SIGNING MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN DAMAI DISABLED PERSON ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA AND TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE MEA. The ceremony witness by Deputy Minister of Human Resource Malaysia Datuk Maznah Mazlan

Graphic design course for 10 disabled persons

06 February 2013| last updated at 12:56AM

PETALING JAYA: MeaTech College and Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to offer a 12-month skills training programme for the disabled.

The signing was witnessed by Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Maznah Mazlan.

About 10 disabled persons, aged between 16 and 45, were selected for a pilot training programme in graphic design.

Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia president V. Murugeswaran said he welcomed the project as this provides an opportunity for the disabled to lead independent lives in the future.

"The course will provide them with the skills for the job market," said Murugeswaran.

He said that the programme was initiated after the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) and the Human Resources Ministry agreed to fund the programme.

"A sum of RM105,000 was allocated for the participants and the course will commence by the third week of this month," he said.

"The number of disabled people registered in the country is about 143,000," said Murugeswaran.

He hoped that in the near future such a programme will be carried out nationwide for the benefit of more disabled individuals.

MeaTech College operations director Shahralin Abdul Hamid said the objective of this programme is to help the disabled people improve their financial standing.

"We will conduct the course at the association's headquarters here with equipment and instructors supplied by the college," she said.

Maznah said the Human Resources Ministry will help the candidates get a job after they complete the course.  

Datuk Maznah Mazlan (third from left) with Nurashikeen Iqbal, 22, one of the disabled candidates selected to join the pilot graphic design course. Pic by Azmaidi Abidin

RM50m for the needy

MORE FUNDS: It will expand social security net of single mothers, disabled and elderly

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30 January 2013| last updated at 12:09AM

KUALA LUMPUR: THE government will disburse  RM50 million to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to help single mothers, the disabled and elderly.

The money, channelled through the ministry's Hati Rakyat programme, will be handed out from next month.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who announced this at the National Council of Women's Organisations' (NCWO) 50th year celebration yesterday, said this would be carried out together with the 1Azam programme.

"The funds will be used to help single mothers, the disabled and elderly, according to their needs. Maybe some will be needing skills, adult diapers or wheelchairs.

"The RM50 million will expand the social security net of this group."

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon said the programme was being finalised and details would be given later.

Former women, family and community development minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil thanked Najib and said the allocation was in tandem with the economic development and transformation of the country.

She said social development had taken centre stage and was crucial under the administration of Najib and Barisan Nasional.

"This is an acknowledgement for women and the target groups."

Disabled Persons Association Malaysia president V. Muruges-waran urged the authorities to use the RM50 million wisely as this could help the disabled become useful citizens.

"The government should also focus on making the environment, buildings and infrastructure disabled-friendly so that it would be accessible to people like us."

Last year, the government had allocated RM1.4 billion to help single mothers, the disabled and senior citizens. Of that, RM478 million was allocated to help 135,000 senior citizens through a monthly allowance of RM300.

The 1Azam programme began in 2010 and is targeted at the low-income group from all communities, including Indians, Orang Asli and Bumiputeras. It benefited more than 90,000 last year.

This year, the government has allocated RM400 million for the 1Azam programme, with some 65,000 expected to benefit.

The core 1Azam programmes are Azam Tani (agriculture), Azam Niaga (entrepreneurship), Azam Khidmat (service) and Azam Kerja (job placement). These are aimed at helping the poor break out of the poverty cycle.

Datuk Noriah Kasnon says the programme was being finalised and more details will be revealed soon. (right) V. Murugeswaran wants the government to make infrastructure disabled-friendly

Read more:RM50m for the needy - General - New Straits Timeshttp://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/rm50m-for-the-needy-1.209955?cache=03%253Fpage%253D0%253Fpage%253D0%253Fkey%253DKualaLumpur%252F7.201724%253Fpage%253D0#ixzz2JSwBOj3k

Another join CSR project by Maybank and Damai disabled person association Malaysia . Maybank decided to upgrade Maybank SS15 subang jaya branch and another two more branches in Taipan USJ 9. The access audit attended by Adun Subang Jaya YB Hannah Yeo ,Mr Rajan Personal assistant Adun Bukit Gasing, Mr Loka ( mbsj councilor ), May bank property ( Mr Ravi ) Planning ( Mr Khalid ) and All the Branch managers together three Damai Disabled Association Malaysia representative ( V.Murugeswaran, David Cherian and Krishnan ) - The upgrading work comprised with, Disabled Parking , Ramp with proper gradient, Access to the building without any obstacle , Signage and low LCD screen ATM machine

 With USJ Taipan Branch Manager

Christmas party at Damai Center together with Priscilla family, carolers , Damai members and friends

http://my1.photozig.net/murugeswaran/Album26/zslideshow.php

Allianz Malaysia in partnership with UKM and in collaboration with the the Road Safety Department (JKJR) held a road safety advocacy campaign and a talk at UKM’s Bangi Campus to bring awareness and vital road safety information to UKM students and its staff members.

No matter who we are or where we live, all of us are road users and commuters; be it as pedestrians, motorcyclists, four wheel drivers, passengers and so on. Commuting on the road is a usual activity, however, what makes a difference between being just a road user and a thoughtful road user is responsibility. ~ CEO of Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, Mr Zakri Khir

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah’s call to public institutions of higher learning to provide students with proper knowledge on safety and traffic regulations.

UKM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Industry and Community Partnerships, Prof Dato’ Dr. Saran Kaur Gill, commended Allianz Malaysia on their ongoing commitment towards raising public awareness on road safety and for extending their nationwide advocacy campaigns to universities. “This is especially relevant and timely because of the vast number of undergraduates who commute with motorcycles within the campus, as it is one of the cheapest and most convenient modes of transport”, she said. The Vice Chancellor added that this unique public-private collaborative campaign is part of the university’s efforts to curb road accidents within the 1,096.29 hectare campus, in line with Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah’s call to public institutions of higher learning to provide students with proper knowledge on safety and traffic regulations

Road Safety Talk by Mr. V Murugeswaran, President, Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan, a road accident victim, who made a great impact on the students with his frank narrative, opening their eyes and attention to the importance of constant vigilance while on the road. 

The crowd that turned up for the opening of the advocacy campaign.

UKM students registering for the official opening of the road

Allianz General CEO, Mr Zakri Khir having a chat with UKM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Industry and Community Partnerships, Prof Dato’ Dr. Saran Kaur Gill (second from right). — at UKM Bangi.

The Allianz child safety booster seat that was given out during the Allianz road safety advocacy campaign. As well as special edition F1 caps that were given out to the winners of the Allianz Drive Master challenge.

Allianz, UKM and JKJR staff who participated in the road safety advocacy campaign in UKM


https://www.allianz.com.my/web/ctt/11055/10047/2012

V.Murugeswaran Received certificate of Appreciation on World Human Right Day from SUHAKAM ( Human Right Commission of Malaysia )

Founder and president of the  Damai Disabled persons association V.Murugeswaran actively involved in the process of helping and teaching disabled people in this country for them to live independently and most important contribution  is initiated Advocacy Movement for the equal right for disabled. Awareness to fight for the rights of disabled people arose when he was involved in an accident causing paralysis as early as 19 years old. V.Murugeswaran has been actively involved in the movement asking equal right for disabled people in this country for almost 20 years. He is also a member of the committee (AJK) transportation in Ministry of transport (MOT) as representative for the implementation of programs and activities towards the development and well-being of the disabled features Universal access

Tan Sri Hasmy Agam presenting certificate to V.Murugeswaran

Group picture with  all the winners 

Professor Datuk Dr. Khaw Lake Tee , M.Manoharan and V.Murugeswaran

From left Tan Sri Hasmy Agam, SAC DATO' ABDUL MALEK BIN HJ HARUN (TIMBALAN PENGARAH JABATAN SIASATAN JENAYAH), M,Manoharan and V.Murugeswaran

International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2012

Development and human rights for all

Theme: United Nations declared December 3 every year as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme for 2012, “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all”

Over one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, live with some form of disability.

Persons with disabilities, “the world’s largest minority”, often face barriers to participation in all aspects of society. Barriers can take a variety of forms, including those relating to the physical environment or to information and communications technology (ICT), or those resulting from legislation or policy, or from societal attitudes or discrimination. The result is that persons with disabilities do not have equal access to society or services, including education, employment, health care, transportation, political participation or justice.

Evidence and experience shows that when barriers to their inclusion are removed and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal life, their entire community benefits. Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are, therefore, a detriment to society as a whole, and accessibility is necessary to achieve progress and development for all.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) recognizes that the existence of barriers constitutes a central component of disability. Under the Convention, disability is an evolving concept that “results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

Accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities are fundamental rights recognized by the CRPD and are not only objectives, but also pre-requisites for the enjoyment of other rights. The CRPD (Article 9, accessibility) seeks to enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life and development. It calls upon States Parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to all aspects of society, on an equal basis with others, as well as to identify and eliminate obstacles and barriers to accessibility.

In spite of this, in many parts of the world today, lack of awareness and understanding of accessibility as a cross-cutting development issue remains an obstacle to the achievement of progress and development through the Millennium Development Goals, as well as other internationally agreed outcomes for all.

The commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2012 provides an opportunity to address this exclusion by focusing on promoting accessibility and removing all types of barriers in society.

How the Day may be observed

Based on the main theme of IDPD 2012 “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and
accessible society for all”, sub-themes can be selected to cover all aspects of society and development, including, but not limited to, removing barriers to education, employment, transportation, travel and tourism or sports. You can select a sub-theme to address a specific issue of exclusion and accessibility in your community.

Include: Observance of the Day provides opportunities for participation by all stakeholders – Governments, the UN system, civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities – to focus on issues related to the removal of barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society that would benefit all.

Organize: Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of the themes of IDPD 2012 to find innovative ways and means by which barriers to the inclusion of persons with disabilities and their families can be broken down.

Celebrate: Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate - the contributions made by persons with disabilities as agents of change and development in the communities in which they live.

Take Action: A major focus of the Day is practical action that would help to remove barriers that limit accessibility for and participation by persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development.  Highlight progress and obstacles in creating accessible and inclusive society, including in terms of physical environments, information and communications technology and other areas, as well as promote public awareness of existing barriers to the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in their societies.

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1597

Disabled community pushes for improved building regulations

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to enact disabled-friendly building regulations to ensure the provision of facilities for this group of people.

Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) president Prof Datuk Abdullah Malim Baginda said the existing directive only advised companies to build such disabled-friendly facilities and the matter often fell on deaf ears.

 

“If the directive was made compulsory, all new buildings will then be required by law to have ramps and existing buildings must be modified to accommodate this,” he added.

 

Abdullah Malim said the government should impose a deadline for companies to implement the changes and if they ignored it, penalties ought to be imposed.

 

“Making changes to an existing building will incur cost and companies often felt there was no need in spending money for such facilities.

 

“With a penalty, companies will be forced to implement such changes,”he said.

 

Besides the inaccessibility factor, KL-Selangor Welfare Society for Handicap Citizens president Lim Kok Onn said private toilets lack facilities for the disabled. 

 

He also said not all LRT stations were equipped with ramps.

 

“The disabled cannot make use of the public transportation as they are unable to get to the trains,” he said.

 

Commenting on the identity card for persons with disabilities, which can now be obtained within a day, he said the move was a step forward in recognising the needs of the disabled.

 

“We will just have to wait and see if this new measure will take place effectively throughout the country.”

 

The new development was announced by the Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon in conjunction with the national-level celebration of International Day of People with a Disability, on Monday.

 

According to Lim, previously, the card application took from three months to almost a year. 

 

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan Malaysia president V. Murugeswaran welcomed the new initiative.

 

He said the government should emulate the Manjung Municipal Council in Perak which imposed a RM10,000 penalty on buildings that did not provide disable-friendly facilities.

 

“The Uniformed Building By-Laws 1984 should have a penalty clause as the current condition would not change until there are changes made to the law.”

 

Noriah said yesterday there were ongoing discussions with the Local Government and Housing Ministry regarding disabled friendly rules for buildings. 

 

“We are still in discussion with the relevant stakeholders and hopefully will be making changes to the Local Government Act 1976 to incorporate compulsory disabled-friendly building regulations applicable to both the government and public sector,” she said.

Deepavalli Dinner by Ministry of Human Resource V.Murugeswaran and M.Manoharan with YB Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib and Datuk Subramaniam