I had the privilege of attending this conference – joining 76 persons with learning disabilities (average age 25 to 30) and 24 supporting friends.

Universally (including Malaysia), persons with learning disabilities are the least serviced of all those whom we label as ‘disabled’. A glaring example of this:

1962
Commencement of course for training qualified teachers for the visually-impaired

1963
Commencement of course for training qualified teachers for the hearing-impaired

1991
Commencement of course for training qualified teachers for persons with learning disabilities

Unfortunately, society often judges people by their educational qualifications and earning capabilities. Very few persons with learning disabilities, unlike other disabled persons, are able to enter a college or university or to earn a high salary. Thus, they are regarded as people of little worth.

In July 1991, Dignity & Services was registered as a company in order to advocate for persons with learning disabilities. In May 1995, they formed the first self advocacy group in Malaysia which, in January 2000, adopted the name UNITED VOICE. July 12th 2005 was a historic day as the group left its parents (Dignity & Services) and became the first self advocacy group to register with the Registrar of Societies. It now has a membership of 115.

To return to the conference, the 76 participants came from 11 different groups in Federal Territory, Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Selangor. However, to date, UNITED VOICE is the only registered group and therefore they are unable to form a National Council (which is one of my dreams!)

The talks and the discussions on relevant topics included family life, work experience, narrowing the gap between society and persons with learning disabilities and supported living. Two members from Japan were able to share their experiences of supported living in small groups away from their families.

The Conference presented a Resolution to Dato’ Shamsiah Abdul Rahman, Advisor to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. (This can be seen on www.asiacommunityservice.org).

The highlight of the conference was undoubtedly, the dinner and dance on Wednesday evening, 18th February 2009. It certainly was not ballroom dancing and could best be described as imitations, in various degrees of success, of Michael Jackson! The noise was deafening but the fun was great.

Mutiara Voice Club and Asia Community Service are to be congratulated on their excellent organization.

Further information on servicing persons with learning disabilities can be obtained from www.unitedvoice.com.my and dignityandservices.blogspot.com

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