PETALING JAYA: Although David Cheran may be wheelchair bound, it has not stopped him from helping other people like him via a “Fix It” service centre.
“As a professional Paralympic table tennis player and an athlete, I have also learnt a lot about the importance of the fitting and fixing of a wheelchair to a disabled person,” he said.
“I hope to help others and at the same time, be self-sustainable and not depend on other people,” he said at the Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia headquarters.
At the age of 17, David, who is a polio victim, received vocational education in basic auto mechanics. It helped him to understand more about repairing and maintaining wheelchairs.
He added yesterday that he was willing to share his knowledge and skills with other disabled peers, especially during this month of Ramadan.
“This is a good initiative and perhaps others can benefit from the same knowledge,” said the 52-year-old, adding that many disabled people did not know where they could repair their wheelchairs.
“Most of them end up buying new ones when small defects on the wheelchair can easily be fixed.
“It takes me one or two days to fix a wheelchair. And, we give our customers quality service and return their wheelchairs in good condition. We also have no problems fixing motorised wheelchairs.”
David, along with three friends – Mohd Josli Buang, 50, Fuad Sanoesi, 49, and Krishna Sivashanharan, 41, – manage the “Fix It” centre.
Association president V. Murugeswaran said if the business proved to be successful, the association would extend its services to repair hospital beds.
“We want to give confidence to our members and, most importantly, provide a positive outlook in their life,” he said.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/26/Paralympian-is-Mr-Fix-It-Repairing-wheelchairs-is-disabled-mans-speciality/
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/26/Paralympian-is-Mr-Fix-It-Repairing-wheelchairs-is-disabled-mans-speciality/
