5.2 Profile of Non-governmental Organizations of/ for Persons with Disabilities

Dignity and Services was established in 1991 in order to create an organization that focused on the rights of persons with learning disabilities, based on a developmental approach, rather than a charity perspective. For Dignity and Services, this meant the full participation of people with learning disabilities in the creation and implementation of programs designed to benefit them. Persons with learning disabilities are a highly disadvantaged group in Malaysian society, and among those who receive the least help compared with other marginalized groups.

The centre was founded in 1990 and currently has 3 centers Peninsular Malaysia. The centers house more than 180 children and oversee children with all forms of handicaps and those who are victims of abuse.

The society was established in 1991 and today has 16 members. The society operates a Day Center for Special Children with mental/spastic disabilities. The Society currently has over 50 children and caters to children aged below 18 years old.

The society (PPOC Perak) was established in 1977 with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies (ROS). The societyﾒs primary project is a sheltered workshop (Kinta Valley Workshop) for the disabled and the blind, situated about 5 kilometers from the town of Ipoh. PPOC Perak provides job training and work exposure for the blind and disabled. There are currently 40 disabled and 5 blind workers. The Kinta Valley Workshop produces basketry, envelopes and printing works. Apart from employment opportunities, accommodation (hostels) and food are also provided.

The Society was registered in 1963 and works for the progressive improvement of policies and implementation of programs in education, rehabilitation, vocational training, employment and social integration and welfare of the blind and programs and schemes for the prevention of blindness. Presently there are 2 sheltered workshops with 28 blind people who conduct handicraft weaving. Activities include eye screening, cataract operations, food subsidies, vocational training, adult education, massage service and community based rehabilitation.

SILA is a network of people with disabilities committed to promoting non-handicapping environments in Penang. The group was formed in February 1998 a result of the Sustainable Penang Initiative roundtable on Social Justice organized by Socio-economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI). SILA is significantly multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious, representing the main cultural groups in Malaysia.

The National Council for the Blind (NCBM) is a non-governmental, non-profit and tax exempt organization registered under the Societies' Act of Malaysia which was established in 1986. There are five major voluntary organizations serving the blind that fall under the National Council: The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB, based in Kuala Lumpur) St Nicholas Home (based in Penang) The Sabah Society for the Blind (based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah) The Sarawak Society for the Blind (based in Kuching, Sarawak) The Society of the Blind in Malaysia (SBM, based in Kuala Lumpur)

The Society of Disabled Persons Penang (SDPP) is a self-help organization run by disabled persons. We are based in Penang, Malaysia. We are a multi-ethnic, multi-religion group, with strong representation from disabled women. We believe in rights and not charity. We want dignity not sympathy.

To ease the trauma of being disabled, either natural or acquired with the attendant feelings of hopelessness, despair, suicidal tendencies, ostracisation, dejection, frustration and even mistrust in God. To empower community caregivers, and family with rehabilitation skills and knowledge through appropriate systematic transfer of our experiences and rehabilitation skills so as to make them more significant and effective in the care of the disabled. To pursue a continuous, path of improvement in the Multi-disciplinary approach by self assessment, and learning of contemporary test disciplines of treatment and development of a person or child with disabilities.