Photo by Bryan.
My mentor and colleague in the disability movement encouraged me to participate in the Wishing Tree programme organised by Sin Chew Daily in Penang. My wish was to conduct two seminars to introduce the philosophy of Independent Living and how it can better the quality of life for disabled persons. One half of that wish was fulfilled today when I spoke at a seminar on Independent Living to a group of disabled persons together with their families and carers. Kuan Aw acted as my translator from English to Mandarin and Hokkien.
Photo by Bryan.
Ms. Yeoh, the journalist from Sin Chew, organised the seminar at the Sin Chew Media Corporation conference room. More than twenty persons attended the seminar. The guest of honour was YB Goh Kheng Sneah, the State Assemblyman for Batu Uban, the constituency where I am living in here in Penang. He graciously sat through the entire seminar that lasted two hours althugh he had engagements elsewhere too.
Photo by Bryan.
My hope is that this seminar had, one way or another, presented the options available for disabled persons to lead more fulfilling lives. The Independent Living Movement is growing in the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Human Care Association for their unceasing efforts in promoting this way of life for disabled persons here, especially those who are severely impaired.
Photo by Bryan.
This is the first of a series of campaigns that we will be organizing to introduce Independent Living in Penang. We are also in the process of registering an association to best serve and support the needs of those wishing to practice living independently in their community. The seminar that I will be speaking at next is at the Mines ICT in Sri Kembangan on August 27. Details of the seminar will be published in this blog on Monday.
Well done! Hmm, I think you should learn how to speak Mandarin next time. Target more audience =)
Yaya, Uncle Peter.. Speak more mandarin :p Great job.. Gambate!! *winkz*
Hi again! Peter
It is nice to see that you had invited YB Goh Kheng Sneah to your meeting. Your group need support from people who has interest for the disabled and in Mr.Goh, your publicity can only spread further a field into the chamber of power. I am also pleased to see that you had also involved carers and families. They play a vital supporting role. All the best.