but this is a problem. We have no choice but to hold this events in our houses where we are more comfortable,” said Razali who is also a member of the Malaysian Spinal Injuries Association.

Sam Foong said she only obtained her driving licence recently and realised that getting around on her own was much easier in the city.

However, just like the rest, Foong hopes the council would make available better public facilities for the disabled as they, too, want to move around and enjoy various activities like everyone else.

During a recent council fullboard meeting, PJ mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman said all building plans would have to comply with the MS1184:2002 code of practice of Access for the Disabled People Outside Buildings and urged the departments involved to look into planning guidelines for disabled facilities.

He said several aspects that the council would be looking into seriously were the accessibility of ramps, connectivity, tactile and guilding block, lift, railings, pedestrian crossing, hand rails, grab bars, toilets and signages.

Sources: The Star

Hopes and Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

2009-08-01T23:59:00.000+08:00

Hopes and Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

August 1 09, Saturday, MBPJ Auditorium, Civic Centre

Hopes & Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled (PJ Centre) co-organised a charity concert with the Council of Churches Malaysia, Rukun Tetangga SS2B, the offices of YB Edward Lee, YB Lau Weng San and my office.

The Beautiful Gate performing arts troupe demonstrated their skills in well-rehearsed routines

Sources: Dr Cheah Wing Yin's Blog (ADUN Damansara Utama)

Hopes & Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

2009-08-01T00:01:00.001+08:00

Hopes and Joys Merdeka Charity Concert
August 1 09, Saturday, MBPJ Auditorium, Civic Centre

Hopes & Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled (PJ Centre) co-organised a charity concert with the Council of Churches Malaysia, Rukun Tetangga SS2B, the offices of YB Edward Lee, YB Lau Weng San and the office of our ADUN YB Dr. Cheah Wing Ying

Sources: Rukun Tetangga SS2B's Blog

Freewheeling dance style

2009-07-31T23:48:00.001+08:00

By DERRICK VINESH

SIMPLY captivating. This best summed up the dance performances by a group of wheelchair-bound persons with their able-bodied partners in a fund-raising concert in Penang.

It was also a night of fun for the 33 disabled persons on wheelchairs as they ‘danced’ and swayed to the rhythmic beats of the songs with their partners at the event held at the Jit Sin Independent High School in Bukit Mertajam.

The audience clapped along as the performers captivated them with creative dance movements that were specially choreographed for wheelchair-bound persons to perform with able-bodied partners.

Themed ‘Creativity Beyond Limitations’, the three-hour long concert was pre- sented by members of the Beautiful Gate Foundation For the Disabled (BGF).

The dancers performing from their wheelchairs.

BGF executive director Sia Siew Chin said the show was aimed at creating awareness that disabled persons on wheelchairs were part of the nation’s rich multi-cultural society.

In the show’s first segment, BGF presented a cultural dance showcasing eight disabled boys and girls on wheelchairs together with their partners in matching traditional costumes.

Next was a segment called Joyfulness in Life where nine disabled persons and their accompanying volunteers performed a dance skit to the upbeat numbers Macarena and YMCA.

During this item, one of the disabled persons suddenly fell off the wheelchair and struggled to get back on it.

Rock and roll: BGF members show that onw can have fund and style even on a wheelchair.

“This skit is to depict the difficulties that disabled persons have to face in life.

“But, with perseverance and determi-nation, they can succeed in the end,” Sia explained.

Subsequently, four disabled persons on wheelchairs and volunteers participated in separate ballroom dance items, namely the rock & roll, samba, rumba and cha-cha.

“This item is to showcase that disabled persons can also live together and enjoy life with other able-bodied persons,” Sia said.

Four children, aged between seven and 14 years, later took part in a disabled children’s wheelchair dance presentation, where they used sign language to relate heartfelt messages through two Mandarin songs.

And, after visually impaired singer Daniel Yap belted out three melodious Hokkien numbers, the BGF Performing Arts Troupe members regrouped for the finale where they invited the audience to join them in a freestyle dance.

Earlier, pastor Lee Lip Hock from the Bukit Mertajam Chinese Methodist Church (BMCMC) presented a cheque for RM153,039 that was raised from the concert’s ticket sales and sponsorship to Sia. BMCMC was the event co-organiser.

“We will use the money to buy teaching aid and as well as equipment and amenities for disabled youths at our BGF Kampar Centre in Ipoh, Perak,” said Sia.

Also present was State Youth, Sports, Women, Family and Community Deve-lopment Committee chairman Lydia Ong Kok Fooi.

For details on BGF, visit their website at http://www.beautifulgate.org.my/

Sources: The Star

Eco-enzyme Workshop

2009-07-11T23:51:00.001+08:00

Eco-Enzyme workshop saturday 11 july 09

Residents of SS2B were shown how we can help preserve earth's resources by converting our kitchen fruit and vegetable wastes into useful enzymes with multiple house-hold applications.

This is a joint project between Beautiful Gate and MBPJ LA21 and, in our area put together by RT SS2B. ADUN Dr. Cheah Wing Yin was present. Ms Sia Siew Chin of Beautiful Gate was the MC for this session.

The residents showed keen interest and there was a lively Q and A session.
After the workshop the partcipants were served nasi lemak and tea, and were given leaflets and a 300ml sample of eco-enzymes. Overall, it was a fruitful morning.

What a beautiful way to start saturday morning! Watch out for further news on forthcoming events. Have a nice weekend!!

Sources: Rukun Tetangga SS2B Blog

How to start reducing waste production from home

2009-06-19T23:42:00.001+08:00

IF EVERYONE took a small step to start reducing waste production from home, that huge sum of money could be used for better social and physical developments.

A simple way to do so is to make your own eco enzyme that acts as an effective cleaning agent, replacing soaps and detergents made of chemicals that pollute underground water, then rivers, and eventually the entire ecology.

This eco enzyme is simply made from water, brown sugar and unwanted fruit peels or vegetable dregs before being evenly mixed and fermented for three months. This “wonder” enzyme can then be used as a detergent, dish cleanser, natural antiseptic, air freshener and even for pet care and pest control.

Well, you can learn how to do just that from the Justlife Group at a public demonstration on Saturday, June 20th at The Star’s Studio V in the 1 Utama Shopping Centre. The company together with the Beautiful Gate Foundation will be conducting the demonstration from 11am to 1pm. This is part of The Star’s efforts under the “Go Green, Live Green 2009” Campaign.

The first 100 people to come for the demonstration will each take home a complimentary bottle of eco enzyme. Registration starts at 10.30am so be there and do your bit for the environment! Admission is but is limited to 100 pax on first-come-first-serve basis.

Sources: The Star

Chance to learn how to make eco-enzyme

2009-06-17T23:46:00.000+08:00

Organic waste such as fruit peels and vegetable dregs can be put to good use, simply by turning them into eco-enzyme with the fermentation process.

Eco-enzyme acts as an effective cleaning agent that can replace soaps and detergents that are harmful to the ecosystem.

If you have missed The Star’s Green Day Celebration two weeks ago, here’s another opportunity for you to learn how to make eco-enzyme at home.

Natural cleanser: Dr Joean Oon who specialises in naturalpedic demonstrating the use of ecoenzyme to clean vegetables.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled and Justlife organic products chain will show you the making process on June 20 from, 11am to 1pm at Studio V, 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

The organisations have also prepared 100 bottles of eco-enzyme to be given away on a first-come-first-served basis.

It is learned that eco-enzyme can be used as detergent, dish cleanser, natural antiseptic, air freshener and even for pet care and pest control.

It can significantly reduce waste produced from our kitchens, too.

Sources: The Star

Lift for wheelchair-bound MPs and visitors ready

2009-06-17T23:08:00.001+08:00

THE Parliament building is now friendlier to wheelchair-bound MPs and visitors as its special lift is ready for use.

Chief Administrator Datuk Kamaruddin Mohamad Baria said: “Disabled visitors can now park their cars at the back of the Parliament building, wheel down a low-gradient ramp, which is covered with anti-slippery mat, to get to the back entrance of the Parliament. Then they can take the lift up.”

Convenience: Norizan trying out the lift for the disabled at the parliament building yesterday.

He said the proposal was to accommodate wheelchair-bound MPs like veteran DAP MP Karpal Singh and other visitors.

Wheelchair-bound Norizan Kasbi was pleasantly surprised when he saw the lift during a visit to Parliament yesterday.

The former Johor Umno Youth information chief was the first disabled person to use the lift.

“This is thoughtful of the Parliament administration,” said Norizan, 47, who became paralysed after a road accident in Sabah in 1999.

Sources: The Star

The disabled just want to live life well

2009-06-15T23:10:00.001+08:00

YOUTH and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said handicapped people should not be referred to as “disabled” but “people with special ability” (“Disabled people have special abilities” – The Star, June 13).

As a person living with a spinal cord injury and tetraplegia, I respectfully disagree with him in this matter. For the lack of better terms, I would prefer that we stick to “disabled people,” not even “people with disabilities”.

The term “people with disabilities” puts the burden of the problem on the person.

“Disabled people”, on the other hand, describes people whose interaction in society is limited by environmental and attitudinal barriers. We are disabled by these factors which when removed also removes the disability.

Our collective desire to play an active part in society is severely hampered by the multitude of barriers that we face at every turn of our lives.

Referring to the minister’s statement that many of us are not “disabled” because we have special qualities that sometimes non-disabled people cannot even match, I would like to point out that not every disabled person can achieve such feats, nor do we desire to be super achievers of such calibre.

Likewise, not all non-disabled persons want to scale Mount Everest, swim across the English Channel or are able to sprint 100 meters in under 10 seconds.

Most disabled people want to lead ordinary, but meaningful, lives just like everyone else. Even this simple desire can be difficult to be realised for some.

The Government should spend more time resolving the outstanding issues, especially accessibility in the built environment and public transport faced by the majority of disabled people, instead of coining terms that do nothing to empower us.

What is the point of being called “people with special ability” when we cannot even get out from our homes safely because the environment around where we live is inaccessible?

Does it matter to us if the minister wants to use a supposedly more positive term to refer to us when we cannot even use public transport to move around conveniently?

We cannot escape from the fact that no matter what positive phrases are used, disabled people are still the most marginalised community in the country.

The Government should seriously work towards improving the quality of life of disabled people by removing barriers and providing relevant social support where required.

Sources: The Star

PETER TAN,

Kuala Lumpur.

饥饿 30-Hour Famine 2009 officially launched!

2009-06-08T23:06:00.001+08:00

by Joanne Tay, Communications

The 30-Hour Famine 2009 Ambassador 饥饿30爱心大使 - A-Mei, 张惠妹, was in town recently to show her support to the campaign. She spent almost 2 days in KL to officiate the Press Conference and took time off her busy schedule to be with the residents of Beautiful Gate, who is one of the beneficiaries of this year’s Famine.

A-Mei in with some of the residents of Beautiful Gate. She said she was the person who gained the most by spending time with them

A-Mei with Famine Advocates, Organizer & Co-Organizers.

More pictures in our Facebook page. Join us as a fan today for regular updates!

Together to grace the Press Conference were 30-Hour Famine Advocates, TV and radio personalities - Belinda, Gary, Roshan and Nicholas as well as our co-organizers, media partners and sponsors. We at World Vision Malaysia extends our gratitudes for your support and hopes the 30-Hour Famine now takes off to reach RM1million we aspires to raise this year in focus of Global Food Crisis.

We would like to thank members of the media for the coverage given in support of this campaign. We hope through these highlights, more Malaysian would be inspired to be a part of the cause we advocate for and join us in making a difference! Here are some of the news..

Epoch Times - June 5 ‘09

Malay Mail - June 5 ‘09

The Star Online TV - June 4 ‘09

8TV E-News - June 5 ‘09

NTV7 E-News - June 6 ‘09

Tags: 30 Hour Famine, A-Mei, Beautiful Gates, Belinda Chee, famine, food crisis, Gary Yap, media, Nicholas Ong, press conference, Roshan, 张惠妹, 阿妹, 饥饿 30

Sources: World Vision Blog

Better use for your waste

2009-06-04T23:44:00.001+08:00

By YIP YOKE TENG

DO YOU know that local councils in Malaysia are paying 40% to 70% of its annual access tax for rubbish disposal?

That is to say, a large chunk of your money has to be used to deal with rubbish. And, if everyone takes that small step to start reducing waste production from home, we can put that whopping sum for better social and physical developments.

You can learn how to do that from the Justlife Group at The Star’s Green Day Celebration 2009 slated for this Sunday from 8am to 3pm at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong.

This is how we do it: Low showing a Star employee how to make eco enzyme at home.

The company, Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled and Section 19 Petaling Jaya Residents’ Association, with the support of Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Danish International Development Assistance (Danida), have embarked on a project promoting the use of eco enzyme.

It will also conduct an “Earth-Saving Diet” presentation from 10am to 11am on that day.

“Just remember the 1:3:10 proportion. To make the eco enzyme, prepare one portion of brown sugar, three portions of fruit peels or vegetable dregs in relation to 10 portions of water and put them all into an air-tight container,” the company’s communication executive Connie Low said during a demonstration held at The Star’s headquarters recently.

The evenly mixed contents are then left for fermentation over three months. The cover has to be opened once everyday during the first month to release gas.

According to Low, eco enzyme can be used as detergent, dish cleanser, natural antiseptic, air freshener and even for pet care and pest control.

“It can significantly reduce waste produced from our kitchens,” she said.

Technical advisor Dr Theng Lee Chong from Danida also gave some insight on the country’s solid waste management.

He said even though recycling efforts in Malaysia had beefed up over the past few years, more could be done for the ailing planet.

The Star’s Green Day Celebration 2009 to take place mainly at the FRIM football field will be abuzz with activities to spread the message of ‘’Go Green, Live Green”, the theme this year.

There will be guided nature trails, canopy walks and tree climbing demonstrations conducted by the Malaysian Nature Society and FRIM.

BonusLink will run a variety of activities with sand art for children being among the highlights while Philips energy-saving bulbs will be given away at The Star booth on the day.

The Permanis Recycling Stop will give away Revive canned drinks for recycled newspapers, Skateline will show how to do in-line staking while WWF Malaysia will collect signatures in support of its ongoing turtle campaign.

The Drum Circle, BRATS and Kuntum will also be there to sizzle up the atmosphere. Suria FM and TV3 will provide live entertainment with prominent artistes Malaysian Idol Farah Asyikin and Fazli Zainal and Akademi Fantasia artiste Aizat taking the stage.

As for the RED FM’s Morning Breakfast Crew, it will be promoting its popular campaign “Shake Our Hands to Win 10 Grand with JD & Dilly!” at the venue.

Better still, there’s a Car Boot Sale for you to do some shopping. FRIM has taken up six cars while the others had been made available to the public. Interested parties can contact 03-6279 7591/ 7577 (Hazlin/ Salmah) to register.

The event is open to the public free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to take public transport as parking bays are limited, and do come wearing green to show your love for Mother Nature.

Sources: The Star

"Live Free" Concert

2009-05-30T01:10:00.000+08:00

"Live Free" Concert

Life Haven is a non-profit organization of persons with disabilities (PWD), duly registered with the SEC, guided by the Independent Living (IL) Philosophy and a frontrunner of the Independent Living Movement in the Philippines. We are working towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities with the goals of restoring self-respect, improving self-confidence, and promoting active participation on issues concerning the society to which we belong. It is our belief that persons with different types of disabilities will benefit from the Independent Living Movement, hence our cross-disability approach.

As part of our mission to provide continuous services to PWD, a fundraising concert entitled “Live Free” will be held on May 30, 2009 at Crossroad 77. Proceeds of this event will be used to support our activities, sustain the services that we provide, and assist the Association of People with Disabilities-Sta. Rosa (APD-SR) in their IL-related programs. The concert will have as its main performer, the Beautiful Gate Performance Art Troupe from Malaysia. The “Live Free” concert will also showcase the talents of Tahanang Walang Hagdan Ballroom Dancers on Wheelchairs and Bahay Mapagmahal Rondalla on Wheels as well as invited mainstream bands supportive of our cause. We are expecting an audience of at least 1,000. We have enlisted support from broadcast (ABS-CBN, www.magic899.fm, www.nu107fm.com), print, and online (www.yehey.com and www.indiejam.org) media for ad strings and promotions.

BG Arts Troupe

2009-05-30T01:08:00.001+08:00

Beautiful Gate Performance Art Troupe

Beautiful gate was awarded the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest participants in a wheelchair performance in the year 2000. We also represented Malaysia in the International Cultural & Arts for the Disabled.

Out of the love for the performing Arts, we manage to take up performing tour to Thailand, Singapore, Sabah,Sarawak, and all major cities in west Malaysia. All 14 states of Malaysia, we had been for charity performance.

Beautiful Gate Disabled Performing Arts Troupe was launched by Deputy Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow on August 13, 2003. It consists of 25 disabled performers and 5 volunteers.

We believes that disabilities do not prevent experiencing in beauty of arts, and aspired to bring to the disabled community, despite their disabilities, an aspiration to experience the beauty of Arts in this era.

Beautiful Gate hopes to provide an opportunity to the disabled community the joy of Performing Arts and allow it to be the media of communication with the society. It hopes to offer the disabled a future and hope of their own beside being an element of motivation of life to the able-body.

Objectives of Beautiful Gate Performing Arts Troupe are as follow:

To demonstrate the determination of learning and self development of persons with disabilities and transmit the message of determination effort to the public.
To increase accessibility, interest and understanding of the potential of people with disabilities.
To create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
To integrate people with disabilities with society .
To promote the greatness of loving and caring spirit

We have traditional dance, Ballroom dance, Modern dance, Hip Hop, Drama, Solo, and other media suitable for different tastes of varied audience.

Beautiful Gate Concert at Summit

2009-05-16T00:04:00.000+08:00

Enjoyable evening at Summit with Beautiful Gate Concert.

Fantastic show portraying great skills and wonderful costumes.

Sponsored by Lions club KL.

Sources: Rukun Tetangga SS2B's Blog

Gift of love for disabled

2009-05-11T23:50:00.000+08:00

Monday, May 11th, 2009 04:51:00

PERKOBP president Peter Phang with Koh at a workshop

TWO associations aimed at developing opportunities for the physically and mentally challenged received RM18,000 from Cerebos as part of BRAND’s ‘Gift of Love’ campaign.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled and Pertubuhan Keluarga Orang-Orang Bermasalah Pemberlajaran (PERKOBP) received financial support from Cerebos to help them train and develop opportunities for the disabled. The money will go into a building fund for PERKOBP’s new premises that they are hoping to move into in a year or two.

“We firmly believe in nourishing the minds of those who are keen to learn but often not in the position to do so due to circumstances. We hope that the beneficiaries will be able to develop the necessary skills to lead independent lives,” said Koh Joo Siang, general manager of Cerebos Sdn Bhd.

Executive director of Beautiful Gate Foundation, Sia Siew Chin said the disabled, who are often seen as a burden to their families, are always seeking opportunities to be treated fairly and equally and to be productive members of the community.

For more information about the two organisations, visit www.perkobp.org or http://beautifulgate.my.diip.net.

Out of touch

2009-04-30T23:12:00.003+08:00

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Do the authorities really understand the needs of the disabled?

HAVE you had one of those mornings when you wake up and the first thing that you read in the newspapers is a really silly remark that is bound to get everyone upset?

Well, last week was one such occasion.

A front-page story in a local newspaper on April 22 quoted the Welfare Department as saying that Malaysians with disabilities who come under the very poor category wanting aid of RM150 a month won’t be qualified to get it if they have Astro.

The guideline is said to apply even for someone who lives in another person’s house, whether temporarily or otherwise.

In other words, those who came up with such a ruling seem to think that the disabled who can afford pay TV are not poor. And, according to them, welfare aid should only be given to those requiring food, clothing and shelter, and certainly never for entertainment.

This reminds me of a similar situation a few weeks ago that had disabled dog owners howling in protest.

A local council decided against giving disabled residents free dog licences. The reason for doing so was purportedly to “teach the handicapped about the need for administration costs”.

They reckoned that if a disabled person can keep a dog, why can’t he pay RM10 a year?

It makes me wonder how truly in touch are the authorities with what people with disabilities go through daily in their lives, and especially in their homes which are often concealed from the public eye.

Take, for example, a man who became disabled following a car crash a few months ago, and is suffering from depression. Why would he want to learn about processing fees when he is thinking about ending his life?

Becoming paralysed for life is never an easy thing to accept. It is especially hard for those who have been very independent.

Not only does disability rob a person of his dignity to do things for himself, the situation often results in the disabled losing his job as well.

Despite the Welfare Department’s noble efforts in trying to help disabled Malaysians find jobs so that they can be self-sufficient, not many people want to hire the handicapped.

Many people are still bound by negative stereotypes about the disabled. Life is especially hard for the bedridden. Many of them hardly have any opportunity to go out.

Quite a few of them have no one strong enough to carry them out of their beds and back again.

They have to depend on others for everything. Their only “entertainment” is often to stare at the four walls of their room.

For those who have pets, these pets serve to divert them from their depression. By stroking and bonding with their pets, the disabled receive unconditional love and acceptance.

In the area of entertainment, Astro offers the disabled a window to the outside world and keeps them updated on what is happening around the world.

It is important for disabled Malaysians who are locked inside their homes to realise they are not alone in their struggles.

I have watched health shows which offer the latest information on all types of disabilities. Such information is helpful to the handicapped.

Watching how others cope with their disabilities and live positive lives in other countries, helps motivate people with handicaps in our country.

Even the blind “watch” TV. I know many who tune in daily to international news channels on pay TV to keep abreast of news-breaking events around the world.

Isn’t access to information and education also a basic human right? Would the Welfare Department stop aid for disabled people with computers and Internet access as well?

Something is obviously very wrong with the guideline. Instead of appearing to crack down on the helpless disabled poor, the Welfare Department should really be working hard to help all disabled persons in Malaysia to have such facilities.

The department should engage in talks with Astro to provide free subscription to the disabled as part of the company’s social responsibility.

On the day that the article came out, about 20 disabled people in wheelchairs – including me – met up with Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalilf.

She promised us that she would look into the matter and come up with realistic solutions to our problems.

Sources: The Star

An avenue to raise funds for the needy

2009-04-17T00:14:00.000+08:00

GENTING’s annual community fund-raising event was launched by guest of honour Puan Sri Cecilia Lim – the wife of chairman and chief executive of Genting Berhad, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay at the First World Plaza on April 10.

A total of 11 charity organisations were invited to exhibit their home and fund-raising items at First World Plaza for three consecutive weekends, on April 11-12, April 18-19 and April 25-26.

This year 11 charity organisations will be taking up booths at the specially set-up exhibition area at First World Plaza. The organisations are Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor, Mouth & Foot Painting Artists Sdn Bhd, Salaam Wanita, Rumah Orang Asli Che Wong, Women’s Aid Organisation and International Relief Organisation, Pusat Jagaan Insan Istimewa, Pusat Majudiri Y for the Deaf, The Truly Loving Company, Malaysian Association for the Blind and Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled.

Also present at the launching ceremony were Resorts World Bhd chief operating officer Thuy Trinh, senior vice-president of PR & Communi-cations Datuk Anthony Yeo, senior vice-president of hotel operations Edward Holloway, vice-president of PR & Commu-nications Katherine Chew and other management staff.

Quaint: Cecilia Lim (second from left) looking at some of the rattan baskets on display at one of the booths set up at the exhibition area at First World Plaza.

The guest of honour was greeted by an opening dance specially performed by the residents from Rumah Orang Asli Che Wong from Lanchang, Pahang.

“The fund-raising is organised with the hope that we can help these homes and organisations by creating awareness among the public about the less privileged. In addition, we also hope the public will buy the handmade items,” said Yeo.

Among the attractions are hand woven baskets, bracelets, rings and plates by the Che Wong orang asli community, books on deaf sign language, key chains, bookmarks from the Pusat Majudiri Y for the Deaf, rattan basket making demonstration and sale at the Malaysia Blind Association’s booth, home care products at the Truly Loving Company booth, souvenir items at the International Relief centre and Pusat Jagaan Insan Istimewa, handmade stuffed dolls and jewellery at the Cheshire Home’s booth, specially woven baskets and bags made of magazine papers from Salaam Wanita and paintings by Ng Ah Kwai at the mouth and foot artists section.

Genting – City Of Entertainment invites all Malaysians to come to the hilltop resort and support these charity bodies in their effort to raise funds for the poor and the underprivileged.

Sources: The Star

Have a heart

2009-04-09T23:17:00.003+08:00

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Disabled and elderly dog owners are upset by MBPJ’s decision not to waive the dog licence fee.

APRIL 1 turned out to be a disappointing day for pet lovers. It was reported in the newspapers that the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), in a majority decision, had chosen not to grant free dog licences to handicapped and elderly residents.

A proposal was put forward to the council to offer a full fee waiver for disabled pet lovers, and a 50% discount for all elderly persons in PJ.

(Currently dog owners in PJ pay RM10 annually for their pets. Only the Shah Alam City Council offers such relief to the disabled and elderly.)

The proposal was meant to offer some relief and support for persons whose pets play an integral role in their lives. The proposal came from handicapped and elderly members of Petpositive, an animal-assisted therapy society where I serve as president.

It has the backing of several disability and animal NGOs, namely, the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang, Selangor, the Malaysian Parkinson’s Disease Association in Kuala Lumpur, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Selangor.

The move raises an important question about how local councils operate. When decisions that affect the lives of disabled persons are made, do our local governments ensure that they consult the disabled before they give the go-ahead?

And in this particular situation, not just any disabled person but the handicapped and the elderly who are receiving animal-assisted therapy.

Dogs possess an uncanny ability to help the disabled to lead positive lives. In so doing, the handicapped are able to achieve a better quality of life. This has been proven by medical experts and researchers.

Do those who make such decisions take the trouble to visit the homes of individuals with disabilities to see these wonderful canines in action?

Do decision-makers know what it’s like to be in a wheelchair? Or what it’s like to soil their pants because they have a weak bladder or poor bowel control (or both) as a result of an accident or illness?

As for the able-bodied who have dogs, are they dependent on their pets for therapy the way people in wheelchairs, the blind and the deaf are?

Take, for example, wheelchair users Sue Chen and her husband who own two dogs which they regard as their children. They don’t make much money so they have to share what’s on their table when they dine, with their pets.

“Every sen counts,” said the couple. “Besides, it would save us the hassle of travelling to the local authorities’ office and joining the long queues just to get our licences renewed.

“The taxi fare to the local council and back is almost three times the cost of the licence. Having our dogs greet us in the morning and follow us everywhere gives us a sense of acceptance, belonging and security,” they explained.

JK is another example of how animal-assisted therapy can make a difference. He was bedridden recently following an accident and now spends his time looking at the four walls of his room. His only pal is a puppy that was introduced to him recently.

The puppy is doing wonders for JK; he is starting to focus on his new friend instead of dwelling on his misery.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our respective councils could show some care and compassion by appreciating the special role of canines, and be mindful of the hardships the disabled face?

Sources: The Star

Wonder cleaner

2009-04-07T00:11:00.000+08:00

By TAN CHENG LI

Enthusiasts claim that garbage enzyme works its magic indoors and outdoors. But not everyone is convinced of its benefits.

IT IS every housewife’s dream – a multipurpose cleaner that is all-natural, environment- friendly, non-toxic, free of synthetic chemicals and best of all, can be made from kitchen scraps.

Sounds too good to be true, right? But many who have made and used this cleaner swear by it. Making this wonder cleaner merely involves fermenting kitchen waste with brown sugar and water for three months. The resulting brown, vinegary solution is commonly called garbage enzyme and is diluted with water for use – and it appears to be able to work miracles.

Testimonies on its uses appear endless: to do the dishes and laundry, mop the floor, scrub the toilet and bathroom, remove stubborn stains, for body care, as deodoriser and antiseptic and to clear blockages in pipes and drains. It will even repel ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, lizards.

Using citrus fruit waste will lend a pleasant scent to the garbage enzyme.

In farms, garbage enzymes have found use as a natural pesticide, herbicide, fertiliser and odour remover, and is also added to animal feed to improve digestion of livestock. And in the garden, it will make your plants flourish, bloom and fruit. Prisca Loke can testify to that. “Because of my busy schedule, I never had time to take care of my plants and they looked horrible. But after I sprayed them with garbage enzymes, they grew lush and started flowering. That converted me into a garbage enzyme user,” says the assistant human resource manager.

Loke now relies on garbage enzymes for many of her household chores. She finds it effective in removing grease from pots and pans and kitchen counters, as well as stubborn stains from her children’s white school shirts (she soaks them in diluted enzyme solution before the normal laundering).

Most of what she knows is from experimenting and sharing experience with friends.

“I could not find any scientific analysis on the enzyme on the Internet but from my personal experience and talking with friends, I find that the enzyme is useful.”

She has tried fermenting different fruit wastes since all will produce different enzymes, and some might be more effective for certain tasks than others. Ever willing to share her knowledge, Loke has given demonstrations on enzyme-making to her colleagues at Sunrise Bhd and residents of Sunrise Mont Kiara in Kuala Lumpur.

Enzyme evangelists

Dr Joean Oon uses diluted enzyme solution to clean vegetables.

Poultry seller Tan Yew Leong has also turned enzyme-advocate after seeing how it has reduced foul odours emanating from the Section 17 market in Petaling Jaya, Selangor .

“The market used to smell as the council only cleans it once a week or once a month by spraying water. Since we started spraying the enzyme (diluted with water) daily, it is not so smelly and there are fewer flies. The drains are also cleaner,” says Tan who has been making full use of vegetable and fruit discards at the market.

His home is filled with about 100 tanks, both big and small, of fermenting waste.

“Some other hawkers are also making the enzyme themselves after seeing its effectiveness,” says Tan, who provides free enzyme for cleansing of the market. He also sells the solution by the bottles but thinks it best that people make it themselves as they would reduce their waste.

Tan uses the enzyme liberally at home. “About 70% of the cleaning at home is now done using the enzyme, for mopping the floor and cleaning the toilets and bathroom. My family has reduced the use of chemicals and there are no more cockroaches in my house,” says the satisfied user.

The benefits of garbage enzymes is said to extend beyond the home. Apparently, when enzyme-laced wastewater flows down kitchen sinks and bathroom pipes, it supposedly continues to work its magic in drains, sewers and eventually, streams and rivers. This idea has spurred a project to get some 10,000 households in Petaling Jaya to produce their own garbage enzyme for home use.

The Danish-funded project by Section 19 Residents Association, Justlife (an organic food chain) and Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, will see enzyme-making demonstrations for residents’ associations and other community groups in the next five months. In Thailand, households’ use of garbage enzymes is said to have helped keep some streams clean.

“When people use the enzyme to clean dishes and do the laundry, the discharged water will finally end up in ponds and streams, so indirectly cleaning up the water bodies,” says Lee Lih Shyan, senior assistant director of the Local Agenda 21 programme at Petaling Jaya City Council. This approach benefits the environment more than that of pouring drums of garbage enzymes into ponds and rivers to cleanse the water bodies as practised by some communities in Penang. Lee says cleaning up ponds and rivers this way is an exercise in futility if pollution is not stemmed at the source.

“Such efforts will not be effective unless there is a group producing the enzyme in large quantities and continuously pouring it into the river. There is no point in doing it once or twice,” he says.

Where is the science

But exactly how and why this miraculous solution works is unclear. Even its advocates can’t quite explain the science behind it.

“There have been tests done but all the information is in Thai. I do not have the resources to get them translated into English or to research into how it works. And I’m not a chemist, so I don’t know how to explain it.

All I can say is that people have used it, and it works,” says Penang-based naturopathy practitioner Dr Joean Oon, Oon had learnt about garbage enzymes from its originator, Dr Rosukon Poompanvong, a pioneer of Thailand’s organic farming movement and a Food and Agriculture Organisation award recipient for her work in using fermented organic waste for crop fertilisation, pest protection and livestock feed.

Scientists spoken to say it is the microorganisms present in waste that produce the enzymes. The fermentation produces acetic acid, characterised by its vinegary smell, and it is the acid that gives the solution its cleaning prowess; vinegar, after all, is a traditional household cleaner.

The usefulness of enzymes has long been known. Enzymes act as catalysts – they increase the rates of chemical reactions.

In the human body, enzymes help in digestion and other bodily functions.

In wastewater treatment, enzymes accelerate decomposition of organic substances.

Enzymes have also found their way into commercial goods: in detergents, they improve the cleaning performance while in cleaning solutions, they eat away organic material that clog up pipes.

While the cleansing ability of garbage enzymes can be explained, claims on its other abilities seem pretty far-fetched – for instance, its role in repairing the ozone layer and in reducing global warming. Its proponents say ozone generated by the enzyme solution will bind with heavy metals in the air to reduce global warming. The ozone will also react with other elements such as nitrogen and sulphur to form nitrates and sulphates, which make good plant nutrients.

The science behind these claims, however, is sketchy. It does not help that the few documents available from Oon have been poorly translated into English from Thai. In Internet chat groups, some have censured the claims, especially the one about repairing the ozone hole. It is argued that ground-level ozone is unstable and will break into oxygen before it has any chance to migrate to the stratosphere (10 to 48km above sea level) to form the beneficial ozone layer that prevents harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth.

Also, ground-level ozone (it results when nitrogen oxides and organic gases, emitted by automobiles and industrial sources, react with air) is a toxic gas and irritant, and causes smog. In recent technologies, ozone is used to disinfect water as well as sterilise air and certain foods but the amount of ozone produced in garbage enzymes is so low that it would have little effectiveness.

Possible toxins

Sewerage plants do rely on beneficial bacteria to break down waste but no one knows for sure if the flushing of garbage enzymes down the toilet, as advocated by its proponents, would not lead to ill effects in the long term.

Likewise, flooding lakes and rivers with enzymes might be harmful if too much is used – it might well deplete oxygen levels in the water due to higher organic matter. Also, the anaerobic fermentation involved (the enzyme is made in an air-tight container) will release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Dr P. Agamuthu, a professor in waste management at Universiti Malaya, has questions too regardin g garbage enzyme. That the solution is beneficial for plants does not surprise him as it is rich in nutrients from the sugar.

However, he is wary about using the solution in the shower and to wash dishes and food. “Since it involves fermentation of waste, there might be pathogens in the mixture. In normal composting of solid waste which is water-free, temperatures can reach to 65°C to 70°C, and this will destroy most pathogens. Fermentation, however, will never reach this temperature, especially when water is added.”

He is uncertain if it is the enzymes, or other chemicals that are doing the job. To clear these doubts, Agamuthu intends to conduct his own tests with the enzyme to see what it contains and its effect on plants and soil.

Following the barrage of criticisms, Oon has decided to stop linking garbage enzymes with ozone depletion and global warming – but only because she is stumped when asked to explain the scien ce. She adds that she does not urge people to pour the enzymes into rivers to clean waterways – that was done initially just to create an activity and to promote public awareness.

Sincere in wanting to encourage green practices, she now expounds on only one aspect of garbage enzymes: “It makes good use of kitchen waste which would otherwise end up in landfills and generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas. It is something that housewives can do. And the enzyme also reduces our reliance on chemical cleaners, detergent and fertilisers.”

Ambiguities aside, the garbage enzyme movement has found quite a following and many attest to its efficacy. Still, until more tests are done on its contents and long-term effects, it might be wise to use it judiciously.

Sources: The Star

Help for the needy

2009-03-30T23:29:00.002+08:00

By WONG LI ZA

More people will qualify for welfare aid under the Government’s Social Safety Net programme.

DURING an economic downturn, everyone feels the pinch, more so the poor or those living below the poverty line income.

According to the Economic Planning Unit, 16.5% of the Malaysian population lived in poverty in 1990. Twelve years later, in 2002, the rate dropped to 5.1% and last year, the poverty rate stood at 1.8%.

However, the actual number of poor people could well be higher, considering the high cost of living in urban areas and the current economic crisis.

A group of disabled people displaying their JKSM cards which act like identity cards, proof that the cardholder is on the social aid scheme.

One government mechanism that provides social support to the poor and needy is the Malaysia Social Safety Net or Jaringan Keselamatan Sosial Malaysia (JKSM) programme.

It involves various ministries and government agencies, including the Ministries of Health, Education, Housing and Local Government, Human Resources, Agriculture and Agrobased Industry, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, Rural and Regional Development, and, Women, Family and Community Development.

The social support given comes in various forms which include financial aid; food, fertiliser and fuel subsidies; free education, textbooks and uniforms; affordable hospital care and skills training.

Last year, a total of RM350mil was allocated to the Social Safety Net programme. This year, the amount has been raised to RM850mil.

Senior citizens above the age of 60 who are ill, not able to work and living in poor conditions are also eligible for the Government’s social welfare aid.

An important aspect of this social support is the Federal Welfare Aid given via the Social Welfare Department under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

“My ministry is only one part of this whole scheme and we are very focused on the so-called non-productive groups. They include senior citizens aged above 60 who are ill, not able to work and living in poor conditions, children aged below 18 from poor family backgrounds, and the disabled.

“We are involved in giving basic financial support to such groups,” said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

On Feb 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi together with Dr Ng launched a revised Malaysia Social Safety Net programme and a new Social Safety Net Card (Kad JKSM).

Under this Safety Net programme, more people will qualify for welfare aid.

The new Malaysia Social Safety Net Card or Kad Jaringan Keselamatan Sosial Malaysia (JKSM) under the Social Welfare Department of Malaysia.

In previous years, welfare aid was given to the hardcore poor who, according to the Economic Planning Unit, are those with a household income of less than RM430 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM520 in Sarawak and RM540 in Sabah.

This year, the Ministry is extending aid to those with a household income of less than RM720 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM830 in Sarawak and RM960 in Sabah, or those living below the average poverty line income.

“From this year, we are extending the social safety net. This means that the number of people eligible for aid will double,” said Dr Ng.

“Last year, 150,000 people from about 50,000 families qualified for aid. This year, we expect at least 110,000 families to benefit.”

Dr Ng stressed that the poverty line income only serves as a guide or the initial entry point for eligibility of aid. Final approval will depend on investigations by welfare officers who will look into factors like the living condition of the families, the number of children and dependants, age of applicant or head of household, physical disability, and health conditions due to disease or illness.

This year, those who qualify for aid will also receive the new Kad JKSM, an electronic chip card which replaces the manila cards that people on welfare have been using since Independence.

“The card represents a new system of delivery to recognise eligible recipients. It is also (a tool) to create awareness about the welfare aid as we are determined to provide aid to those who are truly in need,” said Dr Ng.

“The card is like an identity card to prove that the cardholder is on the JKSM scheme. Later, we hope to link the card to public transportation systems and even outlets with special benefits for these groups of people.”

Each JKSM card is valid for a year and has to be reviewed annually.

“We do not want the poor to remain poor forever. We also want them to move out of poverty.”

To reach out to people in need of aid, the Social Welfare Department launched Projek Cari last October.

Under the project, 850 temporary welfare officers were hired for six months from October to go down to the ground and identify, register, investigate and speed up applications for the welfare scheme. These officers work in tandem with the existing 7,000 welfare officers in the country.

From Oct 1 to Jan 31, 70,000 new cases were identified, of which 25,000 have so far been approved. About 7,500 people did not qualify or pulled out, while the rest are still under investigation.

“Projek Cari has proven its effectiveness. The aim of the project is to reach out to as many people as possible and to create awareness. It is ongoing until March 31, after which we will review it and see if we need to extend it,” said Dr Ng.

She hopes local leaders will help identify those in need and bring them to the department’s attention.

“I want to strengthen the whole welfare delivery system in Malaysia from the context of entry point, human resource and also the JKSM card as we move towards 2020,” she said.

Aid list

THE Federal Welfare Aid scheme under the Social Welfare Department offers:

> A general monthly allowance of RM80 per person, up to a maximum of RM350 per family, subject to a household income of below RM720 for Peninsular Malaysia, RM830 for Sarawak and RM960 for Sabah.

> RM300 a month for poor senior citizens aged above 60, subject to a household income of below RM720 for Peninsular Malaysia, RM830 for Sarawak and RM960 for Sabah.

> RM100 a month per child for families earning below RM720 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM830 in Sarawak and RM960 in Sabah. This aid is subject to a maximum of RM450 per family.

> RM300 supplementary work allowance a month for a disabled person who is working and earning below RM1,200 a month.

> RM300 a month for a non-working caregiver who looks after a debilitated/bedridden person at home. This is provided the family income is less than RM3,000 a month.

> From January this year, RM150 a month will also be given to a disabled person who is unemployed despite efforts to find a job.

To apply for welfare aid and the JKSM card, go to your nearest Social Welfare office or call the Ministry’s Talian Nur hotline at 15999.

Sources: The Star

Stop the abuse of bays meant for disabled

2009-03-24T23:30:00.002+08:00

Stop the abuse of bays meant for disabled

JUST the other day, I was at one of the biggest shopping malls in Klang. It was a crowded Sunday and also the last day of the school break.

What amazed me was that as I was walking in to catch a movie, I noticed that many cars were parked at lots reserved for the disabled.

And all these cars had no stickers indicating the owners were disabled.

I even noticed a man coming out from his car at a disabled person’s parking lot and coolly walking inside the mall.

He was not handicapped and he had a Polis Diraja Malaysia sticker and a Parliament sticker on his car. Also, he was wearing a T-shirt of a local telecommunications company which was having a promotion at the mall.

I’m very disappointed that the mall’s management did nothing to stop this from happening.

The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) should provide stickers for disabled people to stick on their cars and the regulations should be strictly enforced. Malls should clamp cars without such stickers but parked at a disabled person’s lot and those who defy such regulations in town areas should be issued with summonses.

J. JEYAMALAR,

Klang.

Sources: The Star

Looking for toilets

2009-03-05T23:34:00.002+08:00

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

The search for a model disabled-friendly rest room yielded some interesting results.

I WAS involved in an unusual assignment a week ago. Together with another gentleman in a wheelchair, and accompanied by a team of experts from the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), our motley crew went out as “roving investigators” in Petaling Jaya.

We went to look at, of all things, toilets. And we were only interested in loos that were user-friendly for disabled and elderly individuals.

The purpose of our trip was to come up with a good prototype design of a restroom that would be user-friendly for the handicapped.

Our first stop was a well-known hotel. We oohed and aahed at most of the outfit’s disabled-friendly designs. The most impressive was the entry/exit door of the loo, which was an electronic one.

All a patron in a wheelchair needed to do was press a button with one finger and presto: it would open for him. Once inside, he has only to push another button. The door closes, offering him all the privacy he needs.

If only all other hotels in the country would follow the good example of the hotel we visited and provide electronic doors as well, it would make the lives of disabled and elderly persons much easier when they visit such outfits.

Even though posh hotels may have disabled-friendly loos, little attention is given to the doors. The doors are often so heavy that we have a hard time trying to open them.

Not everything was smooth-sailing during our assignment. Together with the good came the not-so-good.

We had a lesson on how important it was to train everyone to handle an emergency.

When we tried to get into the loo for the first time, it suddenly got locked and refused to open until 20 minutes later. None of the staff knew how to open the door.

They claimed the person in charge was not around. Fortunately, this was not a real emergency. We dreaded to think of what could have happened if a disabled person had fallen inside the loo and needed help.

It was disappointing too that the five-star hotel had a steep ramp at its entrance which disabled guests were forced to use to access the building.

The reserved parking lot for the disabled was located far from the entrance to the building.

The management promised to rectify the situation soonest possible.

Our journey also took us to Ikea and Ikano shopping centres in Mutiara Damansara.

No sooner had we arrived when we were greeted by smiling security guards at the generously-sized parking lots for the disabled. These people are so serious about their car parks for the handicapped that they clamp any unauthorised cars and make them pay a fine for abusing the facilities.

The money collected is donated to a local charity for the disabled.

I was shocked to hear about the reactions of some people who misuse the disabled parking bays. One or two of them even resorted to violence when their cars were clamped, I was told.

The majority, however, were apologetic when they realised the error of their ways.

As for the toilets, especially Ikea’s, I think they have close to the perfect one I’ve seen so far.

The toilet is spacious enough for a helper to accompany a disabled person. There’s an alarm bell (panic button) in case of an emergency and even a face mirror that leans slightly downwards from a strategic height to allow a wheelchair-user to view his upper body.

We were all touched by the willingness of these two shopping centres to improve on what they were providing for shoppers

Sources: The Star

Plight of the disabled

2009-02-14T23:39:00.000+08:00

By LOOI SUE-CHERN

TOILETS for the disabled are often too small or are locked.

These are some of the problems faced by the disabled at some places in Penang, said Society of Disabled Persons (Penang) former president Tan Kuan Aw.

Tan, who is wheelchair-bound, said there were also toilets for the disabled which had been turned into storerooms because the managements of buildings where these toilets are located think not many people use them.

He said there were specifications that must be complied with when facilities for the disabled are provided such as handrails for ramps.

But after studying the situation in Penang for a decade, Tan did not think the local authorities were serious when it came to ensuring that these specfications were adhered to.

“The setting up of a barrier-free facility like a toilet for people with disabilities just for the sake of it is a misunderstood concept. There are Sirim standards and requirements that need to be followed,” he said in an interview.

A check by The Star in public places around Penang proved Tan’s descriptions of several public toilets accurate.

One such toilet in a building along the Jelutong Expressway was so small that a disabled person in a wheelchair would find great difficulty to close the toilet door from the inside.

Tight space: A woman in wheelchair demonstrating how difficult it is to use the cramped toilet for disabled persons.

The reason for this, apart from the size of the toilet, is that the toilet door opens the wrong way. It opens inward, instead of outward or sliding.

Another toilet for the disabled persons in a shopping mall is occasionally locked and those who want to use the facility must find the cleaner who has the key, as instructed by a sign stuck to the door.

As for ramps, Tan said some were built without handrails. But in the case of the ramp at the Taman Sri Pinang flats on River Road, it was crossbars that has become a barrier for the disabled.

Stumbling block: A ramp with handrails is provided at Taman Sri Pinang but disabled persons, especially those in wheelchairs, cannot proceed further with the locked crossbars blocking the building's entrance.

Although the ramp has handrails, it is not barrier-free as there are crossbars at the bottom to prevent motorcyclists from using the ramp.

Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) committee member Lim Kah Cheng, who is an ardent activist for people with special needs, said the bars could also be a hindrance during emergencies like fires.

She said ramps could be designed in a way that motorcyclists could not misuse them, adding that the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) had agreed to look into the matter.

“Instead of a ramp, a winding path that motorcyclists will find difficult to manoeuvre their vehicles on can be considered. The council already has the design which is not costly to follow,” said Lim, who is also an MPPP councillor.

Her other complaints include the putting up of signboards, road signs, advertisement boards and other obstructing objects in the middle of pavements or walkways; and high pavements.

Lim said the trick would be to get things right the first time - constructing buildings and providing public facilities that were universal.

“If you build a ramp, build one that is for everybody. What is good for the disabled is good for everyone else,” she added.

Danger lurks: This bus stop at Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong is unsafe for disabled persons, especially for the visually impaired and those in wheelchairs.

MPPP president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman, when contacted, said the council would take serious note of the problems faced by the disabled with the existing facilites.

“Our officers will conduct checks on these facilities to see if they comply with the required standards. If developers do not comply with building requirements, we will not grant them the CFs,” he added.

Sources: The Star

CIMB Foundation empowers the disabled

2009-02-07T00:19:00.001+08:00

Kuala Lumpur: Being disabled should never be a deterrent for anyone to excel and prove to the society that they are capable individuals. Their greatest wish is to be given fair opportunities including the chance to obtain formal education, professional training and employment.

CIMB Foundation’s Chinese New Year celebration today was a showcase of what the disabled can achieve if given the right opportunities. Four (4) non-government organisations (NGOs), who are among CIMB Community Link’s beneficiaries, were present at the event - Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, Pusat Majudiri ‘Y’ for the Deaf, Persatuan Braille Malaysia, and Persatuan Wushu, Tarian Naga dan Singa Jing Ying Kuala Lumpur. Through various initiatives, their members were provided with facilities and training to promote self-sufficiency and enabled some of them to earn an income.

Funded by CIMB Foundation, 15 individuals from the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled were able to take up broadcasting courses at The Voice Academy where they had an opportunity to run their own programme for the disabled on AiFm, a Chinese radio station under RTM and collaborated with NTV7 to produce a Chinese New Year programme in 2008; 14 individuals from Pusat Majudiri ‘Y’ for the Deaf (known as “YMCA Deafbeat”) were trained to play traditional Chinese drums and in performing arts and have since successfully performed in a number of public events; over 200 copies of the al-Quran in Braille format were produced and distributed to various schools for the blind enabling them to learn to recite the verses; and an acrobatic lion dance programme was specially tailored for enthusiastic deaf youths and coached by the Persatuan Wushu, Tarian Naga dan Singa Jing Ying Kuala Lumpur. The acrobatic lion dance troupe has been invited to perform at various events during the recent Chinese New Year celebrations including the CIMB Foundation event today.

“Through Community Link, CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic branches have identified many worthy causes to be funded to benefit the communities served by the branches. We are very pleased with the results of these programmes, and the beneficiaries present today are a small cross-section of our success stories,” said Dato’ Sri Nazir, Group Chief Executive of CIMB Group. “I am proud of their achievements and we intend to continue our support through CIMB Foundation and empower these and other individuals to look beyond their disabilities and be independent,” he added.

CIMB Foundation also presented RM5,000 to each of the 4 NGOs. Datin Sri Azlina Aziz, wife of Dato’ Sri Nazir Razak, presented the mock cheques to the representatives of the organisations.

CIMB Community Link, is an initiative of CIMB Foundation, implemented by leveraging on the nationwide reach of CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic’s 367 branch network. Over 180 projects with a budget of RM6.2 million have been allocated to Community Link projects since the inception of the programmes in May 2007.

Sources: CIMB Foundation

Company shares CNY joy with the disabled

2009-01-30T00:16:00.000+08:00

Memento: Staff members of MNRB and Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad posing for a group photo with residents of Beautiful Gate Caring Centre.

MNRB Holdings Berhad (MNRB) and its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Malaysian Reinsurance Berhad (Malaysian Re) celebrated Chinese New Year with 43 disabled people of Beautiful Gate Caring Centre in Petaling Jaya recently.

They donated RM5,000 to the home and presented food hampers to the residents.

Beautiful Gate Caring Centre was established in 1995 and is located at No. 29, Jalan SS2/59, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Sources: The Star

A memorable anniversary dinner

2009-01-24T00:19:00.000+08:00

By TAN KARR WEI

PETALING JAYA-based real estate agent Elvincom Realtor decided to include the less fortunate in its one-year anniversary celebration.

Besides its employees and business partners, about 50 guests from the Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled and the Lovely Disabled Home, both from SS2, Petaling Jaya, also joined in the anniversary dinner at the Loong Foong Restaurant in Taman Mayang.

Elvincom Realtor office manager Wendy Chan said that organising events with the people from the disable homes has always been something close to her heart.

“That’s why I told my husband (Elvincom Realtor principal Elvin Liew) that we must include them during our anniversary celebration,” said Chan, who is also the Aman Suria Residents Association chairman.

It was a jovial atmosphere as all those present started the dinner with the auspicious yee sang toss to usher in wealth and prosperity for the year.

Enjoying their meal: Guests from the Beautiful Gate Foundation tucking into their eight-course meal.

Representatives from business partners like RHB Bank, Alliance Bank, OCBC, Public Bank and Malika and Lim gave out ang pow packets and Chinese New Year goodie bags to the guests.

Sources: The Star

SS2 Cares Chinese New Year Carnival 2009

2009-01-11T00:08:00.001+08:00

MBPJ under the Local Agenda 21 Programme together with RTSS2B, Beautiful Gate Foundation and other supporting NGOs launched the 2009 Chinese New Year SS2 Cares Carnival on 10-01-2009! Our MP for PJU and ADUN for Damansarra Utama and MBPJ Councillors were V.I.Ps. at the launching plus of course lion dancers and plenty of 'kam' for the new year. Syabas to Mr. Lee Lih Shyan of MBPJ!

Sources: Rukun Tetangga SS2B's blog

骨刺導致脊椎骨斷裂

2008-12-28T22:00:00.002+08:00

癱瘓青年走出生命低谷

在發生意外前，他不知道骨刺為何物，更不知道短短一根刺，居然可以導致脊椎骨斷裂，甚至改變他的一生。

因為那根刺，歐威成嘗盡脊椎骨斷裂的痛；沒想到醫生在為他動手術後，原本用來固定脊椎骨的鐵鉤居然脫落，導致鐵枝刺到肺部，演變成肺積水，加劇他的病情。

原本可以蹦蹦跳跳的自己卻要依靠輪椅行動，歐威成極度排斥，甚至對家人也產生怨對、足不出戶、自暴自棄，雖然後來曾到殘障學院學習手藝，但還是無法忍受他人異樣的眼光，寧可終日躲在家裡足不出戶。

直到加入美門殘障關懷基金會，他開始與外界接觸，不再懼怕他人眼光，後來擔任該會在甲洞分會的副管理，也在因緣際會下獲得公眾捐贈電單車，開始騎電單車四處走動，協助殘障人士向福利部申請證件或其他物品。

騎電單車脊椎骨裂
頸項骨斷未動手術

騎著電單車，歐威成活動的範圍變大，卻沒想到他那薄如蟬翼的脊椎骨會因為電單車的震動而出現裂痕；加上協助朋友起身時加劇病情和導致頸項的骨斷了，必須動手術，惟最後因他的身體狀況不允許，至今還沒有進行手術。

須靠氧氣筒喘氣

如今，他體內的脊椎骨呈L型，一邊的肺出現硬化，另一邊的肺則剩下40%的功能，但他沒有放棄自己，依然積極面對人生，甚至會因醫生的邀約而北上南下到醫院去為因意外而殘障的公眾輔導，並積極參與美門的活動。

由於肺部功能不佳，所以只要遇到太熱或太冷的天氣，他都會因冷冽或悶熱的空氣透不過氣，而必須輔助氧氣筒才能喘氣。

每次重灌氧氣筒都需要花費約50令吉，並只能用3小時或兩週，長期下來是一筆負擔，所以他希望商家給予贊助，減輕他的負擔。

14歲時脊椎骨移位
動手術後下半身癱瘓

歐威成在14歲時，彎腰幫忙弟弟把走位的床架移回正確位置時，生長在脊椎骨中間的骨刺因彎腰而突出，導致脊椎骨移位。他雖然感覺疼痛，但只是到住家附近的診所看醫生，醫生診斷後推斷說骨折。

脊椎骨彎成S字形

看了醫生後病情沒有好轉，他不以為意；一個月後開始覺得雙腳無力，在家人陪同下前往同善醫院照X光，赫然發現脊椎骨在不知不覺中彎成S字形。

“院方說要即刻動手術，但由於收費高，家人在院方推薦下把我帶到馬大醫院，並在排期了一個月後才看到醫生，醫生看到我的情況，立刻安排我入院排期等動手術。”

當時，他入院第一天還可以走動，第二天走動甚至上廁所時就必須扶著牆壁走，第3天進了廁所後沒有力走出來，第4天才進入手術室動手術。

手術後，歐威成在醫院住了整整5個月，下半身也因脊椎骨已走形而癱瘓，必須依靠輪椅活動。

固定脊椎骨鐵鉤脫落
鐵枝插入肺部肺積水

歐威成原以為動了手術後就可以過回原本的生活，沒想到卻因不斷咳嗽，檢驗下才發現醫生用來固定脊椎骨，全長15公分的鐵鉤從脊椎骨上脫落，導致鐵枝插入肺部，出現肺積水的情況。

由於情況嚴重，加上他身體還虛弱，所以醫生不敢立即為他動手術，只能在他身體開一個洞，讓水排出；他不斷跟醫生跟進病情以確定脊椎骨是否已堅硬，希望可以儘快動手術，卻沒想到這麼一等就等了5年之久。

脊椎骨再度出現裂痕

2004年，歐威成通過報章的活動獲得公眾捐贈的電單車，於是他便常常騎著電單車去辦事，時間久了，他發現脊椎骨再度出現疼痛跡象，於是他再回到醫院照X光，結果X光片卻把他和醫生嚇壞了。

“我們在X光片上看到之前受傷的六節脊椎骨出現裂痕，於是醫生便問我要不要動手術，但這個手術的風險比較大，就是要移開心臟取出之前脫落的鐵鉤，所以我思前想後一番，還是不要去做這個高風險的手術。”

助朋友起床頸骨斷裂

後來，他持續騎電單車走動，但在某一天，如以往般以前推的方式協助朋友起床時，突然聽到骨頭發出聲響，他本以為自己又扭傷，豈料兩週後左手開始無力，照了X光才知道之前已有裂痕的脊椎骨更多裂痕，就連頸項的骨也斷裂了。

身體不夠強壯未動手術

醫生要他立即動手術，但礙於醫藥費昂貴，所以他拖了一年多，直到通過英文報籌獲款項後，才決定入院動手術，但由於身體不夠強壯，加上肺部功能僅剩下40%，手術非常危險，所以至今仍未動手術。

“醫生曾勸我，若真的無法忍受身體的疼痛才動手術，他們也因為我的身體情況而一再展延我的手術，醫生最近把手術日期挪至明年12月，我也希望可以通過動手術來改善自己的情況。”

生命點滴人物

姓名：歐威成
年齡：30歲
狀況：中學初一的學校假期，因故造成脊椎骨斷裂和延誤就醫而失去行動能力，後來生命又面對一連串考驗，但他沒有放棄自己，反而協助醫生開解因意外失去行動能力的人，讓生命綻放光芒。
聯絡電話：03-6276 3690

星洲日報／大都會‧2008.12.28

歐威成表示，目前其體內的脊椎骨呈L字型，加上一邊的肺部有硬化現象和另一邊肺部僅有40%功能，讓他在面對太冷或太熱的環境須氧氣筒來輔助呼吸。

目前，歐威成在美門殘障關懷基金會的甲洞分會擔任副管理，工作範圍包括協助殘障人士向福利部申請證件或進行文件上的處理。

自脊椎骨的裂痕不斷加深後，醫生囑咐歐威成要每天穿戴 “護架” 來固定脊椎骨，以免脊椎骨因日常生活的運作而加劇病情，所以歐威成坐車外出時都會穿上 “護架”，保護自己。

從旁邊看，歐威成在今年9月照的X光圖顯示體內的脊椎骨呈L型，而之前受傷的六節脊椎骨也斷裂了。

歐威成（左）和同伴曾受邀到新紀元學院進行心路歷程演說，讓與會者更認識殘障人士在日常生活所面對的問題。

失行動能力最後走出黑暗

2008-12-14T22:00:00.004+08:00

16歲的青春少艾，都有著無限美好的青春，日子在快樂中渡過。然而，潘銀珠卻因為脊椎骨神經線上不知何時被瘀血壓斷，終斷了她的笑聲，也改變了她的人生。

雙腳失知覺須靠輪椅行動

雙腳失去知覺，餘生注定要靠輪椅行動，她無法接受這突如其來的變化，除了封閉自己和斷絕與外界的來往，還一度割脈自殺。

慶幸的是，潘銀珠的家人都沒有放棄她，母親對她百般包容，加上朋友借她閱讀杏林子的書籍、學校老師紛紛要她復學，校長甚至為了遷就她而把樓上的班級移到樓下，讓她能繼續學習之路。

大家看到潘銀珠願意到學校上課，甚至恢復以往的笑靨，以為她走出了陰影，卻不知道對人歡笑的她，其實都把心事埋在心底，更不知道她其實在藉著笑容掩飾心中的痛。

中學畢業後，她來到美門殘障關懷基金會，後來在信仰協助下感覺生命的意義和走出陰影。

在美門任就業與關懷主任

她在修讀電腦相關課程後，選擇在美門擔任就業與關懷主任，協助弱勢人士包括殘障者尋找工作，讓他們找到適合的工作，發揮潛能。

立志要當激勵講師的潘銀珠，除了常閱讀激勵書籍，她也在12月13日的中午12時10分至1時在AI FM電台客串擔任《愛的路上你和我》節目主持人，讓殘障人士運動員與聽眾分享他們的心路歷程，並希望這次主持的經驗，可以協助她邁向激勵講師之路。

睡夢中全身抽痛改變一生

潘銀珠來自雪州適耕莊，個性樂天，除品學兼優，小學時是排球高手，升上中學接觸跆拳道後，就喜歡上跆拳道，才短短3年就從白帶的初學者升上褐帶。

中四那年清明節前夕的晚上，睡夢中的潘銀珠突然覺得全身上下來回抽痛，她原以為疼痛會過去，豈料卻改變了她的一生。

“我從午夜12時忍耐到清晨6時才讓父母知道，父母先把我送入丹絨加弄醫院，後來再轉入巴生醫院；醫生對我的病束手無策，但卻堅持要我留醫一晚檢查。”

須動手術否則成為植物人

第二天，潘銀珠的父母把她送入某醫藥中心，醫生檢驗後表示她的情況危急，必須立即動手術，否則就會成為植物人，但由於延遲送醫，所以能夠康復走路的機率只有5%而已。

潘銀珠病得渾渾噩噩，根本不知道病情的嚴重性，直到完成了手術清醒後，還一心以為自己可以康復出院。

當她從母親口中知道自己將終生依靠輪椅行動時，她沒有辦法接受，除了不斷哭泣，更希望自己可以從殘酷的夢境中醒來。

同學好友被拒於門外

出院後，由於家中的擺設處處佈滿障礙，加上家門口的門檻阻礙輪椅進出，所以她回到家後，終日躲在房間不出來，就連同學好友來訪，也被她拒於門外。

“那時候，我覺得大家都以異樣的眼神來看我，我不想接受她們憐憫的眼神，所以把自己孤立起來，不面對她們才不會覺得自己和他們是不一樣的。”

面對沒有辦法使力的雙腳，潘銀珠覺得很難過和憤怒，甚至在覺得沒有人能分擔自己難過的情緒下，決定割脈自殺，以尋求解脫，但還是從鬼門關走了回來。

封閉在家長達半年
看杏林子書恢復自信

潘銀珠把自己封閉在家裡長達半年後，在杏林子的書籍中慢慢恢復自信，後來還接受老師的建議回到學校重讀中四。

也許因為她之前在學校表現都不錯，所以校長把原本在2樓的中四教室搬到底樓，老師也自動提供補習，讓她追上課業。

老師的用心讓潘銀珠感受到一直在旁給予的默默支持，包括在面對她無理取鬧時，始終不會惡言相向的母親。

“那時候我經常發脾氣，無論是大事小事都會發脾氣一番，直到有一次母親說她寧願自己坐輪椅也不要我承受這樣的痛苦時，我才知道其實母親也和我面對一樣的問題。”

父母也面對外人異樣眼光

她慢慢地說，由於新村人迷信的關係，大家都說她突然殘障和父母的行為有關，而發生在她身上的一切都是報應。

那時候，潘銀珠才知道，那些利如刀刃的流言不斷傷害著她的父母，他們也和她一樣面對外人異樣的眼光。

後來，潘銀珠撇開胸懷接受一切，她再度綻放燦爛的笑容，和家人的關係也更為融洽了。

加入美門被選為乒乓選手

加入美門殘障關懷基金會後，潘銀珠以為生活會一直平淡下去，豈料卻被選為乒乓選手，也展開了約一年的練習生涯。

那時候，潘銀珠從完全不會乒乓打法，開始學習接球和開球，而整個學習過程最辛苦的就是要在沒有腰力情況下接球，而不會因此而受傷。

後來，潘銀珠曾陸續代表大馬前往澳洲和英國參加共和聯邦運動會，雖然沒有獲獎，但卻讓她留下深刻的回憶。

星洲日報／大都會‧2008.12.14

雖然行動需要依靠輪椅，但潘銀珠（右3）憑著過去的的運動細胞，被挑選為乒乓選手到國外參加共和聯邦運動會，留下美好回憶。

卸下乒乓選手身份後，潘銀珠的生活雖歸於平淡，但她卻以開朗的心面對未來，往激勵講師方向邁進。

雖然身體面對行動問題，但潘銀珠（中）沒有放棄自己，偶爾也和朋友外出遊玩。照片攝於她和中學好友到熱浪島遊玩，當時她還不會游泳，但後來卻學會了。

潘銀珠在為期一年的訓練中練出精湛的乒乓技術，成就非凡。

年少的潘銀珠（左）活潑好動，她在取得跆拳道褐帶後，原想挑戰跆拳道黑帶一段，豈料卻因意外而無法達成目標。

Lee Pei Sun: A Truly Remarkable Woman

2008-12-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

This article won 2nd prize in eHomemakers

Lee Pei Sun fondly remembers a time when life was so good, almost perfect. As a truly radiant bride of 22, soon after, mother to baby Ping Toh and then, beautiful days basking in her dual role as dutiful wife and doting mother. She loved music and travel, held a steady job and her whole life was so promising.

These days, they are just distant memories that she desperately clutches on to as they try to fade away. Pei Sun now lives in a home for the disabled, abandoned by her husband and living each day looking forward to the monthly visits from her two precious children.

Pei Sun was struck with an incurable degenerating disease soon after her first child was born. Her cerebellum, located behind the front section of the brain, began shrinking. As the cerebellum controls the muscles of the body, Pei Sue began losing muscular co-ordination and became wheelchair bound. She was unable to care for her baby and her mother-in-law had to look after him. Pei Sun was forced to resign from her clerical job and became financially dependent on her husband. Three years later, her second son, Hong Hong was delivered by caesarean section.

What followed was nothing short of harrowing. As Pei Sun struggled to cope with her illness while caring for her children, her husband looked for a relationship outside their marriage. On her twenty-seventh birthday, he informed her that he was moving her to a home. Pei Sun was devastated. Added to the humiliation of being cast aside, she was given an ultimatum – to choose between her sons and maintenance. She chose her sons.

When she first came to the home, she spent hours crying. It’s been a year now and divorce proceedings are still pending. Her mother cares for the boys and Pei Sun has to depend on handouts and the generosity of her five siblings. She regrets being a financial burden to her family but she has little choice as she gets no help from her husband. She manages to earn a little money by selling newspapers.

Despite all she endures, she has the added anxiety that Ping Toh exhibits autistic tendencies. But Pei Sun is not defeated. She is grateful that her cousin brings the boys to visit her once a month. Sometimes, Ping Toh spends the night with her in her small room. He sleeps on a mattress on the floor and she amuses him with music from a radio. Sadly, she cannot cope with both her sons staying over.

Meanwhile, she wants nothing but the best for her sons and does everything within her power to brighten their lives. Although her disability prevents her from playing with them, she wants her sons to have happy childhood memories. She takes them to the playground and on shopping trips and indulges them with what little she can afford. She has even taken them to the zoo. It is cumbersome being limited by her wheelchair but she is completely focused on being a good mother for without her children, she has no reason to live.

Pei Sun's illness is relentless but she does not wallow in self-pity. In fact, as her muscles waste away, even her ability to speak is slowly being affected. Yet she preserveres, trying to prevent further deterioration, by faithfully exercising her muscles on a bicycle. The pain is always excruciating but she refuses to give up.

The young mother has also begun a computer journal recording for her sons to read some day. It focuses on her hopes, her dreams and her values so that the two boys will always be guided by her. Meanwhile, Pei Sun draws strength and solace from her religious beliefs. Yet it is her tenacity and resilience that makes her such a remarkable woman.

Source : e-Homemakers

Cannies Tham: A Guardian Angel

2008-12-11T22:00:00.001+08:00

Have you seen Pei Sun’s photos when she was younger? She’s a ‘leng lui’, (beautiful girl) you know. I have dressed her up beautifully with my clothes and applied make-up for her so that she looks stunning for her special occasion today,” says Cannies Tham, Lee Pei Sun’s caregiver at the Beautiful Gate, home for the disabled.

The girl seated next to Cannies dressed in a pretty blood red top and matching pants smiles at everyone around her. “Having seen pictures of her when she was a bubbly young girl and now, watching her confined to a wheelchair, unable to speak clearly and move her limbs, makes my heart ache. Despite the physical disabilities, there’s no denying that Pei Sun is still the same beautiful young girl in the photos,” says Cannies. And the minute Cannies speaks about her two young sons, Pei Sun sobs silently. Cannies turns to comfort her.

Recalling the first time she met Pei Sun more than a year ago, Cannies says, “You see how she cries whenever she thinks of her children? This is how she was when I first met her. In fact, it was worse. She was devastated that her husband was leaving her and taking their children along with him. And her family members did not want to care for her either. Her cousin brother contacted me and asked me to meet her,” she says. “I knew then that I had to take her with me to Beautiful Gate so that she can be in my care. I was afraid that in the state she was in, she might do something drastic to herself.” Cannies immediately returned to the home and proceeded to do the necessary to bring Pei Sun to Beautiful Gate.

“During the first month at the home, Pei Sun used to cry all the time. She loves her children more than anything else in this world and was terrified at the thought of losing her sons after the divorce,” Cannies explains. As expected, Pei Sun’s husband soon contacted Beautiful Gate to inform them of his decision to initiate divorce proceedings against his wife. “He told me that he doesn’t want to provide Pei Sun any maintenance and would not even allow her to visit her sons. That made me very angry,” she says.

Cannies calmly but assertively informed Pei Sun’s husband that his decision to abandon his wife would be unfavorable for him. “I told him that it was not Pei Sun’s fault. It was his fault because he now had a girlfriend and therefore, wanted to leave Pei Sun. I told him that the disease struck Pei Sun when she was pregnant with his child. She carried on with the pregnancy because of her love for him, despite knowing that it may be dangerous for her. Today, she is unable to work and fend for herself. I told him that the odds are against him and if he does not agree to pay maintenance and allow her visitation rights, I will consult a lawyer and matters could get worse,” this bold woman tells me.

It must have taken this petite 33-year-old a lot of courage to stand up to Pei Sun’s husband. And Pei Sun should be extremely grateful to have been blessed with a guardian angel like Cannies. After that ‘little’ informal chat with him, Pei Sun’s husband decided to pay her a monthly maintenance of RM200 and allow her to spend time with her 5-year-old and 3-year-old sons once every month.

Cannies’ good sense and her fight for justice did not stop there. She also contacted Pei Sun’s elder brother and advised him to visit his sister. “I told him that just because she was here at the home, it doesn’t mean that he should not visit her.” Cannies strongly feels that family support is very important to build a person’s confidence, especially when the person is either suffering from a chronic illness or is disabled.

As a welfare officer at Beautiful Gate, Cannies is unable to constantly keep an eye on Pei Sun. She has administrative duties to perform as well. “In the early days, I was worried about her. I told her room mates to look out for her. We always let her do things on her own so that she develops the confidence in her own ability,” she says.

Although Pei Sun’s physical condition is deteriorating day by day, her emotional and mental strength has improved tremendously, says Cannies. “Pei Sun’s main focus now is to get better so that she can be a full-time mother to her two boys. She exercises on the stationary bicycle to keep her muscles from wasting away even though it hurts her.”

Pei Sun’s cousin brings her sons to visit her once every month and the older boy stays with her for a couple of nights. She has a spare mattress and a radio to make them feel comfortable when they visit her in her small room. She squeezes orange juice for them even though it is an effort for her as her fingers are gnarled from the disease.

When they come to visit her, she goes out shopping with them, takes them to the park to play buy them little things that she can afford. “I like to tease Pei Sun when she takes her children shopping. I jokingly ask her why she doesn’t invite me to go along. It makes her laugh. I always keep our conversations light-hearted so that she feels happy all the time. It makes her forget her past, at least for a while,” Cannies says just before the emcee announces the names of all the winners.

Cannies beams with pride as she witnesses Pei Sun being called to receive her prize for winning the second place at the Special Moms Unite! 2006 contest. Much like a mother filled with joy to see her child winning a competition. “Congratulations!” she whispers to Pei Sun, as she proceeds to wheel her up to the stage. Pei Sun's eyes said it all, "Thank you, Cannies, for the tender loving care and attention you continue to provide me. My words will never be enough to express my gratitude".

Source : e-Homemakers

Big plans ahead for mall

2008-12-10T22:00:00.002+08:00

By LIM CHIA YING

COLOURFUL displays of decorative lights, string quartets and carolers as well as cartoon characters will usher in the Christmas and New Year celebrations at The Summit Subang USJ.

The mall’s celebration this year, themed Summit Light Up With Love was launched recently, giving shoppers a glimpse of the line-up of events taking place throughout December.

Festive cheer: Ong (second from left) and Adzman Shah (left) with the residents from Beautiful Gate Foundation with the Christmas tree that they have lighted up during the event launch.

Launching the event was Kelana Jaya MCA chairman Ong Chong Swen and DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung Property Consultants director Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin.

Special guests present were members from the Beautiful Gate Disabled Centre, orphans and children of single parents from the Compassion Home in USJ 1 and needy children from Subang Jaya.

Ong said the members from Beautiful Gate were role models in continuing to live a fulfilled life despite their disability.

Adzman Shah added that while the mall might have been a little frugal in decor this year, however, all efforts were still made to ensure that the festive atmosphere was still present.

“As the new management of The Summit Subang USJ, we are confident of bringing it to greater heights,” he said.

Following the Christmas tree lighting to mark the launch, the Beautiful Gate members performed several dance and singing performances on their wheelchairs, while the Compassion Home children touched the crowd with their soulful rendition of Malay, English, and Chinese songs.

Brothers Isaac Sathiya, 15. and Samuel Kuvinder, 13, from Compassion Home, said they had always enjoyed Christmas and to be part of the occasion at the mall made their day.

Christmas feel: The children from Beautiful Gate Foundation clapping to the performances on stage during the Summit Light Up With Love launch.

Isaac was brought into the home when he was in Year Four and Samuel when he was Year Two.

Both said they enjoyed schooling very much and that they did not have any special Christmas wish.

Meanwhile, a host of activities like Christmas bazaars, Christmas musical singing and dance performances, appearances by Santa Claus, various competitions, as well as mascots and cartoon characters of Ronald McDonald, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Fantastic Four are set to add to the merriment of the festival.

Under the new management, the mall would see a change in new tenants and also upgrading in different phases.

Sources: The Star

PJ set to become disabled-friendly

2008-12-08T00:36:00.000+08:00

An example of how the city’s paths can be dangerous to the disabled.

PETALING JAYA: The city council is set to make the city's roads and other facilities more disabled-friendly.

The council will build 150 covered disabled car parks and better walkways, ramps and pedestrian crossings, especially from Jalan Gasing to Jalan Changai.

The improvements are included under the council's budget for next year. According to the council's Engineering Department director Ismail Shafie, the first phase will be completed in March.

PJ councillor T. Anthony, who is disabled, said the upgrading works would meet the international standards for facilities for the disabled.

There are more than 250,000 disabled people in the country and their mobility is hampered by unfriendly infrastructure and facilities.

Source: Streets, NST Online

Disabled in Subang Jaya voice their woes

2008-12-03T22:00:00.000+08:00

By OH ING YEEN

THE disabled community will have something to look forward next year, Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu announced at the recent Dialogue with OKU (people with disablities) that there would be a special welfare programme for the disabled in the state next year.

The objective of the meeting was to provide a platform for people with disabilities living in Subang Jaya to voice out their problems and to seek solutions.

“This dialogue will be useful as we can use it as a reference for the programme,” he said, declining to reveal further information about the programme as it is still in the planning stage.

Disabled-friendly environment needed: Kok telling the difficulties he faces in travelling.

Also present at the meeting were Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) secretary Slamat Hamzah, Social Welfare Department (JKM) officer Jama’eah Abdul Ghani, sign language interpreter Azlina Mohamad Isa, as well as MPSJ councillors Ng Sze Han, Gary Chong, Sapiyan Mohd Din, Rabiah Omar, Datuk Dr Subramaniam @ Mutu Nadarajan, Joseph Xavier and Chia Yew Ken. Agnes Lee, who is involved in rights for the disabled, was the moderator.

Preceding the meeting was a performance by members of the Beautiful Gate Foundation, which drew cheers from the audience.

Among the issues and suggestions put forward by the disabled and their caretakers were:

Improvements at the Social Welfare Department in terms of parking and accessibility;
MPSJ to rectify the inconsistency in the distribution of stickers for the disabled and caretakers;
A government hospital in Subang Jaya;
Education and job opportunities for the disabled;
JKM to improve on its services; and
Flexibility in banking in the allowance for the by the JKM.

Awesome: Performers from the Beautiful Gate Foundation drew applause from the audience for their amazing performance.

Alan Kok, who is wheelchair-bound, hoped that Subang Jaya could be a more disabled-friendly place to live in.

“Even if some buses have disabled-user facilities, I have difficulty travelling to the bus stop itself.

“We have a lot to offer; it’s not that we don’t want to work. We can work from home, and in jobs like translating and web-designing,” he said.

Citing the MBPJ Transit OKU as an example, some voiced the need for a similar mode of transport for the disabled in Subang Jaya as well as other municipalities. “This is so that the disabled can travel from one town or city to another without transportation problems,” said Bathmavathi Khrishnan of the Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled.

She also raised the issue of the need for a government hospital in Subang Jaya and for the public community halls to be more accessible.

Yeoh said while some of the issues could not be solved on the spot, the problems and suggestions would be compiled and looked into.

She added that flaws in the system would be highlighted to the decision makers for action.

She appealed to the media to highlight the need for employers to offer jobs for the disabled.

She also commended the caretakers and was choked with emotion when she related the experience of her bedridden grandfather.

“You are also taxpayers, you are also Malaysians, you deserve every right, just like all of us,” Yeoh told the members of the disabled community who were present.

Jama’eah said the process for the disabled to register with the social welfare department.

“You will be issued a card, which is like a licence, and it is useful when applying for financial assistance, OKU organisation membership, workshops and other benefits.

“For those who are bedridden, the representative can send the application on their behalf.

“A doctor will then verify the category of disability,” she said.

Slamat said that “OKU” should mean “Orang Kuat Usaha” instead of “Orang Kurang Upaya”.

“We will do our best at our level for sustainable planning for every- one,” he said.

“The issues brought up today can be resolved but it will involve various parties, such as the Social Welfare Department, Special Education Department, Works Ministry and other relevant parties,” Liu said.

Source : The Star

Working beyond their limitations

2008-11-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

To prove that disability should not be a hindrance to earning one’s keep, a total of 30 physically-challenged participants showcased their business and artistic acumen at the Photography Exhibition and Disability Employment Aware-ness exhibition at the Sunway Pyramid recently.

Carrying the message, “Productivity Beyond Limitation,” the event was organised by the Beautiful Gate Foundation (BGF) to encourage people with disabilities to promote their products and services.

In her speech, the foundation’s executive director Sia Siew Chin, 42, pointed out that the exhibition was an awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the need for public and private bodies to provide employment for the physically challenged.

It was also to show the obstacles and barriers that are preventing the disabled from being financially and physically independent.

Art without hands: He does her calligraphy by strapping a brush to her right stump.

“When we talk about employment, we are not only talking about jobs, but it is a whole package that involves accessible transportation, housing, employment support system, accessible workplace and other facilities,” she said.

The exhibition, which also acts to symbolise the determination of people with disabilities (PWDs), is one way to acknowledge their capabilities and economic contribution.

The event, said Sia, was a concerted effort to provide a platform for PWDs to create business partnership opportunities in order for them to achieve self reliance and be economically independent.

One of the participants who lauded BGF’s effort was Chinese calligrapher, He Xue Mei.

The 38-year-old who lost both arms at work due to an accident in a fireworks factory at age 18, recalled that the first few months of her recuperation had been full of despair and frustration.

“In the beginning, I had to rely on others to do everything for me, but it did not take me long to realise that I had regained my independence.

“The process of relearning how to function without my hands and picking up a viable skill helped me to snap out of my depressive rut,” said He who hails from Zhuhai, China.

She went on to practice Chinese writing by strapping a brush to her right stump.

Today, the mother of two daughters aged 14 and 9, is a calligraphy teacher when she is not travelling.

“There has to be a sense of purpose in one’s life and this is not possible to have if you cannot sustain yourself financially,” said He.

Unique: Wong Sai Choo’s image of a woman cutting fruits won second place in the adult category of the photography contest.

Dealing with the question of employment has also led wheelchair-bound Raymond Teoh, 26, to the exhibition.

Teoh, whose forte is in web and graphic design, is now the creative director of his own company, At Home Creative, with another fellow PWD, Aw Yot Kong, 35, a graphic designer.

The duo promoted their latest line of merchandise, printed T-shirts carrying an environmental theme, at the exhibition.

“The last thing we want is for people to sympathise with us. Instead, we want them to appreciate us for our creativity,” said Teoh, who operates his business from a rented house in Cheras.

Also displayed at the exhibition were prize-winning photographs of a photography contest on the disabled. For enquiries, call Beautiful Gate Foundation at 03-7873 6579.

Source : The Star

Jobs alone not enough for disabled

2008-11-12T22:00:00.000+08:00

Story and photos by SALINA KHALID

THERE is more to providing job opportunities to the disabled as the special people require a package deal, said Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director pastor Sia Siew Chin.

“When we talk about employment for the disabled, we are not only talking about jobs. We talk about a whole package deal. It involves accessible transportation, housing, employment support system (like job coaching), accessible workplace and other facilities or equipment,” she said.

She added that many disabled people resort to handicraft-making or providing services through the Internet because they cannot get jobs in the open market.

Although some may get jobs, they choose not to work for long and some although given the opportunity, do not wish to apply for government jobs.

At work: Another entry for the contest showing blind masseurs giving foot massages.

She said it was important that such issues were dealt with in order to help the disabled to achieve self reliance and be economically independent.

She was speaking at the launch of the exhibition on products and services by disabled people held at Sunway Pyramid on Sunday.

Themed Productivity Beyond Limitation, the exhibition was launched by Deputy Unity, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Teng Boon Seng.

Organised by Beautiful Gate Foundation, it was aimed at boosting awareness on the need for employment for the disabled and to highlight the obstacles and barriers faced by these people in getting jobs.

It also provides an opportunity for the disabled community to promote their products and services to the public.

The event also included a prize-presentation ceremony for a photography contest on the disabled.

Source : The Star

鼓勵障友自薦工藝品

2008-11-09T22:05:00.000+08:00

鄧文村：拓就業空間

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）團結、藝術、文化及文物部副部長鄧文村建議，國內各殘障中心向國家工藝美術中心（National Art & Craft Centre）毛遂自薦，推廣來自殘障朋友製作的手工藝品，為他們開拓另一個就業空間。

他指出，國家工藝美術中心是推廣本土工藝美術產品的殿堂，如果殘障朋友們親手製作的藝術品，能獲青睞並陳設在中心內，就等於給他們拓展一個工作空間，讓其他人都能肯定殘障者的用心。

將助美門見有關當局

他今日（週日，11月7日）受邀出席美門殘障關懷基金會，在雙威金字塔舉行的《爆發潛能、縱橫職場》殘障就業醒覺活動後在記者會上允諾，他將協助美門會見國家工藝美術中心。

他說，美門殘障中心成立15年來，在社會上扮演了積極的角色，他們在職場上的要求也逐漸引起民眾關注。

“我認為，美門應設立一個永久性的聯絡網，把成員的資料及他們的技能集合成冊，並把資料提供給商會或企業大機構參考，以便他們能從該聯絡網中，找到適合的人選到他們的機構上班。”

此外，鄧文村也建議殘障中心向旅遊部、航空業及機場等，表達他們欲徵求一個小空間展示殘障者的創意成品，藉此開拓更廣大的就職機會。

他說，殘障中心須要更積極地向社會發出訴求及爭取工作機會，以行動告訴社會他們不是累贅，他們也可像健全者一樣，為社會作出貢獻。

另一方面，他也讚揚美門殘障關懷基金會，把攝影比賽納入其醒覺活動的一部份，有助於公眾進一步瞭解殘障人士在職場上的需求。

應爭取更多展示空間

值得一提的是，多名殘障者殘而不廢，他們發揮自己的潛在才華，利用相機捕抓殘障朋友真善美的一刻，所拍出來的相片令人動容，同時讓公眾更關注殘障社群的發展。

出席該醒覺活動的嘉賓尚有美門殘障關懷基金會八打靈中心主席黃位周、總幹事謝秀貞、AmanSuria及SS2的居協及睦鄰計劃中心的代表等。

摘自：光明日报

殘友設聯絡網易找工

2008-11-09T22:00:00.000+08:00

鄧文村：非社會累贅

（雪蘭莪‧首邦市）由《星洲日報》和美門殘障關懷基金會聯合主辦的“爆發潛能、縱橫職場”殘障就業醒覺運動攝影比賽，讓公眾從攝影作品中瞭解殘障人士在社會工作的基本需求。

團結、文化、藝術及文物部副部長鄧文村今日（週日，11月9日）為“爆發潛能、縱橫職場”殘障就業醒覺運動攝影比賽主持頒獎時表示，公眾人士在瞭解殘障人士在職場的需求後，可盡力提供協助，實踐“殘健一家”的理想。

“殘障人士以行動告訴公眾，他們不是社會的累贅，他們也能為社會作出貢獻。”

鄧文村建議美門殘障關懷基金會將殘障人士的手工藝品交給國家手工藝品中心推銷，並積極地推廣他們的手工藝品至機場和旅游業，擴大市場。

他認為，設立永久的聯絡網，集合殘障人士的才華和技能，並呈交資料給企業機構，可開拓殘障人士的就業機會。

謝秀貞：通過攝影賽表達心聲

另外，美門殘障關懷基金會總幹事謝秀貞希望通過攝影比賽向民眾表達，殘障人士需要大環境和交通才能工作的心聲。

她表示，這攝影比賽在評判遴選出6份佳作後，便通過網絡投票的方式讓公眾人士參與投選工作，以便促進公眾的參與。

摘自：星洲日报

鄧文村（左3）試坐輪椅，進一步瞭解殘障人士的艱難生活。

籌款資助殘友活動展開

2008-10-19T22:00:00.000+08:00

化礙為愛卡‧歡迎推售

（雪蘭莪‧八打霛再也）第3屆“化礙為愛卡”資助殘友籌款活動已全馬展開，歡迎公眾到星洲日報各地辦事處購買賀卡，支持殘障團體，所有利潤將悉數歸參與這項活動的團體。

聖誕卡和賀年卡每套分別含有5張賀卡，售價5令吉。星洲日報基金會以非營利方式為殘障人關懷組織提供賀卡，後由殘障團體自行負責銷售，盈利全歸後者所有。

星洲日報基金會只酌收“化礙為愛卡”印刷成本，其他費用如製作費、設計費用和版權等一律免費，所得悉數盡歸殘友組織，並希望通過此卡讓公眾瞭解另一層意義，喚醒社會人士關注殘障朋友的處境，盡力協助他們。

所籌獲的款項將平分給參與活動的團體，即雙福殘障自強發展協會、雙福殘障自強發展協會柔佛分會、八打靈美門殘障職訓中心、甲洞美門康復中心、馬六甲美門殘障關懷中心、愛．關懷之家、生命線社區福利中心。

有意購買或協助上述殘障人關懷組織推售“化礙為愛卡”者，請致電：星洲日報文教部（03-79658593）、巴生（03-33433833）、檳城（04-2226666）、怡保（05-2088888）、馬六甲（06-2845088）、芙蓉（06-7619800）、新山（07-3331904）、峇株巴轄（07-4311475）、麻坡（06-9514888）、文德甲（09-2771518）。

摘自：星洲日报

請購買“化礙為愛卡”送給親友，支持殘障團體。

巧手彌補殘腳遺憾

2008-10-07T22:00:00.001+08:00

李玉蘭學會手藝自立

一走進森州芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心辦公室，就看見四處充滿巧思及創意的手工藝品，包括利用拼布技巧製作的桌布飾品、小包包、地氈、手機袋等，這些都是李玉蘭的作品。

住在該美門殘障關懷中心的李玉蘭（57歲），是一位手工藝品製作者，她就是憑借這一技之長，在崎嶇的人生路上逆流而上，為生活走出一條新出路。

李玉蘭的人生路很不平常，她來自巴生，4歲時發了一場高燒，結果罹患小兒麻痺症，從此行動不便，不久之後，父母就把她送人。

儘管經歷一場永遠的傷痛，今天的李玉蘭卻笑笑說：“我也算是趕上流行了！”言詞中充滿無奈。

行動不便沒上學

自從她的養父母過世後，她就一直與姑姑相依為命。在她的童年和青少年時期，由於行動上的不便，她一直沒有上學，也不曾到外工作，加上外人的特殊眼光，導致她性格內向，身邊朋友也不多。

可是，有一天姑姑去逝了，從來沒學過一技之長的李玉蘭，不知如何面對未來，一時顯得彷徨無助。所幸，在熱心友人的介紹下，李玉蘭首次與八打靈美門殘障中心接觸，為她的生命點燃一盞明燈。

後半世走出人生無助期

提起這段經歷，李玉蘭很有感觸地說，她的前半世都是躲在家里，6年前在美門殘障中心的關懷下，才走出人生的無助期。

她說，她在八打靈美門中心住了2年，後來中心負責人謝秀貞建議她遷往芙蓉，以學習更多有助於自立的手藝，渴望學習的她立即答應，轉眼間，她在芙蓉美門已經住了4年，令她感慨時光的飛逝。

她坦言，芙蓉美門是她的再生之地，也是她的家，在這裡，她學到適合自己的一技之長，透過專長來肯定自己。

手工藝品手工細膩

李玉蘭的手工藝品，以絢麗的色彩與細膩的手工見稱，拼布的縫製方式充滿了“家”的溫暖感覺，也顯露她歡悅的心情。

在做手工藝品之餘，李玉蘭偶爾還與會員出外售賣手工藝品。她靦腆地說，以前她不會算錢，每當出外賣手工藝品，心裡不禁產生懼意。

“可是，日子久後，膽子就越練越大，現在我已不再怕做生意，或者算錯錢了。”

“能夠有今天的生活，我已經很滿足了。”她非常珍惜眼前的平凡生活，如果不是自己的堅持及宗教信仰的帶領，她可能仍是一個漫無目標的人。

李玉蘭的人生經歷，塑造了她豁達的性格，同時也增添幾分自信，人生波折不但沒有使她頹廢，反而把她練就成了身殘志堅的人，用雙手雕刻著自己的美麗人生。

改造縫衣機配合殘障者

李玉蘭的工作設備是一台縫衣機，外觀看似與普通的縫衣機相差無異，原來機內卻“另有乾坤”，為了方便行動不便者工作，美門中心為殘障人改造機器和操作，配合不同殘障程度者的體能需求。

“如果用普通的縫衣機，腳不聽話，機器就是不跑，因此，我們就在機器增加電力推動器，只要輕踏縫衣機的腳踏板，縫衣機就可操作。”

要完成一件作品，必須花費不少時間，而且也很費神，每當手工做久後，整個人就會感到很疲憊，因此，她一有空閒就會爭取時間縫製手工藝品。

她笑言，雖然她賺的錢不多，也很辛苦，但是，她對本身能夠自立謀生感到非常開心，“我們賣這些手工藝品不是旨在賺錢，而是要給人希望，這樣生命價值才能被肯定。”

摘自：星洲日报

李玉蘭用布料“拼湊”縫制而成的被單，也獲得森州馬華副主席拿督尤綽韜的贊賞。

普通的布料，經過李玉蘭的精細縫制，變成一件件實用的日用品。

經過多年的訓練，李玉蘭已經駕輕就熟地縫制出大家眼前一亮的手工藝品。

李玉蘭雖然無法行動自如，但是，知足常樂的她一想到自己也能夠自力更生時，不禁感到開心。

Multi-racial show from special people

2008-09-22T22:00:00.000+08:00

By STEPHEN THEN

Pretty princess: A dancer from Kuala Lumpur showing off some cool moves.

MIRI: A group of wheel-chair bound dancers and disabled musicians from various parts of the country put up an impressive show recently depicting the true spirit of unity.

The children and adults from the Selangor’s Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled and other charity groups in Miri mesmerised the crowd with their ability in performing multi-racial dances and playing musical instruments.

The concert at the Miri Indoor Stadium attracted a sizeable crowd despite the heavy rain.

The performers from all walks of life performed in harmony dressed in colourful Melayu kebayas, Chinese cheongsams and Indian saris and backed by equally talented dancers.

Each performance was greeted by a thunderous applause.

The crowd were not only amazed with the way they danced and played the musical instruments but also how easily they sang and swayed to the different tunes of the various races in the country.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam was the guest-of-honour. Chan told the crowd that the special dancers and musicians were a good example of unity and harmony.

“People in society have a lot to learn from these special people. They seemed to be leading the way in terms of being enterprising and innovative, showing courage, determination and discipline and displaying cultural unity and living in harmony.

“On the other hand the so-called able bodied people are engaged in conflicts, complaints having all kinds of disputes.

“These special folk just get on with lives and and try to live life to the fullest of their abilities everyday,” said Chan.

Good show: The performers in multi-racial attire wowing the crowd.

The Sarawak government, he said, wanted to see more of such public concerts organised for the special folk so that their talents and abilities would get greater publicity on a regular basis.

The concert was organised by the Sarawak United People’s Party, the Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti, Parents’ Association For Special People, Jaycees, Lion Clubs, Miri Red Cresent and other NGOs.

Source : The Star

Multi-racial show from special people

2008-09-22T00:35:00.000+08:00

Multi-racial show from special people

Monday September 22, 2008

By STEPHEN THEN

Pretty princess: A dancer from Kuala Lumpur showing off some cool moves.

MIRI: A group of wheel-chair bound dancers and disabled musicians from various parts of the country put up an impressive show recently depicting the true spirit of unity.

The children and adults from the Selangor’s Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled and other charity groups in Miri mesmerised the crowd with their ability in performing multi-racial dances and playing musical instruments.

The concert at the Miri Indoor Stadium attracted a sizeable crowd despite the heavy rain.

The performers from all walks of life performed in harmony dressed in colourful Melayu kebayas, Chinese cheongsams and Indian saris and backed by equally talented dancers.

Each performance was greeted by a thunderous applause.

The crowd were not only amazed with the way they danced and played the musical instruments but also how easily they sang and swayed to the different tunes of the various races in the country.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam was the guest-of-honour. Chan told the crowd that the special dancers and musicians were a good example of unity and harmony.

“People in society have a lot to learn from these special people. They seemed to be leading the way in terms of being enterprising and innovative, showing courage, determination and discipline and displaying cultural unity and living in harmony.

“On the other hand the so-called able bodied people are engaged in conflicts, complaints having all kinds of disputes.

“These special folk just get on with lives and and try to live life to the fullest of their abilities everyday,” said Chan.

Good show: The performers in multi-racial attire wowing the crowd.

The Sarawak government, he said, wanted to see more of such public concerts organised for the special folk so that their talents and abilities would get greater publicity on a regular basis.

The concert was organised by the Sarawak United People’s Party, the Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti, Parents’ Association For Special People, Jaycees, Lion Clubs, Miri Red Cresent and other NGOs.

“化礙為愛卡”籌款活動推介

2008-09-19T22:00:00.000+08:00

蕭依釗：所得悉數歸組織‧“化礙為愛卡”助殘友

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）“星洲日報基金會只酌收“化礙為愛卡”印刷成本，其他費用如製作費、設計費用和版權等一律免費，所得悉數盡歸殘友組織，並希望通過此卡讓公眾瞭解另一層意義，喚醒社會人士關注殘障朋友的處境，盡力協助他們。”

星洲媒體集團總編輯蕭依釗，週四（18日）上午在八打靈再也本報總社，舉行的第3屆“化礙為愛卡”籌款活動推介儀式中，如此表示。

她說，國內殘障人關懷組織過去為殘障人士的付出受到肯定，星洲日報作為一家關心社會的報紙，深知殘障人關懷組織在籌募經費方面面對很多困難，因此推出“化礙為愛卡”，期望協助殘障人士籌款。

今年，除了賀年卡外，星洲日報基金會也推出聖誕卡。

她呼籲社會人士踴躍購買賀卡，雖然設計簡單，但卻包含了對朋友的祝福和愛心，和市場上的賀卡不同。

“我國經濟面對全球經濟衰退的衝擊，加上政治局勢的不穩定，還有今年初賑濟四川及緬甸災民的籌款活動，很多人可能因對前途憂慮而對捐獻有所猶豫，但我希望社會人士可以繼續支持殘障朋友。如果連四肢健全的我們都覺得經濟上面對困難，殘障人士就更困難了。”

她希望“化礙為愛卡”的美好願望，可以達致美好的結果。

出席者包括星洲媒體集團總編輯蕭依釗、星洲日報副文教主任葉偉章、雙福殘障自強發展協會公關幹事廖春蓮、義工郭運銀、美門殘障關懷基金執行員劉美莉、愛．關懷之家總幹事林國強、義工王家良、生命線社區福利中心執行長吳銘傑、生命線社區福利中心主任甘佩清。

目前參與此活動的團體包括雙福殘障自強發展協會（電話：03-79831842）、雙福殘障自強發展協會柔佛分會（電話：07-5593692）、八打靈美門殘障職訓中心（電話：03-78736579）、甲洞美門康復中心（電話：03-62763690）、馬六甲美門殘障關懷中心（電話：012-6411319）、愛．關懷之家（電話：013-3409622）、生命線社區福利中心（電話：012-7882281）。

聖誕及賀年卡
每套5張售5令吉

聖誕卡和賀年卡每套分別含有5張賀卡，售價5令吉。星洲日報基金會以非營利方式為殘障人關懷組織提供賀卡，後由殘障團體自行負責銷售，盈利全歸後者所有。

另外，《星洲日報》也會組在特定場合出售卡片，利潤將悉數歸參與這項活動的團體，予以平分。

有意購買或協助上述殘障人關懷組織推售“化礙為愛卡”者，請致電上述團體詢問，或與星洲日報文教部聯絡，電話：03-79658593。

摘自：星洲日报

星洲日報呼吁民眾向殘障團體購買聖誕卡和賀年卡，用行動來幫助殘友。前排左起林國強、廖春蓮、郭運銀、劉美莉，後排左起王家良、吳銘傑、甘佩清、蕭依釗。

Bus drivers ignoring the disabled

2008-09-15T22:00:00.000+08:00

By YIP YOKE TENG

SOME Malaysians seem to have forgotten the term “caring society”, which was enthusiastically promoted by the Government a few years ago.

It is said that bus drivers are among those who have turned a blind eye towards the needy, just to avoid the hassle.

A disabled person who only wants to be known as Rebecca has much to share about this.

The 54-year-old, who is semi-paralysed and needs assistance to board the public bus, said she had been ignored by bus drivers many times.

The senior citizen, who is single and lives alone, strives to be independent but the public transportation has posed a difficult challenge.

“The RapidKL bus drivers refuse to take me, they just drive past as though they did not see me. This morning alone, three drivers ignored me,” said the woman from Sanpeng Flats, who visited The Star’s Kuala Lumpur office to highlight her plight.

“I have complained to the officers at the bus stations and they just nod but I there is no change in the situation,’’ she said.

Beautiful Gate director Pastor Sia Siew Chin said they used to receive similar complaints from the disabled community but such cases had decreased over the past few years.

However, she said that disabled persons had difficulty using public transport even though RapidKL had allocated 100 disabled-friendly buses.

“The buses wheelchair ramp is too short and steep for us to board the bus. The only way around it is if the ramp is placed on a raised platform, but our bus stops do not facilitate that,” she added.

She said the disabled community had brought the matter up on numerous occasions but could only see the bus operator and local council passing the problem among themselves.

RapidKL chief executive officer Suffian Baharuddin said the company had engaged NGOs and disabled groups in an effort to come out with ways to serve the community better.

He added that the company and the groups recognised the lack of barrier-free amenities and had urged the local authorities to take the necessary measures.

As for disabled-persons ignored by bus drivers, he said the company took the matter seriously but needed the necessary information, including plate number, time and location from the passengers to identify the irresponsible drivers.

Source : The Star

風雨不改開檔做生意

2008-09-10T22:00:00.002+08:00

殘障夫婦熬出春天

芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心資源回收活動詳情：
可回收資源：汽水鋁罐、舊報紙、雜志、書本、塑膠容器（油桶、沐浴露罐和洗頭水罐等）、鐵罐、紙皮、鋁罐（汽水罐）、舊電器及舊電腦。
無法回收資源：衣服、玻璃、木制品、日常垃圾。
聯絡方式：該中心633 3037或彭國平013-399 3367
地址：21，Taman Mambau Baru，70300 Seremban。

（森美蘭‧芙蓉）家裡有舊物要丟棄？先別亂丟，您可通過這些“垃圾”來行善，只需撥一通電話，芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心就會免費上門替你處理可作回收的舊物，既能協助殘障人士，又能清理一些舊物，何樂不為？

為了協助殘障成員多一個就業機會，以及開拓中心營運開銷，芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心已從今年1月開始展開資源回收活動，該中心將通過回收再循環物件，來達到自助助人目標。

目前，負責資源回收工作的是該中心一名半身癱瘓的成員彭國平（34歲），他也藉其殘友身分以身作則，為環保盡一份責任。

黃秀萍：提供殘障成員就業機會

芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心負責人黃秀萍告訴《花城》，該中心進行資源回收主要目的，是提供殘障成員一個就業機會，讓他們依靠自己的勞力，來賺取生活費。

她披露，殘障朋友尋找工作并不容易，老板們總是擔心殘障者無法勝任工作，而婉拒聘請他們，造成他們失去工作機會。

殘友彭國平獲40%津貼

她補充，由於上述問題依然存在，該中心於是從今年1月便開始落實資源回收工作，讓彭國平負責這項任務，後者也以此自食其力。

她說，該中心每月在資源回收上所賺取的補貼，都會把其中40%當作津貼發給彭國平，以示鼓勵，其餘60%都納入該中心基金內。

她表示，該中心之前都有在進行資源回收工作，可是并不是全面的進行此活動，只是偶爾透過教會及朋友收取舊物，從中賺取盈利。

“如今，由於看到殘障朋友的需要，我們才開始公開進行此活動，畢竟他們不能長期依賴社會人士和教會的資助，來維持生活。”

黃秀萍表示，若回收地點靠近該中心，彭國平就會親自駕著電單車前來收取；若是在萬茂新村以外，而且貨量太大，該中心就會派出義工駕著貨車，陪同彭國平進行工作。

先從萬茂及芙蓉新城附近做起

至于偏遠地區，在缺乏人力與交通資源下，她希望有意協助的公眾，能先把舊物賣出，再把獲得的費用轉交給他們，“我們先從附近花園做起，就像萬茂及芙蓉新城等地，以待一切穩定下來才擴大回收範圍。”

該中心目前僅依靠教會或朋友通知才爭取到一些客源，但為了擴大回收範圍，他們已開始沿戶派發傳單，“不過，目前我們得到的反應并不理想，看來還得加把勁。”

21歲遇車禍半身癱瘓
彭國平只想自食其力

彭國平披露，他是於21歲那年遇上車禍而成導致半身癱瘓，手腳及右眼都受到影響，以致很少老板肯雇用他。

他說，他是於3個月前加入美門殘障中心，不久前曾有一間公司表示愿意聘請他，但看見他手腳不太靈活，最終改變主意。

他表示，他不是要為老板添麻煩，只是想依靠自己能力賺錢，如今有了這份資源回收工作，讓他覺得人生踏實，日子過得很有意義。

摘自：星洲日报

芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心已開始進行資源回收活動，但反應不見踴躍，希望能獲得公眾的響應和協助。

彭國平雖然半身癱瘓，但仍堅持以回收資源來自食其力。

為了提供殘障者就業機會，芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心全面展開資源會所活動，左起是黃秀萍，右是彭國平。

Poor response from disabled

2008-08-15T22:00:00.000+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: There are 10,000 government jobs reserved for the disabled but only 50 of them have applied.

“The Government needs to find out why the disabled are reluctant to take up the jobs,” said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Several NGOs responded immediately, citing a lack of an integrated transportation system, a failure in communication, and the language barrier.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Mobility Association president Anthony Arokia said transport posed a major problem for the disabled.

“The transport system is a stumbling block. The moment we step out of our houses; we cannot get to the work places,” said Anthony, who is wheelchair-bound.

Taiping Community Services Association vice chairman Chow Chee Keong said it was unfortunate that some information about the job opportunities did not reach those staying outside the Klang Valley, such as in Taiping, Ipoh and Penang.

“I had, on several occasions, enquired about job opportunities from the Welfare Department office in Taiping, but the officers said they did not know much,” he said.

Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin said many disabled persons were lowly educated and did not speak fluent Bahasa Malaysia.

Dr Ng called on the disabled community to respond to the job applications first. She said the Government would try its best to overcome the obstacles mentioned.

“They should not think negatively but instead apply for the jobs and let us know what obstacles they face in taking up the jobs,” she said.

“If more (disabled) people come forward to apply for jobs, we (the Government) might consider arranging transport for them, including getting buses to go around Putrajaya.”

On Chow’s complaint about the lack of information reaching the ground, she said it was something to be rectified.

However, she disagreed that lack of awareness of job opportunities was behind the very few number of applications from the disabled group.

“I have mentioned about the vacancies available many times in the newspapers. You (disabled people) cannot expect us to knock on your door and inform you of the opportunities,” she said.

On those who cannot converse well in Bahasa Malaysia, Dr Ng said she would look into the problem.

Source : The Star

Newsmakers: Moving on to inspire others

2008-07-27T22:00:00.000+08:00

Sia Ling Ling performing a wheelchair dance at the AYA Dream Malaysia Awards last year.

SHE was born with muscular dystrophy, a condition that weakens muscles making one unable to walk normally. And her condition will eventually lead to permanent paralysis.

Until then, Sia Ling Ling, winner of the Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award in 2006, plans to give her all in order to inspire all Malaysians that no feat is impossible.

"Winning the AYA award was was such an encouragement. It was like a sign from God to keep going on. I am now convinced that there is much more in store for me. More people to encourage and changes to bring about.

"I used to lack perspective and self-value. I merely did my best in bringing happiness and not inconveniencing those around me.

"Winning the AYA award led me to realise how important it is to love and help others in society."

After suffering much discrimination in her hometown, the 28-year-old moved to Kuala Lumpur at age 14 to make a living, selling handicrafts. She is currently working at the Beautiful Gate Foundation, helping other disabled people to gain confidence through skills development and employment.

At the Dream Malaysia Awards last year, Sia, who was part of the Beautiful Gate Creative Arts Troupe, performed two wheelchair dances that clearly had the audience moved.

After winning the award, Sia was able to further her studies in mass communication, thanks to a scholarship from one of the awards co-sponsors, Life College.

Sia recently became a part-time announcer with Ai-FM, a new radio station in town. She is also busy coordinating the 15th anniversary celebration of Beautiful Gate, and is planning a performance under her arts troupe.

"A lot of things are happening in my life now and I owe it all to the award. Receiving the award, I now know that that God will continue to use my life to inspire others."

Source: NST Online

Helping diabetics lead a normal life

2008-07-18T22:10:00.000+08:00

MOST of us take for granted as part of daily life, things like travelling and being gainfully employed. Sadly, many people with diabetes cannot do all that they would like to, or even just lead a normal life like the rest of us.

With this mind, Bayer Healthcare Diabetes Care and Pharmaforte Malaysia have co-organised a community drive with the Malaysian Diabetes Association (PDM) and the Beautiful Gate Foundation for The Disabled to help the poor and the disabled with diabetes to monitor and manage their healthcare efforts.

The association and Beautiful Gate recently received the newly-launched No-Coding blood gluco-meters, Contour TS and Breeze 2, for distribution to their members to enable them to undertake con-stant and precise diabetes man-agement, making it easier for them to lead a normal life.

For those living with diabetes: Beautiful Gate Foundation for The Disabled executive director Sia Siew Chin (in wheelchair) receiving the Breeze 2 from Pharmaforte managing director Yeo Ann Chin.

“We believe the national fight against diabetes should be a responsibility shared between NGOs and corporations like Bayer HealthCare Diabetes Care and Pharmaforte,” said the association assistant general secretary K.S. Maniam.

“Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires life-long self-monitoring and we hope to help them undertake constant self-monitoring so they can better manage their condition and enjoy a better quality of life,” said Bayer Healthcare Diabetes Care country head (SEA) Edward Wong.

In conjunction with this event, a paper entitled Glucose Control and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Disease was presented by renowned cardiologist and the Heart Foundation of Malaysia director Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin.

The association is located at No. 2, Lorong 11/4E, 46200 Petaling Jaya (tel: 03-7957 4062).

Beautiful Gate is located at No. 92 Jalan SS2/24, 47300PJ (tel: 03-7873 6579).

Source : The Star

助殘障者融入社會

2008-07-18T22:05:00.001+08:00

鄧文村吁公眾伸援手

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）團結、文化、藝術及文物部副部長鄧文村表示，社會人士應給予殘障者精神及物資援助，以便他們有機會融入社會。

他表示，許多殘障者都擁有一定才華，只是沒有機會發揮。

他呼吁所有非政府組織及私人界，在推動所有社會活動時，提供殘障者工作或表演的機會。

“政府要打造一個愛心社會，這點也需要私人界的配合，例如多聘請殘障者。”

他是為美門殘障關懷基金會“爆發潛能，縱橫職場”攝影公開賽主持推介禮後，對記者如此表示。

保持正確生活態度

另一方面，鄧文村也鼓勵殘障者應持有正確的生活態度。

“最重要是心靈要健全，生活的力量來自於內心，只要心不受到限制，生活就可以過得充實和多姿多彩。”

美門8月辦攝影賽

此外，鄧文村勸勉殘障者應學習自立自足，在生活問題獲解決後，就可以從事其他藝術活動，從而發揮本身才華。

美門殘障關懷基金會將在8月1日起至10月1日舉辦攝影公開賽，希望透過攝影藝術進一步展現殘障者的就業能力。

出席推介禮者包括百樂鎮州議員謝永賢、前百樂鎮州議員拿督林春景、八打靈美門中心管理委員會主席黃位周、美門殘障基金會總幹事謝秀貞、大馬影藝協會主席胡航生、《星洲日報》文教部副主任陳慧嬌及活動贊助商代表等。

星洲日報‧2008.07.18

摘自：星洲日报

展示殘障人士就業能力

2008-07-18T22:00:00.000+08:00

星洲美門聯辦攝影賽

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）星洲日報及美門殘障關懷基金會聯辦的“爆發潛能，縱橫職場”攝影比賽與系列活動，正式推介。

“爆發潛能，縱橫職場”攝影比賽與系列活動是由團結、文化、藝術及文物部副部長鄧文村主持推介禮。此活動的宗旨是透過攝影藝術展示殘障人士的就業能力，並呼吁公共與私人領域提供無障礙設施以方便殘障人士融入職場。

星洲日報副文教主任陳慧嬌在致詞中表示，通過動態的攝影及靜態的展覽，能讓社會大眾更瞭解殘障人士在生活及工作上的困難，同時也讓相關政府部門從中發掘不足之處，並加以改進。

她說，星洲日報作為美門殘障基金會活動的長期合作單位，曾經攜手聯辦幾屆的“陽光天使志工培訓營”活動及“化礙為愛”賀卡的義賣活動。

殘障人照片為主題

“爆發潛能，縱橫職場”的攝影比賽將以殘障人士為照片的主題，目的在於提昇社會人士對殘障人士就業需要與設施的醒覺。比賽共分成三個組別，包括學生組，公開組及殘障人士組，每組各設有冠亞季軍及三分安慰獎，所有獎品皆由大馬Nikon有限公司贊助。

這項攝影比賽從8月1日起開始收件，至10月1日截止。該項比賽公開給所有大馬居民參加，報名費為10令吉。每位參賽者不得超過5張作品，並將作品副本、軟件副本及正式參賽表格一同遞交美門殘障關懷基金會。參賽作品需為不經電腦修改的原創作品。

其餘系列活動包括：8月16日舉行的殘障與攝影工作坊，與即將於11月7日至9日在雙威金字塔購物中心舉行的攝影展及殘障人士手藝與服務展銷會，並與當天同步揭曉攝影比賽成績。

欲知更多比賽詳情，請撥電謝靈霖03-78758609。

星洲日報‧2008.07.18

摘自：星洲日报

鄧文村（中）為“爆發潛能，縱橫職場”攝影公開賽主持推介禮﹔左2及左3：胡航生及謝秀貞﹔左5：陳慧嬌；右6：謝永賢；右排前2及前3：林春景及黃位周。

22歲車禍下半生靠輪椅

2008-07-15T22:00:00.003+08:00

殘障女挑戰潛水耍劍

姓名：林惠玲
年齡：29歲
家鄉：柔佛州亞依淡
家境：家中長女，尚有3名妹妹
工作：在一間健康護理中心擔任詢問櫃台人員
經歷：22歲發生車禍後半身不遂，之後的一年生命陷入低潮，性格不再開朗；心情逐漸平復后，她學習適應和改變自己去應付接下來的生活挑戰，生活得很充實。

當年的一場車禍，完全改變了她的命運，下半生要與輪椅為伍是一回事，更大的改變是她的生命開始邁向另一段更精彩的旅程；選美、潛水和玩西洋劍等活動都難不倒她。

勇於接受挑戰

這期生命點滴故事主人翁林惠玲，原本是好動好玩的人，因車禍導致脊椎神經嚴重受傷而半身不遂，她用一年時間從人生底谷走出來，並徹底改變，生活變得更積極及多姿多采。

勇於接受挑戰

現在的惠玲笑靨常掛臉上，下半身不能動彈，對她來說不是世界末日，在過去幾年，她有很多意想不到的收獲。不認識她的人，相信很難想像她參加過輪椅選美賽，而且還有勇氣挑戰水底活動，學習潛水。

她還代表我國殘障人士，報名參加遠東及南太平洋殘障運動會的西洋劍比賽。此外，她還可以玩“飛狐（FLYING FOX）”活動呢！

未來，她有滿腹的計劃、挑戰和憧憬，包括唸大學課程和自己創業。

過去的不愉快，惠玲已不介懷，在談起車禍和受傷經過，她已沒有太大反應，就像在述說一個他人的故事，語氣平靜。

車禍後治療日子最痛苦

追溯過去，她是與朋友共車去參加派對，沒想到回程中發生意外，車內4人中她的傷勢最嚴重。

她只記得自己已經陷入半昏迷狀態，一直叫喊背部很痛。因為她的傷勢太重，在送往馬六甲班底醫院后，又轉送到吉隆坡馬大醫藥中心治療。

除了脊椎神經線斷了，她的左手臂也骨折，只有右手能動。她住在醫院治療2個月，這是她最痛苦的日子。

惠玲說，車禍后第一個月，家人和醫生都不敢告訴她病情的嚴重性，她自己也不知道已經殘廢，直到一個月后她才知道晴天霹靂的實情，她哭腫了雙眼，朋友一概不見。

咬緊牙關做物理治療

那段期間，她不僅要接受自己残障，也要作物理治療，讓左手早日復原，以便可以自己推輪椅，支撐上下行動。

“每一次做物理治療，我都會哭；從開始要上醫院8樓做物理治療到做完后下樓回病房，我都在哭，因為真的很辛苦。”

那時她每天要練習拿5公斤重的啞鈴，練習最基本的動作和技巧，現在惠玲的左手能回復車禍前的靈活程度，都靠當時她咬緊牙關，含淚下進行一次又一次的練習。

惠玲說，她曾想過放棄，可是善心的護士長一直勸她不要放棄，回想起來，當時如果沒有護士長和家人支持，可能她今日的左手就沒有樣靈活，接下來很多際遇也會有所不同。

惠玲：“自己學習再“站”起來”

有人說，時間是治療心靈傷口的最好靈藥，時間會沖淡一切不愉快的傷痛，惠玲是後來自己開竅，自己學習再“站”起來。

心情平復後，她開始想到未來的人生要怎樣過，她想：開心與不開心都要繼續過日子，何不選擇開心的過？接著，她又想到那時自己才23歲，未來人生路還長遠，父母終有一天會年老，不能繼續照顧自己，她要為自己的未來設想。

那段期間她常去醫院做物理治療，也認識其他殘障朋友，一年后她決定打開封閉的心。

學習如何與人相處

她住在美門殘障關懷中心，開始學習如何與人相處，如何照顧自己。

“開始時不習慣，畢竟以前自己行動自如，生活圈子不一定，如今整個人的生活圈子徹底改變，接觸的環境和人物都不一樣。”

半年后，她開始學會工作，教導智商僅有8歲左右的少女，後來又再申請做電話市場調查員。這份工作維持3年左右，在一次機會下認識到現有工作的這間公司，並在東主推薦下換工。

感謝家人朋友支持

惠玲說，如果不是身邊有家人和朋友的支持與鼓勵，她相信自己的生命不會再“站”起來。

現在的她能自己駕車上班和下班，也是靠自己的努力和親友的協助，還有老板的信任。

在點算過去29年生命裡的種種，惠玲究竟是失去比較多，還是收獲比較多，相信惠玲的答案，應該是後者。

參加選美西洋劍賽
充實自己學更多東西

要形容惠玲過去4年的生活，相信可以用6個字，即積極、精彩、幸福來形容。

她積極是因為她沒有一直在充實自己，通過換工作來使自己能學習更多東西。

在2004年，她帶著羞澀的心情和親友滿滿的祝福，作了一次她22歲之前從不敢做的事，就是報名參加馬來西亞華人殘障協會舉辦的第一屆輪椅選美賽。

參加選美賽贏得愛情

那場比賽，她不僅從全馬18名參賽者當中脫穎而出，贏得第一副姐，也贏得一段幸福的愛情；賽後不久，她和賽會中的業餘攝影師相戀。

於2006年11月份，她參加在我國舉行的第九屆遠東及南太平洋殘障運動會（FESPIC Games）的西洋劍比賽。

挑戰自己學潛水

同年10月份，她還挑戰自己去學潛水，在她想像中，要學潛水對她來說遙不可及，但她做到了，她能享受在西巴丹島潛水的樂趣。

她還能在一次培訓營中，參與“飛狐”遊戲；從一個山頭吊鋼絲到另一邊的山頭。

這一切經歷，惠玲心裡甜絲絲，因為她有一名愛她的男友，在她背後默默為她作好所有准備工作和用具，並給以最大的精神鼓勵與行動上的支持。

星洲日報／大都會‧2008.07.15

摘自：星洲日报

這是惠玲參加第九屆遠東及南太平洋殘障運動會的紀念品和戰利品，除了這些，還有一樣最珍貴的，那就是留在她記憶裡最美好的回憶。

對殘障人士來說，要潛水並非易事，可是惠玲（左）在男友的協助下做到了；她能潛下海底22呎，欣賞水底裡美麗的世界。

惠玲在輪椅選美賽中獲得第一副姐榮銜，她個人很滿意這張照片。照片中的惠玲看來是不是充滿自信？從笑靨中，可以看出她已走出車禍造成的心靈傷痛。

惠玲目前在一間健康護理中心擔任詢問櫃台服務人員。

惠玲（坐輪椅）雖然下半身不能動彈，可是她仍勇於進行各項挑戰和嘗試；有一次她在一個生活營里看到有“飛狐（FLYING FOX）活動，她也想一嚐在高中飛躍的滋味。

體能輸人知識不能再輸

2008-07-09T22:00:00.002+08:00

殘障女生開公司自立

她從小就很用心唸書，因為她知道殘障人士在體力和活動方面都輸給健全者，只有在知識上能夠胜出，因此她在學習上無論遇到甚麼困難，都會咬緊牙關去克服。

她是23歲的尤琳荔。從訪談中可以感覺到外表看似性格文靜柔和，其實外弱內剛，尤其她在中學時，遇到種種的困難，都一一克服。

她在中四那年，一次背部很痛，求診時醫生指她脊椎側彎，壓住了心臟和肺，醫生要她多抽時間躺下，不要長時間坐輪椅，否則有生命危險。

可是為了準備明年大馬教育文憑考試，她不想影響學業，所以即使身體再痛，她仍堅持一如以往般繼續溫習功課，可能是皇天不負苦心人吧！最後她還是熬去了，順利完成中學課程，至今身體也無恙。

向同學借筆記

雖然在生病那段日子，她暫時沒有辦法去上課，可是她沒有放棄，仍向同學借筆記來慢慢抄，自己練習。

熬過了身體痛苦，中五那年，她又遇上問題，即所住的伊甸殘障中心出現一些變動，沒有交通工具送她去上學。

重大困難多發生在中學

她探听很多德士公司，可是每天來回的費用都很高，慶幸遇到貴人，身邊朋友答應協助，才暫時解決燃眉之急。

尤琳荔遇到的許多重大困難和美麗的回憶都在中學時期發生，那段時間也是磨練她成長的重要人生部份。

在旁陪伴成長
媽媽是重要“推手”

尤琳荔有一名很偉大的媽媽，媽媽在她背後默默付出，是她成長的重要“推手”；推動她四處去學習，無論是她從家鄉到檳城唸中學或現今在吉隆坡工作，媽媽都隨行照顧。

媽媽為女兒考駕照

早在琳荔還在家鄉唸小學時，媽媽就已為她設想到未來唸中學時可能遇上的交通問題，於是在琳荔唸6年級時，媽媽毅然決定去考汽車駕照，以便將來可以駕車載琳荔去上學。

后來，雖然琳荔去了檳城唸中學，住在伊甸殘障中心，中心有車子載送，尤媽媽的駕駛技術沒派上用場。

直至中心沒有辦法再載送她去上學，尤媽媽才再去複習隔了好多年沒有駕駛的技術，以便自己駕車載送。

尤媽媽是40歲左右考車，接近50歲再去複習駕駛。琳荔在學習路上沒有放棄，她媽媽怎能放棄，即使是年齡已屆中年，學習能力比較弱。

對媽媽感到愧疚

因為有一名偉大的媽媽在旁陪她一路成長，琳荔除了感動，她還有一份愧疚。

“我還有一名哥哥和一名姐姐，為了照顧我，媽媽把所有時間都放在我身上，甚至在我中學時，陪伴我到檳城求學，與在吉打家鄉的爸爸和哥哥姐姐兩地相隔，沒法照顧他們。”

“爸爸是我中五那年考試時期突然病逝，當天剛好是母親節。”

爸爸逝世當晚琳荔沒有在，無法看到父親最后一面，也基於母親要長期照顧她，與父親兩地相隔，聚少離多，爸爸逝世令琳荔感覺到對母親有一份愧疚感。

常用言語打擊信心
遺憾中學校長不友善

琳荔很感謝小學校長對她的關懷和照顧，至於對中學校長對殘障人士的不友善態度則感得遺憾。

“中學校長看不起殘障人士，他常用言語打擊我們的信心，印象最深的是當時校內還有另2名殘障人士，校長的態度令我們很難受。”

她感謝小學校長給她機會上課，當時只要遇到問題，校長都會協助她，包括安排到在底層課室上課，課室又靠近洗手間，並經常借書給她閱讀。

琳荔在中學畢業後，就到吉隆坡綠野殘障自強職訓學院唸資訊課程，畢業後直接留在學院工作，較後出外到一間稽查公司上班，去年12月份，在雙福支持下，與幾名殘障朋友開設現有的網頁設計公司。

盼往廣播方面發展

在今年4月份，她還被挑選在AI FM和美門聯合打造的一個中午時段節目擔任廣播員。

此節目主要是探討殘障人士的課題，喚醒社會人士對殘障人士的關注和了解。當時除了她之外，還有3名殘障人士也受邀擔任廣播員，每人負責一個月，整個節目單元共有4個月。

尤琳荔希望未來可以有機會往廣播方面發展，她曾和幾名殘障朋友報讀聲學閣唸廣播。

選擇再做殘障人

如果上天給你一個一切重來的機會，讓你選擇是否要做一名殘障人士，你的答案是甚麼？

一般人應該都會選擇做健全的人，但是尤琳荔卻選擇再做殘障人士，因為殘障的身軀讓她得到更多的祝福和啟示。

她唯一的要求是，希望殘障的程度能輕一點。

知識才能改變命運

尤琳荔覺得殘障人士更應該擁有受教育的權力，只有知識才能改變殘障人士的命運。

所以，自小她就很喜歡唸書，一直以來她的成績都很好，只是礙於經濟能力問題，所以她沒有辦法唸大學。

儘管如此，中學畢業後，她有報讀商業管理課程，過後又到吉隆坡唸電腦課程。過去至今，相信未來也是，她從沒有放棄學習和充實自己的機會，這是她積極的人生態度。

星洲日報／大都會‧2008.07.09

摘自：星洲日报

尤琳荔。

去年杪，在雙福資助下，尤琳荔與幾名殘障朋友開設一間網頁設計公司，他們租下一個公寓單位做辦公室。這種作業方式讓他們可以較輕松，累了就休息，不會太操勞。

協助殘障成員賺取生活費

2008-07-08T22:00:00.000+08:00

美門上門回收舊物

芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心資源回收活動詳情：

可回收資源：汽水鋁罐、舊報紙、雜志、書本、塑膠容器（油桶、沐浴露罐和洗頭水罐等）、鐵罐、紙皮、鋁罐（汽水罐）、舊電器及舊電腦。
無法回收資源：衣服、玻璃、木制品、日常垃圾。
聯絡方式：該中心633 3037或彭國平013-399 3367
地址：21，Taman Mambau Baru，70300 Seremban。

（森美蘭‧芙蓉）家裡有舊物要丟棄？先別亂丟，您可通過這些“垃圾”來行善，只需撥一通電話，芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心就會免費上門替你處理可作回收的舊物，既能協助殘障人士，又能清理一些舊物，何樂不為？

為了協助殘障成員多一個就業機會，以及開拓中心營運開銷，芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心已從今年1月開始展開資源回收活動，該中心將通過回收再循環物件，來達到自助助人目標。

目前，負責資源回收工作的是該中心一名半身癱瘓的成員彭國平（34歲），他也藉其殘友身分以身作則，為環保盡一份責任。

黃秀萍：提供殘障成員就業機會

芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心負責人黃秀萍告訴《花城》，該中心進行資源回收主要目的，是提供殘障成員一個就業機會，讓他們依靠自己的勞力，來賺取生活費。

她披露，殘障朋友尋找工作并不容易，老板們總是擔心殘障者無法勝任工作，而婉拒聘請他們，造成他們失去工作機會。

殘友彭國平獲40%津貼

她補充，由於上述問題依然存在，該中心於是從今年1月便開始落實資源回收工作，讓彭國平負責這項任務，後者也以此自食其力。

她說，該中心每月在資源回收上所賺取的補貼，都會把其中40%當作津貼發給彭國平，以示鼓勵，其餘60%都納入該中心基金內。

她表示，該中心之前都有在進行資源回收工作，可是并不是全面的進行此活動，只是偶爾透過教會及朋友收取舊物，從中賺取盈利。

“如今，由於看到殘障朋友的需要，我們才開始公開進行此活動，畢竟他們不能長期依賴社會人士和教會的資助，來維持生活。”

黃秀萍表示，若回收地點靠近該中心，彭國平就會親自駕著電單車前來收取；若是在萬茂新村以外，而且貨量太大，該中心就會派出義工駕著貨車，陪同彭國平進行工作。

先從萬茂及芙蓉新城附近做起

至于偏遠地區，在缺乏人力與交通資源下，她希望有意協助的公眾，能先把舊物賣出，再把獲得的費用轉交給他們，“我們先從附近花園做起，就像萬茂及芙蓉新城等地，以待一切穩定下來才擴大回收範圍。”

該中心目前僅依靠教會或朋友通知才爭取到一些客源，但為了擴大回收範圍，他們已開始沿戶派發傳單，“不過，目前我們得到的反應并不理想，看來還得加把勁。”

21歲遇車禍半身癱瘓
彭國平只想自食其力

彭國平披露，他是於21歲那年遇上車禍而成導致半身癱瘓，手腳及右眼都受到影響，以致很少老板肯雇用他。

他說，他是於3個月前加入美門殘障中心，不久前曾有一間公司表示愿意聘請他，但看見他手腳不太靈活，最終改變主意。

他表示，他不是要為老板添麻煩，只是想依靠自己能力賺錢，如今有了這份資源回收工作，讓他覺得人生踏實，日子過得很有意義。

摘自：星洲日报

芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心已開始進行資源回收活動，但反應不見踴躍，希望能獲得公眾的響應和協助。

彭國平雖然半身癱瘓，但仍堅持以回收資源來自食其力。

為了提供殘障者就業機會，芙蓉美門殘障關懷中心全面展開資源會所活動，左起是黃秀萍，右是彭國平。

Timely lift for the disabled

2008-07-03T22:00:00.002+08:00

THE Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled received a welcome boost when the management staff of leisure and recreation club Camberwell visited the foundation's Petaling Jaya Centre recently.

The visitors spent about an hour with some 20 disabled residents of the centre to gain a better understanding of the challenges and pain encountered by the disabled each day. The residents were also treated to a fast food meal arranged by the staff of Camberwell.

The visitors also brought a RM12,000 donation from the club in Damansara Utama. Camberwell Club senior operations manager Tia Eng Seng handed over a mock cheque for the amount to Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin.

Yummy: The residents enjoying the treat.

Also present at the cheque presentation ceremony was Camberwell deputy general manager for business development, Alex Chai.

Tia said the donation was part of the club’s on-going charity programme to reach out to the less fortunate.

“We are very impressed with the charity work of Beautiful Gate Foundation, which has helped so many disabled people,” Tia said, noting that the foundation had expanded over the years and now had six centres.

“We are truly happy to be able to contribute to this noble cause,” he added.

According to Sia, the donation will be used for the construction of a new lift in the Petaling Jaya centre, which is estimated to cost RM84,000. The existing lift is in bad condition and may pose a danger to its residents. She expressed the hope that more companies would come forward to help fund the new lift.

Welcome aid: (From left) Chai, Tia and Sia (fourth from left) with some of the residents at the cheque presentation ceremony.

The Beautiful Gate Foundation is dedicated to giving the disabled an opportunity to live an independent lifestyle that is integrated with mainstream Malaysian society as much as possible.

Established in 1995, the Beautiful Gate Foundation Petaling Jaya Centre has 40 disabled residents aged between six to 60 years old. The centre provides training in living, working and social skills, educational training, and mobile therapy and other services. Concepts of independent living are used to train the disabled to live independently.

Those who wish to help and donate to foundation may visit the Beautiful Gate Foundation Petaling Jaya Centre at No. 92, Jalan SS2/24, 47300 Petaling Jaya, or call 03-7873 6579 for more details.

Source : The Star

Visit to Eye on Malaysia

2008-06-29T22:00:00.003+08:00

Special thanks to :

event sponsors : Alicia A Parkinson, Zhang Debra and Julia Khoo
all the volunteers and participants

to make this event a successful one!!

Charitable bodies feeling pinch of price hikes

2008-06-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

By SIM LEOI LEOI and TEH ENG HOCK

KUALA LUMPUR: Charitable bodies are beginning to feel the pinch as recent price hikes have taken a toll on donations.

Some which had been promised money for victims of the Sichuan earthquake and the cyclone in Myanmar reported that money was slow in coming.

Donations in kind like rice, milk and noodles have also decreased.

Shepherd’s Centre Foundation founder and director Pastor Jacop David said his centre had 100 children and 12 senior citizens.

“We need 50 to 60 10kg bags of rice every month. But fewer visitors are coming forward with personal contributions,'' he said in Putrajaya.

However, Pastor David said he was confident of making it through the “dry spell” as he believes there “will be a miracle”.

Beautiful Gate Foundation executive director Sia Siew Chin said the sale of merchandise had dipped by some 30% since the new price of fuel came into effect.

“We usually put up a stall to sell plants and other decorative items at the SS2 Market. Fewer people are buying them now,” she said, adding that the foundation had 11 vans to ferry the disabled to work, college or hospital.

“We can’t stop this service because it will make it hard for the disabled to go to work or school,” she said.

PAWS animal shelter manager Edward Lim said public response towards its monthly roadshows as well as adoption of strays had declined.

“Maybe people need more time to adjust to the price increases,” he said, adding that the shelter had not noticed any increase in the number of abandoned pets.

Malaysian Red Crescent Society Johor chapter deputy chairman Velasamy S. Pillay said it had yet to gauge public response to its donation drives.

“This is because we have not held one recently. However, it's been slow at donation drives for the recent disasters in Myanmar and China,” he said.

The Handicapped & Mentally Retarded Children Centre in Kuantan is facing a shortage of food items and toiletries, reports SIMON KHOO.

The centre’s caretaker A. Rose Mary said: ”Previously, we had many firms and individuals donating cash and kind every month. Of late, not many have turned up.

“We hope caring Malaysians who can afford to spare some cash will continue assisting us to maintain the centre,” she added.

Yayasan Nanyang Press executive director Ann Woo said donations were slowing down because donors were taking a breather after emptying their pockets to help Sichuan earthquake victims.

She said the higher fuel prices merely coincided with the slowdown in donations collected as it was usual for donors to go through a “buffer” period to regenerate their savings.

Woo was confident that donations would continue to pour in even in these challenging times.

Source : The Star

Pot Luck @ Selayang Open Field

2008-06-22T22:05:00.002+08:00

Karaoke @ 1U Neway

2008-06-22T22:00:00.002+08:00

Event Sponsor : Gentlelite Electrical Trading Sdn Bhd

World Vision Camp Leaders Training

2008-06-21T22:00:00.002+08:00

Angels Gathering

2008-06-15T22:00:00.000+08:00

Sending used bottles to Beautiful Gate

2008-06-09T22:10:00.001+08:00

Used bottles provided by : Jazzmine Tio

Themes and observance

2008-06-09T22:05:00.008+08:00

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- 3 December

2008: "Dignity and justice for all of us"
2007: "Decent work for persons with disabilities"
2006: "E-Accessibility"
2005: "Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development"
2004: "Nothing about Us without Us"
2003: "A voice of our own"
2002: "Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihoods"
2001: "Full participation and equality: The call for new approaches to assess progress and evaluate outcome"
2000: "Making information technologies work for all"
1999: "Accessibility for all for the new Millenium"
1998: "Arts, Culture and Independent Living"

Source : http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=111

Dignity and justice for all of us

2008-06-09T22:00:00.007+08:00

2008 Theme

"Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:
Dignity and justice for all of us"

Why a Convention?

A response to the fact that although pre-existing human rights conventions offer considerable potential to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, this potential was not being tapped. Persons with disabilities continued being denied their human rights ad were kept on the margins of society in all parts of the world. The Convention sets out the legal obligations on States to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. It does not create new rights.

Purpose of Convention

To promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

A Paradigm Shift

Persons with disabilities are not viewed as "objects" of charity, medical treatment and social protection; rather as "subjects" with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society.

What is Disability?

Preamble of the Convention states :

Disability is an evolving concept, and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Article 1 of the Convention states:

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others

Disability results from an interaction between a non-inclusive society and invididuals:

Person using a wheelchair might have difficulties gaining employment not because of the wheelchair, but because there are environmental barrier such as inaccessible buses or staircases which impede access.

Person with extreme near-sightedness who does not have access to corrective lenses may not be able to perform daily tasks. This same person with prescription eyeglasses would be able to perform all tasks without problems.

General Principles

Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
Non-discrimination
Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
Equality of opportunity
Accessibility
Equality between men and women
Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities
Participation is important to correctly identify specific needs, and to empower the individual

Map of Signatures and Ratifications as of 8 June 2008

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

Watch A Movie - Kungfu Panda

2008-06-08T22:00:00.008+08:00

今天大约十点，义工们在美门聚合，大约11点左右才抵达我家。原本的计划是去1 Utama的，后来改去Sunway Pyramid。我上网订了戏票，然后，Sathia就把我抱上了Serena的车。不到10分钟，我们便到了目的地。进入了停车场，唯一的残障泊车位给人用去了，唯有勉强塞在那车的旁边，然后义工们请保安先生抱我下车。

下了车，我们便到A&W聚合吃午餐，出席的义工朋友有Serena，思晴，凯宁，Jean，Sathia，Marilyn，惠婷（思晴的朋友）和五星（迟点到）；残障朋友有阿财，宝仪及我。然后就去逛逛一下。差不多1点50分，我们便找电梯上去戏院，欣赏“Kungfu Panda”。

第一次来到Sunway Pyramid的TGV戏院，感觉这里后面的空间比The Mines的大好多。只是，不熟悉的人就不懂要如何把轮椅弄到戏院上去。

“Kung Fu Panda”终于上幕了，一开场就引来许多笑声……剧情就不多说了。

这部戏带给我很大的启发，其中一段话是乌龟师傅告诉熊猫的：“Yesterday is the history, tomorrow is the mystery, and today is the gift. That’s why it is called a present!”也许我的过去不怎么精彩，但我必须相信未来会有奇迹出现，而今日的阳光天使义工们，可能就是上天赐给我最好的礼物。

“There is no secret recipe, we just need to think what we do is special, then we are special.” 每个人都有自己的潜能所在，成功不需要秘诀，只要你认为你是特别的，你就会有很好的表现。我觉得这部卡通影片是一部很棒的心灵鸡汤。

真的非常感谢义工们付出了宝贵的时间、精神和爱心陪伴我们共度一个美好的星期天。这是一个很不简单的任务，可是你们却完成了。

(文稿提供：Say Leng)
(短片摘自：http://www.kungfupanda.com/)

世界宣明會撥10萬善款

2008-06-06T22:00:00.001+08:00

甲洞美門添新貨車

飢餓30活動資訊：

1）飢餓30倒數計時活動
進行方式：各地迷你營的營員聚集一起，齊倒數饑餓30最後4個小時。
日期：8月24日
時間：中午12時至下午4時
地點：武吉加里爾國家曲棍球體育館

2）營長訓練營
進行方式：公開給有興趣舉辦饑餓30營的學校、大專、企業公司或大眾人士等營長參加。
日期：6月21日、6月28日（任選其一）
時間：上午9時至下午5時
地點：精英大學學院

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）第十屆“飢餓30”與世界宣明會撥出10萬令吉善款予美門殘障關懷基金會，為甲洞美門殘障康復中心添購了一輛嶄新的箱型貨車，方便載送殘障朋友往返醫院。

改裝完畢的箱型貨車在星洲日報副文教主任陳慧嬌與馬來西亞世界宣明會執行總裁劉東源的見證下，舉行移交儀式。對此，美門關懷基金會總干事謝秀貞欣慰。

她表示，甲洞美門殘障人士大都屬於後天殘障，時常需要前往醫院看病，車子使用量很大。之前的舊貨車時常故障，造成很多不便，有了新貨車後，相信情況將有很大改善。

另外，美門關懷基金會希望有熱心的保險公司，能贊助美門旗下7個分會車子的保險費，以減輕他們每年的負擔。

第十一屆飢餓30
倒數計時活動8月舉行

第十一屆飢餓30全球人道救援行動“給孩子‘無窮’的快樂 You’ve Got The Power!”倒數計時活動，將在8月24日於武吉加里爾國家曲棍球體育館進行。

欲參加者，即日起可到星洲日報各地辦事處及馬來西亞世界宣明會辦事處領取募捐卡，或到世界宣明會網站www.worldvision.com.my下載。截止日期為7月31日。

欲知更多詳情，可撥電馬來西亞世界宣明會03-7880 6414，或瀏覽馬來西亞世界宣明會網站。

星洲日報／大都會‧2008.06.06

謝秀貞（左三）與美門團員在新貨車前合影，劉東源（左一）與陳慧嬌（右一）見證。（圖：星洲日報）

為方便殘障人士使用，車子進行了改裝，分別裝上升降機與防滑白鋼板，也拆了後椅座，車廂現可同時容納4輛輪椅。圖為謝秀貞與美門團員試用升降機。站者左起為陳慧嬌與劉東源。（圖：星洲日報）

DiGi美門聯手

2008-06-03T22:00:00.000+08:00

殘障人求職不是夢

一個無障礙的工作空間，是許多殘障朋友所渴望和需要的；但是，要在現實生活中找到一個真正的無障礙環境並不容易，甚至是有點困難的。

不過，社會中還是有許多企業、公司看重殘障朋友的工作能力，愿意為他們提供一個舒適且合適的工作環境，DiGi電訊公司就是其一。在去年11月，DiGi推行“Open Mind Open Hearts”（OMOH）計劃，為殘障朋友提供培訓計劃，美門殘障關懷中心是此計劃的合作伙伴。

美門殘障關懷中心就業部主任潘銀珠表示，中心多年來都一直為殘障朋友找尋和提供工作，因此，在DiGi聯絡上他們，告知此計劃時，雙方一拍即合。

培訓課程為期4個月

在去年的首期培訓活動中，逾10名肢體殘障朋友報名參加，最後錄取了5名，她們目前都在DiGi上班。

她說，即將開始的第二期活動中，DiGi將錄取8名肢體殘障朋友，並提供為期4個月的培訓，培訓課程包括產品知識、顧客服務、個人發展和激勵課程。完成了相關課程後，則會提供12個月的在職培訓，之後會被聘請為正式員工。不過，參與者最後可也選擇夾帶在DiGi的經驗，前往其他公司上班。

她指出，在此項計劃中，DiGi並沒有設下任何的學歷要求，唯參與者必須通曉雙語和打字，因為成功被錄取者，將在客戶服務熱線部門工作。

她表示，DiGi提供合適的工作空間，殘障朋友還等甚麼呢？趕快報名參加吧！

希望其他機構仿效

對於DiGi的OMOH計劃，潘銀珠除了贊好之外，也希望國內其他機構能夠仿效。

“雖然DiGi覺得他們目前的設備還不夠完善，但比起其他的公司而言，已經很好了。其實，在首期培訓計劃進行之前，我們也曾到來觀察公司的設備，發現情況很好。另外，DiGi決定進行培訓計劃之前，也進行了一些裝修，提供我們便利。”

提及這點，她說，有些公司向中心表示有意聘請殘障朋友，可是辦公室卻處於1樓，也缺乏廁所等設備，讓中心無從下手。

張靜雲：在DiGi上班無障礙

26歲的張靜雲表示，殘障朋友上班時最擔心的就是工作地點、廁所等設備，以及泊車的問題，而在DiGi上班，這一切都不是問題。

她說，她本身的英文不是很好，一加入公司就自然感到壓力，因此她要求自己不恥下問，一旦有任何不明白，就要立即發問。不過，公司同事都很友善，所以沒有任何問題。

她表示，不是每一間公司都愿意為殘障朋友改變工作環境的設施，因此，她鼓勵殘障朋友參與OMOH培訓計劃第二期活動。

曾彩鳳：工作帶來滿足感

41歲的曾彩鳳表示，當初前往面試時只是想要嘗試而已，畢竟她因為車禍不良於行已有10年的時間了，不瞭解目前工作的要求。

她說，在面試後，DiGi人員還帶領她參觀環境，她也發現整個工作環境很不錯，加上DiGi承諾會提供應有的設備，讓她更有信心。

她指出，她自去年12月加入DiGi客戶服務熱線部門，主要負責華文環節。不過，若客戶熱線多的時候，她還是要接聽馬來文、英文的電話查詢。

她說，她以往是從事行政工作、書記等，但現在的工作要接觸許多客戶，有時候會遇上一些很高要求的客戶，不過，做久了都能夠應付。這份工作給了她滿足感，覺得自己是可以的。

她表示，此部門的工作是輪班制的，但她要求把時間固定在上午11時至晚上8時，而公司也滿足了她的要求。

對於DiGi的這項計劃，她很感動，也很感謝DiGi所給予的機會，她同時鼓勵肢體殘障的朋友勇敢面對群眾，這項計劃就是一個很好的機會。

各部門增設無障礙設備
殘障朋友安心工作

DiGi職員僱傭部門負責人葉瑞萍表示，OMOH計劃是源自挪威總部的計劃，由於國外已推行此計劃，因此，該部能夠向總部取經，做起來會較為容易。

次期計劃將錄取8人

她說，在第二期的計劃中，被錄取的8名肢體殘障朋友將在客戶服務熱線部門工作，部門的所在處已經過裝修，例如廁所、開關門等，適合肢體殘障朋友工作。目前，該部也正與公司商量，看看接下來將在哪一個部門進行裝修，以便能夠讓更多的殘障朋友加入工作。公司希望每一個部門都有殘障朋友的參與。

她提到，相比首期的培訓計劃，第二期的培訓計劃時間將來得長一些，因為公司發現短期的培訓計劃不是太好，可以再改進。同樣的，若公司發現今年的培訓計劃有任何需要改進的地方，也將在接下來的日子作出調整。

提供交通和住宿援助

她說，在培訓計劃中，包括了個人成長的課程，並不只是職業上的培訓。這一次的培訓師為了提升殘障朋友的工作機會和能力。公司也在交通和住宿上給予協助，雖然未必是直接提供住宿，不過，或許是通過提供津貼等方式協助。

詢及在整個計劃中，哪個環節對殘障朋友會較為困難時，葉瑞萍指出，公司的產品與服務環節會比較難，這主要是公司有許多不同的產品、服務等，殘障朋友必須花費較多的時間去學習，同時也必須學習如何為顧客提供服務。

提及公司同事對於殘障朋友的加入有何反應時，她說，公司同事都會比較關心她們，幫忙開門等。不過，日子久了，其實大家都是為同樣的客戶提供服務，獲得一樣的福利。

配合殘障員工
DiGi提供“體貼環境”

由於多了殘障朋友在公司工作，DiGi公司上下都多了一份“體貼”的心。不管是公司的設備，還是員工之間，大家都盡量給予肢體障礙的同事方便。

公司坐落在首邦高科技工藝園。記者走訪客戶服務熱線部門，發現此部門有許多為殘障朋友提供的無障礙空間，其中包括方便殘障朋友的傾斜式走道（原為梯級）、3個殘障人士泊車位、自動門（原為手推式），以及每一層樓層都設有殘障人士廁所。

葉瑞萍提到，雖然公司的無障礙空間（設備）仍未十分完善，但公司將逐步改進。

殘障朋友表現不錯

與此同時，客戶服務熱線部門小組組長楊佩婷表示，在此部門上班的殘障朋友表現都挺不錯的，很上進，只要有疑問就會立即發問。

“她們初加入時，我也感到壓力，不曉得是否能夠瞭解她們障礙的因由。不過，反而是她們表現得落落大方。還有，她們也不喜歡別人給予她們特別的待遇。”

Open Mind Open Hearts培訓計劃
（第二期活動）

對象：肢體殘障朋友
條件：會打字和通曉雙語
培訓期：4個月，完成培訓與考試者將獲得在DiGi達12個月的在職培訓
報名截止日期：2008年6月30日
查詢與報名：美門就業部主任潘銀珠（03-7873 6579）

摘自：星洲日报

Celebration of Wing's Birthday

2008-05-26T22:00:00.000+08:00

Mr Hee 人生故事

2008-05-22T22:00:00.001+08:00

（短片提供：福平）

福平的感想

2008-05-20T22:00:00.006+08:00

謝謝您們這三天，愿意花出時間與我們一起學習，也讓我們彼此有機會相識，相信您們的收獲會比我們多。我也是今年第一次參與陽光天使的訓練營，也是近距離和在坐的新新義工們生活3天2夜的生活。

其實當我知道要來3天2夜的生活營時，我真的不知道到底能不能在外生活因為這是意外受傷后第一次面對生活在外的問題。朋友安慰我說“這樣不好嗎？這樣就可以訓練天使們如何和我共處”但我要特別感謝綠組的組員們，您們對我就如兄弟姐妹一樣，在我需要幫忙時您們都愿意伸出您們的援手協助我。組員們和您們相處的時間雖然只有短暫的3天，我真的有點舍不得大家，希望您們在陽光天使活動結束后，也能來中心探望和找我聊聊天。明年的陽光天使還會在見到您們嗎？

我分享一下這三天和大家一起學習的感想。

第一天

星期6早上在神學院下車就感覺這里的環境好像世外桃源，空氣很清晰，可以躲開城市的吵鬧聲，嘉薏說的不錯。過后天使們陸陸續續的報到了，節目開始就和組員們認識，時間的關系我們組員都還沒有彼此介紹自己的身份，就進入下一個節目環節了。第二個節目就讓我們學習到彼此溝通，默契和團結，以下就是我隊的口號……Color For Hope HoHa……我們的色彩是永遠有希望的……

下午由松杰弟兄為我們講解輪椅的使用功能。我發現還有很多天使們不明白輪椅的收合法喲，因為隔天就有天使一直收合不到輪椅；不過我們也要給這位天使掌聲，因為最后還是完成了收合輪椅。可能時間上的關系，松杰弟兄沒有教天使們怎样抱殘障方法，怎么說人還是比輪椅重吧？萬一不小心就扭傷腰部了，聽說這幾天里就有不少天使們腰酸背痛。改天您們來中心時，我們再教您們正確的方法吧……

當我們集合在操場上玩游戲時，也是幾有趣的，我們每人都有一只腳被綁起來，這種游戲就讓我們體會到我們應該心連心的去完成目的。

晚上節目很感人，出現很多漂亮又帥氣的天使們，頓時就讓我感覺很感動，尤其看見親切又漂亮的陳薇薇穿上天使裝，真的很吸引眾人的目光。

第二天

因為新環境的關系，睡眠也不習慣，很早就起身了……大晨清早就和大家一起集合在操場上做早操，然后上肯基kenji的講座。在影片中，您們有沒有體會到殘障朋友們的辛苦呢?試試把您們角色變成Robert看看，面對社會種種困難、被歧視、被拒絕和處處刁難的問題等等……

每組的營員必須坐上2個小時輪椅，相信您們也有體會到坐輪椅的難處了吧？有沒有感覺到平常易如反常的簡單動作，坐上輪椅就面對重重困難了，連上廁所面對一大問題了，聽說會有天使偷雞了。當休息時間回房的途中，看見一位天使幾認真，她也不偷雞。她的房間在底層，天使們也費了九牛二虎之力連人帶輪椅的抬下去，這種精神真讓人敬佩。在晚餐時又見到她，奇怪的是她好像沒有更換過衣服，追問下，才知道她說浴室不方便啦……

傍晚排演的時候，大家的很認真的練習，雖然我組不是當晚表現最好的，但我們學習到的是過程，每組都演的不錯，希望明年的陽光天使還能見到大家的表演天分。

這兩天里我們組員沒有好好的時間認識大家，終于在晚上10點過后我們組員約在一起聊天，原來是我們的組長3天后就要生日。我們聊丫聊，從中我們就更加一步的認識，很感慨那些沒參與我們聊天的天使們，希望改天在中心可以多多分享您們人生故事。Dino和Wing天使都很會問問題和給人鼓勵與安慰的，每個問題里我都很敬佩天使義工們精神，因為天使們都愿意花出時間在短短3天來接近我們、了解我們、幫助我們……真的謝謝您們。

第三天

到我介紹自己時，我說我是比較害羞型的，認識我的天使們都說我在裝酷，其實我不是。我是真的很想認識大家，只是我不知道怎么去接近和認識您們，可能是我的自信心不是很強吧！天使們都給了我不少鼓勵。

和天使們相處的時間就剩下今天了，相信大家都一定舍不得大家吧！希望以后能見到大家發揮你們的愛心去幫助更多的殘障朋友們。如果你們還沒認識到我們，可以去PJ美門來探望我們，在中心還有一班可愛朋友們也是很想認識大家噢。

我還有很多話，還沒有說出來的，不然嘉薏又嫌我長氣了，如果天使們您們有任何感想，也可以分享出來丫！

（文稿提供：福平）

Photo Flash Back

2008-05-19T22:25:00.002+08:00

Photograph By : Kan Chee Weng, Paul Ong
Movie Clip By : Dino Goh

The Flame

2008-05-19T22:20:00.001+08:00

Is this the hope of the world in my hands
I’ll take this moment, to be all that I can
Look to you to see the future
Stronger and free

Today we will show who we are
We are the earth
And we’re together again
My friends, will you show us the way
We travel on, guided by the flame

The fire within makes you reach out to the goal
You redefine the best, by stretching the soul
A world in need of inspiration
And looks to you and me

Today we will show who we are
We are the earth
And we’re together again
My friends, will you show us the way
We travel on, guided by the flame

Since ancient times we’ve come together
In the light of the flame
To stand for all the world to see
People reaching out to greatness
And all we can be

Today we will show who we are
We are the earth
Together again
Today you will show who you are
The best on earth
And you bring the world together again
My friends, you have shown us the way
Look to your heart
You will find the flame

We are the world

2008-05-19T22:15:00.001+08:00

There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can’t go on
Pretending day by day
That someone
Somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of
God’s great big family
And the truth, you know love is all we need

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart
So they’ll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

When you’re down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There’s no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well, let us realize
That a change will only come
When we stand together as one

拥抱阳光

2008-05-19T22:10:00.002+08:00

看我满怀理想
往这世界里面闯站在风大的地方
让它吹去一身风霜管它人来人往
多么地反复无常一天一点新希望
躲开忧虑到处飞翔

拥抱阳光
我的心和你一起奔放
没人能挡在我的前方
路越难走我越坚强 oh…

看看我不平凡的眼光
早已经不再恐惧悲伤
心中充满无限梦想 oh…

阳光洒在脸上你的爱让我茁壮
看一看我的模样除却寂寞早就已经不一样
留在我的身旁陪着我编织幻想
享受做梦的疯狂就算孤单那又何妨

将心照亮

2008-05-19T22:05:00.001+08:00

茫茫人海汹涌
生命中最多刹那错过
青春就在追逐中匆匆飞逝
你一直让我感动

渡过多少夜深
只因为相信有一个人
日夜不停为着我深深祝福
只有你能改变一生

为我点盏灯将我心照亮
从你的手中我感觉希望
有你在心中更加温暖
你微笑是我灿烂的阳光

为我点盏灯将我心照亮
对你的守候无论在何方
有你在身旁不怕黑暗
点盏灯将心照亮

残缺也是一种美

2008-05-19T22:00:00.006+08:00

记得家乡门口的那个女孩
一对膀子长短都不一样
走起路来总是一瘸一拐
说起话来结巴没人爱
街坊的小孩总是嘲讽陷害
女孩无话只能靜靜无奈

外婆告诉我不可以笑她
因为残缺也是一种美
我看清晨女孩挽著衣篮摇摆
从家门口渐渐走来
那忍辱负重的步伐轻轻迈开
坚毅善良的面庞　多么净白
我终于明白

月亮不一定要圆满
残缺也是一种美丽
人生不一定要拥有
享有也是一种福气
逆来顺受化腐朽为神奇
残缺生命也能彩绘出美丽的诗偈

我看清晨女孩挽着衣篮摇摆
从家门口渐渐走来
那忍辱负重的步伐轻轻地迈开
坚毅善良的面庞　多么净白
我终于明白

如果．爱

2008-05-18T22:40:00.014+08:00

每个人　都想明白
谁是自己生命不该错过的真爱
特别在午夜醒来更是会感慨
心动埋怨还有不能释怀
都是因为你触碰了爱

如果这就是爱
再转身就该勇敢留下来
就算受伤　就算流泪
都是生命里温柔灌溉

哦　爱在回忆里总是那么明白
困惑的心流过的泪
还有数不清黑夜等待
如果这就是爱

如果你当时明白
后来的生命里是快乐还是悲哀
特别在夜深人静时想起未来
是否能平静不会想现在
只是因为你拥有了爱

羽毛的故事

2008-05-18T22:35:00.007+08:00

我轻轻地把眼睛闭上，让心情放轻松，感觉上我就好像一根羽毛，轻飘飘地在空中飘扬。这根羽毛，随风而飞，慢慢地飘落在地上，我才发现这原来只是一场梦。

梦醒了，我张开双眼，很自然地想要起身，突然发现身体的每一个部分都不听使唤；也发现从胸部以下的身体，完全失去了知觉，我开始慌了！

我感觉到额头上的毛孔开始冒出冷汗，我想到了这世界上最可怕的事情，我忘了自己一直是个残障人士，我的身体早就已经不再属于我的了。

不行、不行，我得爬起来！刚才我是在作梦，现在我想我应该还在梦中。我尝试着再次地爬起来。我用尽了九牛二之力，还是无法起身。我左手的拇指和食指，是唯一能够转动的部位，我尝试支撑着身体，把自己抬起来，一次又一次，我又摔倒了。

我开始哭了，觉得自己很没有用。

别人每天清晨睡醒，只要稍微动一下就能够起床，开始一天的作息；而我，多少年以来，多少年之后，一直到我死去的那一天，我每天必须重复地挣扎、痛了又痛。我觉得我甚至连一根蔬菜都不如；我觉得，我是家里的累赘，我已经受够了别人的白眼、种种的歧视。多少次，我甚至想要结束自己的生命，因为，我不想每一天醒来，重复着同样的痛苦，过着噩梦般的生活。这样一走了之，我就可以走出残疾的生涯。

我不停地哭呀哭，一定是我的哭声太响了。这时，我听到脚步声走进我的房间，那是一只温暖的手，抚摸着我的额头；那是一把慈爱的声音，温暖了我的心坎。“孩子，你怎么啦？别哭了，妈妈在这里，永远在你的身边。不管怎样，你永远是妈妈的宝贝孩子。乖，别哭，你要勇敢地活下去。”

妈妈的声音，给了我很大的力量，如果我死了，妈妈是会多么地伤心。

这个世界如果还有爱，就值得我继续活下去。妈妈这么辛苦才把我生下，无微不至地照顾我，眼看她一天一天年华老去，皱纹悄悄地爬上眼角，头发也渐渐泛白。这么多年来，我都还没有报答她，我怎么可以就此离去呢？

想着、想着，心里感到踏实了许多，突然感觉到一阵的平安与喜乐；想着、想着，眼皮渐渐地沉重，很快地，我又沉沉地睡着了，然后，我看到一阵光明，我感觉到自己的身体慢慢地越来越轻。

我竟再次化成一根羽毛，一阵风吹来，我随着风儿飘到天空去、自由地飞翔。

我的身体是残障的，可是我的心里却是自由的；只要心中有爱，就能把这份能量传播出去。

愿与你共勉之！

（文稿提供：Dino Goh）

The Goal

2008-05-18T22:30:00.005+08:00

Based on a true story

What do you do
When your whole world
Comes crashing down

Who suffer the same fate
Must find courage to move on

Coming this fall
It's just different, but definitely not the end

触动心灵的一刻

2008-05-18T22:25:00.007+08:00

我成为美门的义工快要三年了，所做的就是帮美门筹备活动。在这三年里，我并没有做了什么事情令自己感动。我想，这是因为我没有用心去感受，也没有太深入地去了解残障朋友真正面对的问题，常常挂在嘴巴的就是“这个城市充满障碍”。

筹备这个阳光天使生活营时，我带着一点私心，向秀贞提了一个要求，说要让每个营员都尝试一下坐轮椅的滋味，感觉上好像很好玩。

一直到当我坐上轮椅的那一刻，我后悔了！

上厕所的时候，因为门太重，坐着轮椅很难推得动；进了厕所，里边有个残障人士专用的厕格，却发现厕格太小，轮椅转动不便，也不懂得要怎样学残障朋友坐上马桶，结果就偷鸡了一下，自己站起来。

吃饭的时候，食堂的桌椅让我“行动”不便，洗碗的地方有一个小阶梯，我尝试自己推动轮椅，却差点要扑了下去，结果得让人帮我洗碗。从食堂出来，外面有个阶梯和小斜坡，我当然选斜坡上去，斜坡虽然有栏杆，但是因为斜度太高，我用尽了九牛二虎之力才能把自己和轮椅推上去，吃尽了苦头。

另外一个在建筑物里的斜坡，斜度更高，在没有人协助之下，轮椅就像滑轮一样往下直冲，我用力扶着栏杆，结果整双手都被栏杆上的污渍抹黑了。

记得在营会里，有一个残障朋友对我说：“如果没有电动轮椅，我宁愿不出街”，因为他的残障情况比较严重，手脚都没有力气，他自己又不能推动轮椅，如果义工朋友不在的时候，他就“动弹不得了”。

想到这里，我的心里十分酸痛。我坐轮椅大概只是两个小时，就已经这样了；我不能想像，那些长期坐在轮椅上的残障朋友，心里是怎样想的？

生命的彩虹

2008-05-18T22:20:00.001+08:00

以前

我常常会埋怨，心里有很多为什么的问号，充满惆怅；常常自怨自艾，没有太多的笑容。

为什么别人含着金锁匙出生，而我家里却是负债累累？上学，没有太多的零用钱，刚好可以用个午餐，省省用的话，还可以买些参考书。

为什么别人的新衣那么华丽，而我却只可以在新年的时候，才有一些像样的新衣？平时，只可以穿旧衣裳，或者哥哥、姐姐不能穿的衣服。

为什么同学是坐汽车，而我却要骑着老铁马上学？去到学校已经是汗流浃背，遇到下雨的话，就要变成落汤鸡。

为什么别人可以越洋深造，而我却只可以做个本地学院生？打从中学毕业，我就必须自供自给，半工读地完成我的学业。

直到

家里还清了债务，而我也毕了业，还找到了一份很不错的工作，生活开始慢慢地富裕起来。但，我还在埋怨！

为什么钱总是不够用？别人可以住很大间的屋子，驾很豪华的汽车，逛街购物不用看价钱，吃的是山珍海味；而我所拥有的只是三餐温饱。

外表很健全，内里却有很多缺陷。心里的惆怅越来越苦，多年的努力，完成了学业，也不外如此。

原来

是我不懂得惜福！上天一直在给我，我却蒙然不知。

上天让我有一个健全的身体，让我的家里还清债务，让我完成我的学业，让我拥有一份很不错的工作，让我三餐温饱。我大概是“少年不知愁滋味，为赋新词强说愁”，只会一直在埋怨这、埋怨那，却不懂得珍惜。

这个世界，有很多人的生活状况比我还要差，他们却可以比我活得更精彩，因为，他们从来没有放弃过生命。

了解了这个道理，心灵就自然豁达。我也因此，找到了生命的彩虹。

（文稿提供：屏）

生命的力量

2008-05-18T22:15:00.000+08:00

我家附近的大树，在新年前，被政府工作人员修剪，眼看每一棵大树都被剪得光溜溜的。

原以为，那些大树就会从此失去光彩，然后慢慢地枯萎，消失在大地。

才不出一个月的光景，几乎是每天都下着大雨，大树的身上，悄悄地长出了新的叶子和分岔，在雨水的滋润下，越来越茂盛。

我不禁想起，在美门残障关怀中心的残障朋友。他们有些是得到先天性的遗传病，有些是后天遭遇到意外、细菌感染等等。

他们的故事，不管重复诉说几次，每一次都是痛苦的、辛酸的。几乎是每一个残障朋友，都不愿意接受自己的残障。

生活上的不便、世俗的眼光和众人的嘲笑，莫名的伤感、莫名的自卑感，就像锋利的刀，往他们的身上狠狠地刺下去。

但，他们没有就这样垮了下去。

相反的，他们勇敢地从悲伤走出来，因为他们相信这是上天安排给他们的使命：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。

生活上的不便，他们就学习自立；世俗的眼光，他们就一笑置之；众人的嘲笑，他们就要证明给众人看，他们也可以为社会贡献。

他们对生命的期待，是热忱、是拼搏、是奋斗、是顽强、是毅力，是锲而不舍。

他们的生命，就好像路边的大树，不管是风吹雨打，日晒雨淋，都是屹立不倒。

他们的生命，就好像漂泊的蒲公英，不管被大自然安排到哪个角落，都愿意悄悄地吐出芬芳。

这样的景象，让我真正地感受到生命的力量。

（文稿提供：屏）

残障朋友生活上的困难

2008-05-18T22:10:00.001+08:00

身体残缺，做任何事都比一般人辛苦，也比别人慢了一些；但这并不代表他们做不到，他们只是需要用比较长的时间来完成。

福平在跳水时遇上了意外，刚刚成为残障的一分子时，他真得很苦恼，看了这个短片很久了还不懂要如何下床。现在的他说：“每个残障朋友的残障程度都不一样，他现在只需要十秒钟就可以起床了”。

残障人也可以有小孩

2008-05-18T22:05:00.005+08:00

每个人结了婚，都想要有小孩，这样，才会有个美满的家庭。

以前我会想，残障的人既然知道小孩一生来就会残障，那么为什么还要生小孩呢？

看了Dr Kenji的一个短片之后，我才了解到，每一个生命都是很珍贵的，他们都有活下去的权力。

而每个残障朋友结了婚也可以生小孩，他们也拥有生小孩、美满家庭和看着孩子成长而喜悦的权力。每个人来到这个世界，都需要被关爱，都需要朋友和家庭，没有人愿意孤孤单单的一个人。

如果因为小孩残障就不可以享有肢体健全人士的权力，那么，这个世界会是怎样？残障的身躯并不可悲，可悲的是迷失奋斗心的心灵。

从另外一个角度看世界

2008-05-18T22:00:00.001+08:00

假如这个世界有另外一面相反的镜子，健全人士和残障人士的角色调转（意思是说，健全人士变成了少数的弱势群体），那么健全人士是否也会被社会排斥呢？

将心比心，每个人来到这个世界都需要被关爱，都需要朋友，没有人愿意被社会遗弃。

（短片提供：Wing）

心里有话想说

2008-05-17T22:25:00.008+08:00

当然是希望让这个世界增添多一点爱心和感动- 薇薇

Very happy that I can take charge and serve Beautiful Gate, as well as the society. Very happy to have a group of fun committee to support me. Thanks a lot to Chan Wei Wei to support us as well ;) - Ken Mun

To create love for myself & others
To inspire my parents & friends to do what is their potential
To continue the legacy of volunteerism
To care
- Wing

I would like to further enhance my knowledge in this area and further interact with disabled friends to build stronger friendship and bond. Hope to meet more friends with loving hearts!- Mei Ling

在上帝面前每个人都是完美的，这个营会令我明白上帝并没有遗忘受苦难的人。 - U.C.

你们的喜怒哀乐有我们一起同伴！You are not alone, I am with you! - Grace Ng

只要心中有爱，世界就会美丽。- Cindy

因为有你，这世界还有希望。每一届的天使活动给我很大的力量，能付出的我都不会吝啬，我也希望每一年都能参加天使活动。 - 思晴

我希望有一天也能像阳光天使一样，把爱、盼望、温暖和希望，还有灿烂的阳光带入社会，带入残障朋友的身边和他们的生命中。不要放弃，因为雨天过后总会看见彩虹！ - Tiffany

能够更了解这群残掌人士；学习如何去帮助他们；也让他们知道他们这群残障人士，并没有被我们的社会给遗忘。每个小小的梦想，都能改变世界。 - 无名

他们是我永远学习的对象；他们是我永远敬佩的对象。- 无名

参加美门举办的“阳光天使运动”是想了解一群被社会所忽略的残障朋友。希望能够透过这项活动对这群人士有更深一层的认知，也真诚希望他们知道这个社会是有人关心和支持他们的。- 无名

我要告诉所有的残障朋友：你们不需要、也不会感到孤单的，因为有我们一斑阳光天使陪着你们度过每一分、每一秒的“美好时光”。- 无名

我希望可以多交一些知心朋友。- 顺伟、宝仪、庆年

没有什么特别的原因，也没有因为为了得到什么而来，只是看到报章报导，觉得自己应该参加、应该来，就来了。希望有更多的人可以令PWD融入健全人的社会里。- 无名

我参加阳光天使的目的是要学习怎样去协助那些需要帮助的人。阳光照亮世人心，天使付出真爱心！- 刘桂榕

我来营会的目的是要分享一份爱和经历与残障朋友一起生活。对残障朋友，我有一个感动。在我心里我很为他们感到骄傲，他们坚强地面对生活，他们脸上的喜乐，是那么地满足。在此，我献上我的祝福，愿你们的生命更加精彩。- Aunty Nancy

希望和阳光天使有个互动交流，并希望在我真的需要帮助的时候得以援助。- 无名

我只希望这个地球能够得救。- 佩珊

美门艺术团

2008-05-17T22:20:00.002+08:00

没有人一生下来就会做很多东西，这是惊人的毅力和力量，生活学习所累积下来的经验。

机器再大，没有小小得螺丝也不能操作；把生活每个平凡的事做好，就是不平凡。

没有人一生下来就会做很多东西，这是惊人的毅力和力量，生活学习所累积下来的经验。请看看以下的片断，这是美门艺术团的表演之一。

这个城市充满障碍

2008-05-17T22:15:00.002+08:00

姗姗在小的时候遇上了车祸，从此，她必须坐着轮椅渡过她的人生。

有一天，她约了朋友到某餐馆吃饭。她高高兴兴地来到餐馆，发现平时走过的斜坡，有一班人在做宣传活动，她必须绕道而行。她走到第二个入口，发现那边有几个阶梯，她无奈地再走到第三个入口。糟糕，这里的阶梯比刚才的还要高。她并没有因此放弃。她再走到第四个入口。咦，这个阶梯是最矮的，好的，试试看！

这个时候，你可能会想，为什么不叫她的朋友帮她把轮椅推上阶梯呢？姗姗是个很倔强的人，她希望她可以自己跨过这个障碍。于是乎，她尝试靠自己的力量，要跨过那个阶梯。她试了好几次，结果，她不但没有成功，还把自己弄伤了。

莫名的伤感和莫名的自卑感，一下子涌上心头，心里非常酸痛。姗姗悻悻然地离去……

注：这个短片在营会没有播出来，但还是要跟大家分享。

（短片摘自：“隔世追凶”）

Ballet - Hand in Hand

2008-05-17T22:15:00.001+08:00

舞蹈是艺术，残缺的身体，也可以带出优雅的舞姿，不相信吗？请看看以下的片断，看他们如何舞出生命的色彩。

活着便是精彩

2008-05-17T22:10:00.001+08:00

可能我们的身体有些残缺，但这并不是让我们沮丧的理由；世界并不完美，但这也不是我们变得丑陋的理由。

如果你还在埋怨生活的不如意，请看看一个天生没有双手的女士，如何度过她不平凡的一生。而假如你是短是短片中的女主角，你该是如何活下去？

（短片提供：赵一丹）

Every One Is No 1

2008-05-17T22:05:00.002+08:00

每当我听到掌声响起来的时候，我知道，我又向前走了一步，但是，我也曾经站不起来。

挫折，真的是人生的一部分吗？跌倒，又真的是成长必需要走的路吗？以前，我和他们一样，现在我和你一样。意外就是在人们和你自己都意想不到下才会发生的，所以，请不要怪别人，更不要怪自己。

残障朋友生活上所面对的困难，不管诉说多少次都是辛酸的。这个世界上没有人愿意残障，更没有人愿意被社会所遗弃。

然而，这不是上天对他们的惩罚，而是一项严峻的考验。他们需要的是身边人的鼓励。就让我们一起成为残障朋友的天使，一起为他们打气、加油。

（短片提供：福平）

生命的彩虹

2008-05-17T22:00:00.003+08:00

有些人外表很健全，内里却有很多缺陷，觉得生命充满挫折，有很多事情尽是不如意、事与愿违的。然而，如果没有这些挫折的磨练，我们怎么会惜福呢？

天将降大任於斯人也，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。就是这个道理！

只要我们用心去体会生活，原来身边有许多美好的事情，等着我们去发现。雨后的彩虹，可以那么美丽！

（短片摘自：“隔世追凶”）

Beautiful Digest 美门之声

甲洞无障碍设施缺轮椅斜道 残疾者冒险闯虎口

Japan Embassy provides recycling jobs for the disabled

Japan Embassy provides recycling jobs for the disabled

Disabled fight adversity for education

By LEE YUK PENG

EASY TARGETS: Disabled must be protected

Move to employ more disabled people in Johor

Municipal council to provide facilities for disabled in SS15

TAHANANG WALANG HAGDANAN NEEDS

坐輪椅從古城至布城‧20重殘者遊行籌款

Guidelines for toilets for the disabled

By TAN KARR WEI

The woes of the disabled

Hopes and Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

Hopes and Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

Hopes & Joys Merdeka Charity Concert

Freewheeling dance style

Eco-enzyme Workshop

Eco-Enzyme workshop saturday 11 july 09

How to start reducing waste production from home

Chance to learn how to make eco-enzyme

Lift for wheelchair-bound MPs and visitors ready

The disabled just want to live life well

饥饿 30-Hour Famine 2009 officially launched!

Better use for your waste

"Live Free" Concert

"Live Free" Concert

BG Arts Troupe

Beautiful Gate Performance Art Troupe

Beautiful Gate Concert at Summit

Gift of love for disabled

Out of touch

WHEEL POWERBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

An avenue to raise funds for the needy

Have a heart

WHEEL POWERBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Wonder cleaner

Help for the needy

Aid list

Stop the abuse of bays meant for disabled

Stop the abuse of bays meant for disabled

Looking for toilets

WHEEL POWERBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

Plight of the disabled

CIMB Foundation empowers the disabled

Company shares CNY joy with the disabled

A memorable anniversary dinner

SS2 Cares Chinese New Year Carnival 2009

骨刺導致脊椎骨斷裂

失行動能力最後走出黑暗

Lee Pei Sun: A Truly Remarkable Woman

Cannies Tham: A Guardian Angel

Big plans ahead for mall

PJ set to become disabled-friendly

Disabled in Subang Jaya voice their woes

Working beyond their limitations

Jobs alone not enough for disabled

鼓勵障友自薦工藝品

殘友設聯絡網易找工

籌款資助殘友活動展開

巧手彌補殘腳遺憾

Multi-racial show from special people

Multi-racial show from special people

Multi-racial show from special people

“化礙為愛卡”籌款活動推介

Bus drivers ignoring the disabled

風雨不改開檔做生意

Poor response from disabled

Newsmakers: Moving on to inspire others

Helping diabetics lead a normal life

助殘障者融入社會

展示殘障人士就業能力

22歲車禍下半生靠輪椅

體能輸人知識不能再輸

協助殘障成員賺取生活費

Timely lift for the disabled

Visit to Eye on Malaysia

Charitable bodies feeling pinch of price hikes

Pot Luck @ Selayang Open Field

甲洞无障碍设施缺轮椅斜道残疾者冒险闯虎口

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

WHEEL POWER
By ANTHONY THANASAYAN