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Thursday December 28, 2006
Disabled can have a good time, too
By JOANNE LEE
THEY were a group of 60 people with disabilities from blindness to being wheelchair-bound, but they showed that they, too, could have a good time when the opportunity presented itself.
Members of four different organisations dined, shopped and even went swimming together at the Boulevard Hotel and Cititel MidValley recently.
Visually challenged Salmah Mohd Ali (right) and Abdul Razak Hassan feeling the costume of a street performer while Karim Stuart Rusell (on Abdul Razak's right) watches in amusement. In the foreground is Support Group Society for the Blind of Malaysia president Kathleen Muna Othman.
The outing for the members of the Support Group Society for the Blind of Malaysia, The Independent Living and Training Centre, the Malaysian Parkinson Disease Association and Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PetPositive) was organised in conjunction with International Disabled Day, which fell on Dec 3.
PetPositive president Anthony Siva Balan Thanasayan said the outing was an opportunity for the special people to be a part of the community.
“Going to a public place, like a shopping complex, helps them blend in with the crowd,” he said.
“The main aim is to increase public awareness when it comes to understanding the disease from which one suffers,” said Malaysian Parkinson Disease Association secretary Sara Lew. “It is through this that the public would be able to cope with the people who have disabilities, rather than reacting with fear,” she said.
Nickelous Luber Samy enjoying a swim in the pool.
The group started the day with lunch in Citi Café followed by a shopping spree in Mid Valley Megamall, before adjourning for tea at the open terrace in Wild Rice Restaurant, Boulevard Hotel. Some of them even took a dip in the pool next to the restaurant.
“This is the first time I am meeting so many people from all four different organisations, each with different disabilities,” said Independent Living and Training Centre president Francis Siva, noting that the group ranged from the more profoundly disabled people and the blind, to those suffering from Parkinson's disease.
“It is an opportunity for us to exchange thoughts and ideas, as well understand each other's disabilities.”
Charles Xystus trying to clear his plate as a hotel employee helps him with his ice cream at the open terrace in Wild Rice Restaurant.
“We want them to have a great time, and do what normal people do. This gives a special meaning to Christmas,” added Thanasayan.
Visually-challenged Jonathan Mok had his share of fun too as he pushed Thanasayan around in his wheelchair. “This is my first experience holding a wheelchair. I'm having an absolutely wonderful time with everyone here.”
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